It’s that time of year again! The leaves are falling, your cozy reads are calling, and your Goodreads challenge is giving you major side-eye. Whether you’re five books behind, twenty books ahead, or totally pretending you forgot you even set a challenge this year (we see you 👀), this post is your reminder that there’s still time to finish strong… or redefine what “finishing” means.
So grab your favorite mug (pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha, no judgement here!), and let’s talk about how to crush your reading challenge without crushing your joy.
Step One: Check In With Your Goal
Before you panic-scroll your TBR or start reading a bunch of children’s books to catch up (we’ve all been tempted), take a deep breath. Ask yourself:
Is my goal still realistic for where I’m at right now?
Life changes. Reading slumps happen. You might’ve started the year with “100 books or bust” energy, but if you’re currently surviving on caffeine and vibes alone (hi 👋) it’s okay to adjust your number. Seriously. Lowering your goal doesn’t make you less of a reader. It makes you a self-aware one.
Step Two: Embrace the DNF
This might sound like blasphemy, but hear me out: if you’ve slogged through 50 pages and you’re still not vibing with the book… it’s time to kick it to the DNF (Did Not Finish) shelf.
There’s no prize for forcing yourself through a book you’re hating. You’re not breaking up with the author, you’re just saying, “It’s not you, it’s this book, and I value my time.” Free yourself from the guilt and move on to something that actually sparks joy (or tears, or rage, or romantic yearning… whatever your reading heart desires).
Step Three: Mix Up Your Formats
If your TBR pile looks like it could crush a small village, it’s time to get strategic.
Audiobooks: Great for walks, commutes, or pretending to clean.
Ebooks: Perfect for sneaky late-night reading under the covers.
Graphic novels or novellas: Short, snappy, and they count.
Switching formats can reignite your motivation and help you sneak in more reading time without even realizing it.
Step Four: Read What You Want, Not What You “Should”
This is your gentle reminder that reading is supposed to be fun. You don’t have to read the “it” book everyone’s raving about if you’d rather dive into a cozy fantasy or a steamy small-town romance. The “shoulds” can wait. Follow your current mood! Whether that’s haunted houses, holiday romcoms, or fae royalty chaos.
Mood reading might just save your challenge and your sanity.
Step Five: Get a Little Competitive (In a Healthy Way)
If you’re a goal-oriented reader, gamify it!
Join a readathon.
Set mini-challenges like “Finish 3 indie titles” or “Read 1 book by a debut author.”
Reward yourself when you hit milestones (new bookmark, fancy coffee, or that special edition you’ve been eyeing 👀).
Sometimes, a little friendly competition with yourself (or your sister) is exactly what you need to stay motivated.
Step Six: Remember Why You Started
Whether you set a reading goal to track your habits, stay consistent, or just join the fun — remember that reading challenges are meant to inspire, not stress you out. The number at the end of the year doesn’t define you as a reader. The stories you loved, the characters who wrecked your heart, the late-night “just one more chapter” sessions… that’s what counts.
So if you finish your goal, amazing! If you don’t? You still spent your year in worlds full of words, and that’s a win in our book.
Your turn:
How’s your reading challenge going? Are you on track, falling behind, or embracing the chaos? Drop a comment or tag us on Instagram! We want to hear how your final stretch is going!