What's up Homies! Yes, you read the title correctly. Your girl read 23 books in the first 6 months of 2023. After experiencing the sense of satisfaction of completing last year's challenge, I knew I wanted to keep this challenge going into 2023. Setting a goal to read 23 books in 2023, I pushed the boundaries of my reading habits and surpassed my target with flying colors. In this blog post, I'll share my journey, strategies, and tips that helped me achieve this feat, as well as my plans to conquer an additional 23 books before the arrival of 2024.
1. Read Shorter Books:
If you're looking for a quick read, try sticking to books under 300 pages. Now, everyone's idea of "short" might differ, so do you and read what you enjoy! In April 2023, a client suggested I check out "Ethic" by Ashley Antoinette. I heard it was a gripping series, and what caught my attention was that each book in the series was under 300 pages. So, I ended up diving into the first three books that month because of their page count and intriguing storyline.
2. Creating a Reading Schedule:
To make consistent progress, I created a reading schedule that fit seamlessly into my daily routine. By allocating specific time slots each day dedicated solely to reading, I could gradually develop a habit and prevent procrastination. I knew I had a 2-hour break between 2 clients so I set time aside to read during that time period.
3. Diversifying Reading Material:
different genres and subject matters is an excellent way to keep the reading experience fresh and engaging. I diversified my book choices, mixing fiction and non-fiction, and delving into various topics such as self-improvement, history, fantasy, and biographies. This variety not only expanded my knowledge but also prevented boredom or monotony.
4. Embracing Audiobooks and E-books:
In #22BooksIn2022 I read ONLY physical and E-books. This year, I began incorporating audiobooks into my reading routine, which was a game-changer. Audiobooks allowed me to utilize time that would otherwise be unproductive, such as during commutes, exercise sessions, or household chores. I chose to cap the number of audiobooks to four; Spare by Prince Henry, Harry Potter & The Sorcerer Stone by J.K Rowling, Drunk Mom by Jowita Bydlowska, and The Practicing Stoic by Ward Farnsworth. I decided on the books based on their length and interest. Spare and Harry Potter were pretty lengthy while Drunk Mom and The Practicing Stoic seemed boring but interesting.
5. Prioritizing Reading:
One of the critical factors in achieving my reading goal was making reading a priority. I consciously reduced the time spent on other activities, such as excessive screen time or social media scrolling, and redirected that time towards reading. Initially, I was saddened to give up television but by reassessing my priorities, I created a space for reading to flourish in my daily life.
6. Incorporating Reading Into Daily Habits:
As a full-time fitness professional, I found creative ways to incorporate reading into my daily habits. For instance, I replaced mindless scrolling with reading before bed, carried a book wherever I went so I could read between clients, and utilized lunch breaks or waiting time to dive into a few chapters. These small adjustments multiplied my reading time and helped me make consistent progress.
7. Tracking Progress:
Keeping track of my progress was crucial in staying motivated and accountable. I took advantage of my #23booksin2023 template and carved out some space in my yearly planner to track my progress. Whether through a physical journal, a digital app, or a simple spreadsheet, tracking the number of books read and the titles completed gave me a sense of accomplishment and encouraged me to push further.
BOOKS I HAVE READ IN 2023 PART 1
1. The Boy From The Woods By Harlen Coben
2. The Reporter Who Knew Too Much by Mark Shaw
3. Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson
4. The Mindful Athlete by George Mumford
5. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
6. Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle by Tom Venuto
7. No Nonsense Buddhism For Beginner By Noah R.
8. Killers Of The Flower Moon by David Grann
9. The Forgetting Machine by Rodrigo Quiroga
10. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
11. Always The Last to Know by Kristan Higgins
12. Drunk Mom by Jowita Bydlowska
13. Harry Potter and The Sorcerer Stone
14. If You Only Knew by Kristen Higgins
15. Fall From Grace by Danielle Steel
16. The Old Girls Network by Judy Leigh
17. Ethic I by Ashley Antoinette
18. Ethic II by Ashley Antoinette
19. Ethic III by Ashley Antoinette
20. The Art of Teaching Yoga by Amy I.
21. The Songs of Achilles by Madeline Miller
22. The Practicing Stoic by Ward Farnsworth
23. Spare By Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
TOP 5 BOOKS OF 2023 PART 1
Having surpassed my initial goal, I am fueled by newfound enthusiasm to read an additional 23 books before 2024 arrives. Building upon the strategies and habits I developed during the past six months, I am confident that this new challenge will be within reach.
Embarking on a reading journey and accomplishing the ambitious goal of reading 23 books in six months was an incredibly fulfilling experience. By implementing a structured reading schedule, diversifying my book choices, and incorporating reading into my "spare time", I surpassed my goal with joy and pride. Now I invite you to embark on your own reading journey, embrace the magic of books, and join me as I dive into the next chapter of my literary odyssey. Together, let's celebrate the power of reading and unlock the wonders that lie within the pages of captivating books.