Every summer I promise myself that I will read five books, and each summer I renege on that promise and read up to two books. The summer can be so distracting with trips, festivals and parties that it can be hard to settle down with a book. Nevertheless, I keep trying to accomplish my reading goal each summer.
One of the ways I like to keep my goal in mind is by visiting the bookstore. Every time I enter a Barnes & Noble, I feel a reinvigorated sense of determination and will to read. I want to hoard all the books that catch my eye and read them immediately (or all at once). Sadly, that spike of motivation is fleeting, but if I purchase any books on my excursion, I am bound to read them right away.
Constantly buying books anytime I'd like to read would be a dangerous habit, but going to the library every so often isn't an outing that is likely to drain my pockets. Sometimes it's nice to spend an hour or two perusing the bookshelves and occupying a chair so I can read the books I've picked out. The same kind of motivation that a bookstore creates can also be found in a library.
This summer I have formulated a strategy to help me fulfill my goal. I will find several key books that I am 100 percent interested in, and I will commit myself to reading those during the first half of the summer. The last couple books I will find later during my frequent visits to the library or the bookstore. Then, I will read those before September.
Like most plans or resolutions, I need some sort of penalty if I don't complete my summer reading goal. The consequence of not fulfilling my goal will just be guilt, but nothing too dire.
Hopefully my plan will work and I will be more motivated to read this summer.
