How to Turn a Reading Challenge into a Lifelong Habit

The Year I Almost Gave Up on Reading (But Didn’t)

A few years ago, in the middle of switching careers into IT, I realized I hadn’t picked up a book in months—maybe even a year. Between coding bootcamps, endless documentation, and trying to decipher Python error messages at 2 a.m., reading for pleasure felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. But scrolling through TikTok one night, I stumbled upon a wave of creators talking about BookTok, sharing book hauls, emotional fantasy book reviews, and something called the 52-book reading challenge. I was hooked.

What started as a casual “maybe I’ll try one book” quickly became the beginning of a reading habit I’ve kept for years. If you’re staring at your dusty bookshelf or wondering how to actually finish that stack of popular BookTok books you bought, this post is for you.

Let’s turn that reading challenge into a lifestyle.

Start Small, But Make It Consistent

Don’t aim for 52 books right away. That’s like trying to run a marathon without stretching first. When I started, I committed to just 10 pages a day—something manageable even during long coding sessions or after debugging headaches.

The trick is consistency over volume. Once reading becomes a daily ritual—like morning coffee or late-night YouTube scrolling—it sticks. Whether it’s a chapter before bed or listening to audiobooks during your commute, consistent exposure matters more than speed.

Let BookTok Be Your Guide (Seriously)

If you’re wondering what is BookTok, it’s TikTok’s thriving book-loving community. Think passionate readers, emotional reactions, and lists of viral books that everyone seems to be reading.

Here’s why it works: BookTok recommendations often feel like suggestions from a friend rather than a critic. That emotional connection is powerful, especially when you’re trying to find reading motivation.

Not sure where to begin? Look up:

• Popular BookTok books like Fourth Wing, The Song of Achilles, or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
• Fantasy books with high emotional payoff (hello, SJM fans!)
• Niche popular genres like dark academia, spicy romance, or tech-thrillers

Pick a title that genuinely excites you. The more it resonates, the easier it’ll be to keep the habit going.

Make It Social (Without the Pressure)

Accountability can be a game-changer. I didn’t join a traditional book club, but I did share my reading list on Instagram Stories and posted mini reviews on LinkedIn (yes, really). The surprising part? People responded. Other IT professionals commented, asked for recommendations, and even shared their own picks.

You don’t have to go full book haul mode on TikTok, but having people follow your progress—even casually—can boost your commitment. Join an online challenge or set up a Slack channel with coworkers to swap titles. Make it fun, not formal.

Tie Your Reading to Real-Life Goals

Want to grow your soft skills for a tech job? Read leadership or communication books. Curious about building better habits? Start with popular genres like productivity or psychology. Love a little escape? There’s no shame in devouring fantasy books after a long day of writing scripts and pull requests.

For me, books became more than entertainment—they were a tool for career growth and mental resets. Reading about UX storytelling actually helped me write better product specs. And that sci-fi novel? It gave me ideas for a side project I built on weekends.

Reading fuels both rest and progress.

Track Progress—But Don’t Obsess

Apps like Goodreads, StoryGraph, or even Notion templates can help you track your challenge. I loved the visual satisfaction of seeing my progress bar grow, but I had to learn not to let the numbers rule me.

Remember, a reading challenge is a guide, not a competition. Skip a week? That’s fine. Didn’t vibe with a book? DNF it (did-not-finish, for the uninitiated). There are no rules—just readers finding their rhythm.

And hey, thanks to BookTok books going viral, book sales are up—so there’s no shortage of titles to choose from.

The Habit That Outlasted the Challenge

I didn’t finish all 52 books that first year. I stopped at 39. But something clicked: I had become a reader again. And five years later, I still am. What began as a challenge turned into a calming habit that now fits seamlessly between lines of code, tech meetups, and weekends offline.

Whether you're deep in IT or just rediscovering reading as an adult, remember this: books don’t just fill shelves—they fuel growth, creativity, and connection.

So grab that novel, that self-help title, that new release everyone’s raving about on BookTok. Your journey starts with a single page.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Start?

Pick a reading challenge. Make it yours. Use BookTok recommendations when you feel stuck. Celebrate the small wins. And most importantly—don’t force it. Reading should bring joy, not stress.