Reflecting and Visioning: How Journaling Shaped My Reading Life
This post was initially posted on the What to Read Next Substack.
I’ve been a journaler for about 17 years. What started as a way to jot down notes and epiphanies eventually evolved into a tool for envisioning my future and reflecting on my path. Journaling has become a cornerstone of how I process life’s changes, including my relationship with books and reading.
Back in 2016, I rediscovered reading during a challenging period. I was underemployed and feeling lost, so I turned to books as an escape. I vividly remember spending days glued to my phone, consuming story after story, and watching my Goodreads account grow from one book to 360 books in one year. That year was a turning point—a time of introspection and connection to myself through reading.
But as life does, things change. Over time, the pace of devouring a book a day slowed, and my yearly reading goals began to dip. After years of consistently reading 200+ books, 2024 will likely end with about 175 books under my belt. Am I sad about this? Honestly, no.
I’ve made peace with the fact that my life no longer revolves solely around reading. My days are now filled with music, TV shows, classes, a full-time job, and activities that engage my time in different ways. My reading habits have also shifted. I listen to more audiobooks now, and I’m okay with starting books I may not finish.
A tool that has helped me embrace this evolution is journaling. I began journaling in my early 30s, proving to myself that it’s never too late to start a new habit. Journaling became my space for both stream-of-consciousness reflection and intentional planning. Over time, I found that guided journaling questions helped me uncover insights I hadn’t yet considered.
As 2025 approaches, I’m returning to my journal to reflect on my reading life and plan for the year ahead. I encourage you to do the same. Take 30 minutes to sit with your journal, reflect on the past year, and envision what you want your reading life to look like in 2025. Below, I’ve compiled some journaling prompts to guide you.
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Journaling Questions to Reflect on Your Reading Life in 2024
- The 2024 Highlights
- What were your top three favorite books this year? What made them special?
- Did you discover a new favorite author or genre?
- What was the most memorable reading experience you had in 2024?
- Your Growth as a Reader
- How did your reading habits evolve this year?
- What new formats (audiobooks, eBooks, etc.) or platforms (Kindle Unlimited, Libby, Hoopla) did you explore?
- Did you accomplish any of your 2024 reading goals? Why or why not?
- Challenges and Lessons
- What were the biggest challenges you faced in your reading life?
- Did you experience any reading slumps? How did you overcome them (or not)?
- Which books did you DNF (did not finish), and why?
- Connections Through Reading
- Which books sparked the best discussions with friends or in book clubs?
- What role did reading play in your relationships and connections with others this year?
- Overall Reflections
- What would it be if you had to sum up your 2024 reading life in one word or phrase?
- What is one thing you’re proud of in your reading life this year?
Journaling Questions for Planning and Visioning Your 2025 Reading Life
- Setting the Vision
- What do you want your reading life to look like in 2025?
- How do you want reading to make you feel next year?
- What’s a word or theme you want to define your 2025 reading life?
- Reading Goals
- How many books do you want to read in 2025?
- Are there specific genres or authors you want to explore?
- Do you want to read more diverse books? What does that look like for you?
- Habits and Systems
- What reading habits do you want to develop (e.g., reading daily, joining a book club, limiting screen time)?
- What systems (TBR lists, digital tracking, physical bookshelves) can help you stay on track?
- What role will audiobooks, eBooks, or libraries play in your reading plan?
- Stretching Your Comfort Zone
- What’s one genre, author, or book format you want to try for the first time in 2025?
- Is there a book or type of book you’ve been avoiding? How might you challenge yourself to read it?
- Making Reading Special
- How can you create memorable reading moments in 2025?
- What traditions or rituals can you introduce to make reading more joyful?
- Are there specific times of year when you want to focus on themed reading (e.g., spooky season, summer romance)?
- Tracking Progress and Staying Inspired
- How will you track your reading and goals in 2025?
- Where will you go for book recommendations and inspiration?
- How will you celebrate your reading milestones throughout the year?
Looking for more book recommendations tailored to your reading mood?
Our Substack community offers all this and more! Each week, you’ll access fresh book recommendations, weekly Kindle Unlimited and Hoopla new releases, our bonus podcast series like “Pop-Culture Reads,” and tips for building your book collection affordably.
Don’t miss the chance to connect with fellow book lovers, receive exclusive content, and enhance your reading experience.
Conclusion
Journaling has taught me that the journey is just as important as the destination. Whether you’ve read one book or one hundred this year, reflecting on your reading life and setting intentional goals for the next year can bring clarity and joy.
As you journal, take time to honor how far you’ve come and dream about where you’d like to go. If you feel inspired, share your reflections and 2025 reading goals with me—I’d love to hear what’s next on your reading horizon!
Related Posts:
- Check out our 28 Reading Journaling Prompts.