How to Read More in 2026: Track Your Journey & Crush Your Reading Goals

We’ve all been there, starting the year with big dreams of reading 50 books, diving into classics, or finally finishing that shelf of unread paperbacks. But by March, the momentum fizzles. Life gets busy. Books go unread. And by December, you’re scratching your head, wondering, Wait, did I even read anything?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can not only read more in 2026, you can remember, reflect on, and truly enjoy every book.

Let’s explore how to track and improve your reading journey in a way that’s sustainable, joyful, and yes, actually fun.

Why Tracking Your Reading Matters

Tracking isn’t just about numbers. It’s about connection. When you record what you read, you create a personal archive of growth, emotion, and discovery. Think of it as a literary scrapbook of your life.

Studies show that people who track their reading:

• Read more consistently
• Retain more of what they read
• Feel a stronger sense of accomplishment
• Are more likely to discover new favorite genres

Whether you’re aiming for 12 books or 100, tracking turns reading from a passive habit into an intentional journey.

Start with a Goal That Feels Right

Forget arbitrary “50 books a year” challenges unless that truly excites you. Instead, set a meaningful goal. Ask yourself:

• Do I want to read more fiction this year?
• Am I ready to explore diverse voices?
• Would I like to finally finish long books I’ve been avoiding?

Your goal could be:

• Read 20 minutes every day
• Finish 15 books (no page count required)
• Explore 6 different countries through books
• Re-read 3 childhood favorites

The key is to make it personal. When your goal reflects your values, you’re far more likely to stick with it.

Choose Your Tracking Method: Paper, App, or Both?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The best system is the one you’ll actually use. Here are your top options:

📔 The Reading Journal (Analog Power)

A physical journal gives you creative freedom. You can:

• Draw little doodles next to book titles
• Paste in ticket stubs or receipts
• Write full reviews or just one-word reactions
• Color code by genre or mood

Bonus: Studies suggest writing by hand enhances memory and emotional connection, perfect for readers who want to truly remember their books.

Popular formats include:

• Bullet journal spreads
• Custom reading logs
• Minimalist trackers in pocket notebooks

📱 Digital Apps (Speed & Insight)

If you love data and convenience, digital tools offer powerful insights. Apps like The StoryGraph (a rising favorite in 2026) let you:

• Import your Goodreads history
• Track reading time (great for audiobooks!)
• Get personalized recommendations
• Join community challenges

The StoryGraph also uses mood-based tags, so if you’re in the mood for “cozy,” “emotional,” or “fast-paced,” you’ll find books that match how you feel, not just what you read.

🔄 Hybrid Approach (Best of Both Worlds)

Many readers in 2026 are going hybrid: using an app for data backup and discovery, while keeping a physical journal for reflection. For example:

• Log your books in The StoryGraph to track stats
• Jot down your favorite quote or thought in a notebook
• Use your journal to plan monthly reading themes

This way, you get organization and soul.

Build Micro-Habits That Stick

You don’t need hours a day to make progress. Small, consistent actions add up. Try these evidence-backed habits:

• Read with your coffee: 10 minutes in the morning with your brew can become a non-negotiable ritual.
• Carry a book everywhere: Whether it’s a paperback in your bag or an app on your phone, be ready for “in-between moments”, waiting in line, riding the bus, or during lunch.
• Read multiple books at once: One fiction, one non-fiction, or one audiobook. If you’re not feeling one, switch to another. No pressure, no guilt.
• Use the “5-page rule”: If you’re struggling to start, commit to just five pages. Often, that’s all it takes to get hooked.

Try a Reading Challenge (But Make It Yours)

Reading challenges are more popular than ever in 2026, but the trend is shifting from rigid checklists to personalized adventures.

Instead of a generic “read 12 books” goal, try something inspiring:

• The Alphabet Challenge: One book for each letter of the alphabet (A: Ash by Mary Doria Russell, B: Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino…)
• Setting Safari: Read a book set in 12 different countries
• Decade Dive: Read one book from each decade (1920s to 2020s)
• Mood Matcher: Pick books based on how you feel: “angsty,” “hopeful,” “escapist”

The goal isn’t to win a prize, it’s to explore, surprise yourself, and fall in love with reading all over again.

Reflect, Don’t Just Record

Tracking isn’t complete without reflection. At the end of each month, ask:

• What book surprised me the most?
• Which character felt like a real person to me?
• Did any book change my perspective?

Even a sentence or two can deepen your connection to what you’ve read. Over time, your journal or app becomes a map of your inner world.

Make It Social (If You Want To)

Joining a book club, following BookTok, or sharing your stats on The StoryGraph can boost motivation. But it’s okay to go solo too. Your reading journey is yours, curate it with care.

Want to track your reading journey, set goals, and remember every book you love?
Try Liryo , your personal reading journal app.
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