We all plan for a year. We plan holidays, we plan taxes, we plan savings.
But, we rarely plan for learning, particularly self-directed learning or self-directed reading.
One of the best ways to plan for reading is to make an annual reading wishlist. It’s the same as companies making their annual plans and reviewing them every quarter.
Annual plans and quarterly reviews shape corporate leaders. An annual reading list cultivates thought leaders.
In this short piece, I will tell you how I prepared my annual reading list, and you can prepare it the same way.
Here are five key points:
- Why have an annual reading list?
- How many books should you add?
- Which books should you include?
- Should you keep the list fixed?
- How can you maximize the benefits of your list?
Read to know how you can prepare your annual reading wish list in these five steps.
This list has many uses, and I will list them in the fifth point.
First, decide whether you want to read for work/purpose or leisure. No matter if you read fiction or non-fiction, for work or fun, you will keep growing.
There is a misconception that only non-fiction helps one grow. Even fiction helps one grow. If you’re unsure, check out this Harvard article, “A Case for Reading Fiction.” You might also find “Want to Be a Leader?” Read more fiction.
Whatever you choose will help you to grow.
I usually read non-fiction about behavioral science. But I’m also trying to read more fiction. You can find my 2026 list here.
Take the first step: decide the purpose of your reading.
The second question is how many books to put on the wish list.
Short answer: There is no absolute number.
If you are an absolute beginner, start with 5 to 6 books.
Aniket Rai, who ran a 100-day reading program, used 3 books over 100 days. With 3 books every 100 days, one can read 9 to 10 books in a year.
Does that sound very high?
Neelkanth reads around 60 books per year.
Soni Shaw reads around 100 books per year.
Debdatta reads 250 books per year.
I used to read around 40 books per year, but I have reduced reading and am focusing more on writing this year. Hence, I reduced it to 20 books in the annual list. .
There is an alternative to this. You can ignore the count and choose to read a set time each day. That is 15 minutes or one hour or so. I recommend 25 minutes (or one pomodoro). Measuring time is important. You usually get 25 minutes in the morning, evening, during lunch, or while commuting.
With 25 minutes of reading each day, one can read 10 to 12 books in a year.
The third question is which books to add to the list.
I recommend talking to your friends, acquaintances, or book lovers around you.
Many librarians are also a good help in this.
Many booksellers are also great at suggesting books.
You can turn to technology also for this. Amazon, Google, and Goodreads have suggestion engines.
You can add some fiction and some non-fiction.
You can add books that are on your TBR (to be read) but not yet read to the list.
If you look at my list, I have three main categories. First writing, Second coaching related books for review; and third consulting.
Some books on the list can be “must-read” books. We must have some surprise elements or serendipity in the list.
For instance, I wish to read “A Day in the Life of Abed Salama,” as the book is in the news due to Gaza conflict.
The fourth question is: Do you freeze the list?
No. You don’t need to freeze the list. This list is a living document.
You can keep adding or removing the books from it.
You may end up reading all the books on the list.
You may not read all the books on the list.
List is a plan. List is a map. You may adapt to it, or you may adapt the list itself.
Then the important fifth question is how to leverage this list.
Once the list is prepared. It can be used in various ways.
You can use Kanban (a Japanese management system). For instance, you can create a visual cue of – To be read, Reading, and Read books. Kind of three columns, or book titles written on the board with sticky notes and moving them between the columns. Thus, the list is a productivity tool.
You can also add the books to the Goodreads list, the Amazon wishlist, or to Notion/Evernote, etc.
You can share the list on social media. Creating a YouTube short, Instagram reel, Twitter list, or LinkedIn carousel. This list can act as an input for personal branding.
You can use the list to connect with other readers in book groups or clubs. So, the list becomes valuable for building social connections.
A list can be used to buy the books in advance or to order the books in the library. Thus, the list can be a money saving tool.
It’s fun to use the list in various ways.
One can use a reading journal or reading diary to mark the books read, key takeaways, their summary etc.
Now you know the benefits of reading lists.
Whether you want to boost productivity, build your brand, or grow social capital, lists can help.
Go ahead and prepare a list. A list that is short or long.
Share it in the book group. Gather friends and form communities around it.
It helps the book group find new gems, schedule books of the month, and arrange monthly events. And you can visit it often to take your reading to the next level.
P.S. For another perspective, check out Chetan’s article on Scroll: “What and How to Read in 2026” from the Himalayan Writing Retreat