Reading goals: A helpful habit or a performative trend?
Are you struggling to keep up with your reading goals? Clara Pribadi, a 32-year-old avid reader from Adelaide/Tarntanya, is feeling the pressure. Despite surpassing her 50-book goal last year, she's now playing catch-up, with 10 books left to go for 2025. But Clara's not too concerned, as she's learned to keep her reading habit enjoyable.
Reading more is a popular New Year's resolution, but is it a helpful practice or a performative trend? Dr. Julian Novitz, an academic director and lecturer in media and communication, delves into this question. He argues that while setting reading goals can be motivating, it may also turn a pleasurable activity into a tedious task.
The rise of performative reading. With the influence of social media, reading has become a public performance. Dr. Novitz explains that sharing reading goals and discussing books online can be a great way to engage with others and ensure we read regularly. However, this performative aspect can overshadow the joy of reading itself, shifting the focus to statistics and numbers.
Connecting through reading. Clara, a BookTok enthusiast, shares her reading journey online. For her, it's about finding a community that shares her passion. She enjoys discussing books with like-minded people, something she couldn't do with her husband, who didn't share her enthusiasm.
Reading as a chore? Dr. Novitz cautions against using number-based goals, as they can make reading feel like work. Reading for pleasure is a valuable activity, and measuring it by quantity might not reflect its true benefits. Instead, he suggests focusing on the reading experience, like exploring new genres or authors.
Reinventing reading goals. Reading goals can be beneficial when approached thoughtfully. Dr. Novitz recommends setting aside dedicated time for reading, like 30 minutes before bed, without worrying about the number of pages. This simple act can be a powerful way to prioritize reading in our daily lives.
Diversifying reading choices. Clara's New Year's resolution is to read more diverse authors, specifically BIPOC writers. She finds it challenging to discover these books but is committed to the search. Sometimes, a more manageable goal is to read just one page a day, making the task less daunting.
The benefits of reading. Reading offers numerous advantages, especially when it replaces screen time. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve focus. Audiobooks provide a distinct experience, allowing readers to engage with stories while multitasking. Some experts suggest that listening to audiobooks may trigger similar brain reactions as reading.
The allure of reading. For Clara, reading is a portal to different worlds and perspectives. It's an immersive experience that movies can't replicate. Reading allows her to explore various walks of life, making it an invaluable pastime.
But here's where it gets controversial: Are reading goals a helpful tool for personal growth, or do they contribute to a culture of performative productivity? Share your thoughts in the comments. Is there a balance to be found between setting reading goals and maintaining the joy of reading?
