Less pressure. More joy. Always vibes.
There’s something about the start of a new year that makes us want to line everything up neatly — goals, plans, trackers, challenges, colour-coded spreadsheets… and while that can be fun, I’ve learned something important about my reading life:
📚 The moment it feels like a chore, the magic disappears.
So instead of setting strict rules or ambitious “must-read” lists, I’m heading into 2026 with something softer, kinder, and way more sustainable.
This isn’t a resolutions post.
This is an intentions post.
A gentle look at how I want my reading life to feel in 2026 — with room for mood swings, rereads, audiobooks at odd hours, and the occasional “I didn’t read for two weeks and that’s fine” moment.
🌿 Why I Don’t Set Strict Reading Goals
I used to think a “good reader” was someone who read a lot.
Like… a LOT.
And while I absolutely admire people who can smash 100+ books a year, I’ve finally accepted something important:
✨ My reading life doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be valid.
Strict goals tend to do one of two things for me:
- Turn reading into a tick-box exercise
- Or make me feel guilty when life (inevitably) gets busy
And I refuse to carry guilt into something that’s meant to bring me joy.
Reading is my escape, my comfort, my slow-down space — not another area of my life that needs deadlines or productivity pressure.
✨ Intention vs Resolution: A Tiny But Powerful Shift
A resolution says:
“You must do this.”
An intention says:
“This is how I’d like things to feel.”
That shift changes everything.
In 2026, I’m choosing intentions because they:
- Allow flexibility
- Adapt to my mood and energy
- Leave space for life, chaos, and rest
If I miss a week (or a month) of reading?
That doesn’t mean I’ve failed — it just means I’m human.
And honestly? That mindset makes me want to read more, not less.
💛 How I Want My Reading Life to Feel in 2026
If I could sum it up in a few words, it would be:
✨ Comfortable. Curious. Unrushed.
In 2026, I want my reading life to feel:
- Like a treat, not a task
- Like choosing a book because it calls to me, not because it’s “on the list”
- Like permission to DNF without guilt
- Like rereading old favourites when my brain needs familiarity
- Like reading slowly — or quickly — without judgement
Some months I’ll devour books.
Some months I’ll barely finish one.
Both are welcome here.
🎧 Formats I’m Leaning Into
One of the biggest intentions for 2026 is letting go of the idea that only physical reading “counts.”
Because… it all counts.
This year, I’m happily leaning into:
- 🎧 Audiobooks — especially while crafting, tidying, or unwinding
- 📖 Physical books — slow, cosy, intentional reads
- 📱 Ebooks — perfect for mood reading and late nights
The format doesn’t matter.
The story does.
If an audiobook gets me through a busy week? That’s a win.
If I only manage ten pages before bed? Also a win.
📊 A Gentle Nod to the Goodreads Reading Challenge
Yes — I am joining the Goodreads reading challenge in 2026.
But with a very soft approach.
I’m setting my goal at 20 books.
Not because I must hit it.
Not because it’s impressive.
But because it feels kind, achievable, and flexible.
The challenge isn’t there to pressure me — it’s just a quiet little tracker in the background. A nudge, not a demand.
If I read more? Lovely.
If I read less? Also fine.
If I change my goal mid-year? That’s allowed too.
Goodreads is a tool — not a competition.
And I refuse to compare my reading numbers to anyone else’s.
🫶 A Love Letter to Mood Readers (Yes, You’re Welcome Here)
If you:
- Pick books based on vibes
- Change genres on a whim
- Start three books and finish one
- Read whatever matches your mood that day
✨ You are forever welcome here.
Mood reading isn’t chaotic — it’s intuitive.
It’s listening to what your brain and heart need in the moment.
And that’s exactly the energy I’m carrying into 2026.
No shame.
No rules.
Just stories, when I want them.
🌸 The Tone I’m Setting for the Year
If 2026 had a reading mantra, it would be this:
Read because you want to. Stop when you need to. Come back when it feels right.
This year isn’t about chasing numbers.
It’s about building a reading life that fits me — my energy, my seasons, my real life.
And honestly?
That feels like the best way to start the year.
💬 Final Thoughts — Come Chat With Me
If you’re also heading into 2026 wanting:
- Less pressure
- More joy
- And a reading life that feels supportive, not demanding
You’re in good company 🤍
I’d love to know:
- Are you joining a reading challenge this year?
- Do you set goals or intentions?
- Or are you fully embracing mood-reader chaos?
Come chat — let’s make 2026 the year we read for ourselves ✨📚
The Reading Nook 