Excited to share my 2022 reading list with y’all. I made a list this time around (I usually don’t) so I have something specific to aim for in my reading throughout the year. I love reading these types of posts to get ideas from others and I wanted to share my own.
This year, I’d like to read 30 books. That’s about 2 books a month and I think I can do it with some focus and deliberation. Typically when the New Year starts I’m like most people and I’m like “I want to read more.” However, I end up not reading as much as I intended because the intention was vague to begin with. Whenever I read consistently, I’m so much more at peace, my relationships flourish and I’m unstoppable at work. This is why this year I wanted to be specific with my reading goals.
Let me start by saying that I am a non-fiction reader. I’ve never been into reading fiction books since high school and it’s not something that interests me. I’m fine with streaming my fiction content and watching vs. reading it. There is ONE fiction book on this year’s list but it’s because I really like the writer. Other than that, I know myself and personal or professional development is the way to go for me.
This year, I’d like to include more parenting and/or motherhood books in my reading. The last parenting book I read was The Happiest Toddler on the Block and I really liked it. It has helped me parent more patiently, intentionally and affectionately.
Now that I know what I’d like to accomplish with my 2022 reading list, it’s important I break down how exactly I’m going to read more. This is something I’ve never gotten clear on in the past, which is probably why I never accomplished my reading goals. Here are 4 ways I plan to read more this year.
Schedule Reading Time
Here’s the lesson I’ve learned over the years, having extra time in my schedule to read won’t just happen. I have to make the time by scheduling it. This is huge. Reading early in the morning is usually ideal for me because I typically wake up before everyone in my house and can read uninterrupted before the day gets hectic. However, I’d also like to find a second (and even third) time to read throughout the day and the week to dive deep into my books. Mondays are jam packed with meetings and admin work, so I will likely only have 30 minutes or so to read in the morning. However, days like Tuesday and Friday are a bit more flexible so I can possibly get an afternoon or evening reading session in as well.
Scroll Less to Read More
Whew, this one is a biggie for me. I love taking baths at night and that’s typically when I catch up on YouTube or streaming shows. I’m not a big TV watcher, but when I do, I binge watch. My habit of watching TV is on my phone because I don’t want to wake the kids at night and we don’t have a TV in our master bedroom. Because scheduling is something I want to be more intentional about, I’ve scheduled TV nights and reading nights. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are TV nights, while Tuesday, Thursday and the weekend are for reading. I’m keeping a book on my nightstand to read when I get in bed which should help me fall asleep more soundly than when I’m on my phone.
Read More Than One Book At A Time
This is something I did a couple of years ago and I read over 20 books that year, even without a schedule. I’m not sure where we all believed the unwritten rule of “you can only read one book at a time” but it’s a rule you can break. I plan on breaking it again this year. I can usually read 2 to 3 books at a time and listen to an audiobook without getting disoriented. (Which brings me to my next point…)
Listen To More Audiobooks
It dawned on me late last year that when I listen to a book and complete it, it counts as me “reading” it. In 2021, I listened to about 4 books on Audible and I really enjoyed it. So I’m going to attempt to listen to about 25% of my reading list. Not every book is a good listen and being honest with myself about that is going to be my priority.
Below is my 2022 reading list. My goal is 30 but 27 are listed (only20 are pictured). Leaving a little room for new books which I know will inevitably make their way to this list. Click on the book cover or bolded text to shop.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
What Happened To You
Set Boundaries, Find Peace
The Path To Becoming A Proverbs 31 Wife
Share Your Stuff, I’ll Go First
Redefine Wealth for Yourself
We Should All Be Millionaires
Talking to Strangers
More Than Enough
The Lazy Genius Kitchen
Get Good with Money
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Clarity First
Million Dollar Habits
The Aladdin Factor
Deep Work
Make Time
Professional Troublemaker
Start With Why
MARKETING/BUSINESS
Why She Buys
Great By Choice
Brand Storytelling
The 12 Week Year
Invisible Influence
PARENTING
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen
Spare The Kids: Why Whupping Children Won’t Save Black America
The Opposite of Spoiled
STORIES
Will
Seven Days in June
