The Great Lock In: 2025 Book Challenge

My 2025 reading challenge started with such high hopes, just like many of you who attempt a big goal like reading 35 books in a year! It's easy to fall behind, and suddenly you're looking at a screenshot showing you've only read 18 out of 35 with only 118 days left. That's exactly where I found myself, needing to kickstart a 'Great Lock In' to hit my target of 4 books a month. If you're also facing a '35 days challenge' or a longer reading goal, here are some strategies I'm using to get back on track and make my 'lock in' successful: 1. Reassess and Recommit: It's okay to adjust your pace. When I realized I needed to read 17 more books in 4 months, setting a clear goal of 4 books a month made it feel achievable. Don't be afraid to break down your yearly goal into smaller, manageable chunks. This helps turn a daunting '35 books' into a series of mini-challenges. 2. Schedule Your Reading Time: Just like any other commitment, reading needs dedicated slots. I've started blocking out an hour before bed or during my lunch break. Even 20-30 minutes consistently can make a huge difference. Think of it as your personal 'lock in' time, where distractions are minimized. Carry a book with you, whether it's a physical copy of 'Yellowface' by R. F. Kuang or an e-book on your phone, so you can snatch moments throughout the day. 3. Mix Up Your Genres & Formats: Sometimes a reading slump is just boredom. Varying your reads can reignite your passion. For example, after diving into an intense novel, I might switch to something lighter or a different genre. I'm excited to pick up 'Severance' by Ling Ma next, which promises a unique dystopian take, offering a change of pace. Don't forget audiobooks or e-books – they count too! I recently finished 'Atmosphere: A Love Story' by Taylor Jenkins Reid, which was a fantastic escape and a reminder of how much I love a good story. Incorporating different formats can really boost your '4 books a month' goal. 4. Utilize Reading Communities & Trackers: Platforms like Lemon8 are amazing for motivation. Seeing what others are reading, sharing your progress, and getting recommendations can provide that extra push. Using a reading tracker (like the one in the screenshot showing 18/35 progress) can be incredibly satisfying and help you visualize your journey. It's like having a virtual book club cheering you on. 5. Don't Force It (But Don't Give Up): If a book isn't grabbing you after 50-100 pages, it's perfectly fine to put it down (DNF – Did Not Finish). There are too many great books out there to spend time on ones you don't enjoy. However, for a 'lock in' challenge, sometimes pushing through the first few chapters can be key, especially if it's a highly recommended title. For those doing a quick '35 days challenge book' sprint, every page counts, so pick something you are genuinely excited about and commit to finishing it. This reading journey is all about consistency, finding joy in the pages, and being kind to yourself when you fall behind. Whether you're aiming for 35 books, 4 books a month, or just trying to finish one book this week, remember why you started. Happy reading!