Can you believe it’s 2026? It’s like the start of a new book filled with excitement and promise. If you’re anything like us, you already have a list of 2026 reading aspirations, and that’s not even taking that ever-growing TBR list into account. Each year, so many of us kick off with the best of intentions but barely manage to stay on track through February (if we’re lucky). It’s like that diet we all plan to start…next Monday.

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we’ve decided there is only one way to go, and that’s with a reading vision board. It’s a fun, visual way to keep your goals front and center all year long. 

Whether you’ve chosen 12 books a year, 10 pages a day, or even a new genre every month, we’ve got you covered!

And if you really want to stay motivated, pair your vision with one of Once Upon a Book Club’s Book Subscription Boxes because nothing says accountability like a new story arriving at your door each month! 

Why Vision Boards Work (and How to Make Yours About Reading)

Visualization isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s actually a science-backed strategy for goal achievement. Studies show that visualizing success triggers motivation centers in the brain, boosting consistency and focus.¹ When you see your goals represented through inspiring images, quotes, and color-coded plans, you’re more likely to make them happen. 

 

 

The key is to use SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely). This way, your reading goals feel exciting and doable. Instead of “read more,” try “read 15 minutes every day,” or “read one new book every month.” 

Let’s get down to the fun part and build a board that’s not just beautiful but actionable.

Reading Goals + Reading Routine: From Vision to Plan

Step 1: Define Your 2026 Reading Vision

It is always important to define your reading vision and what you want your reading life to feel like. Are you looking for adventure, peace, or something thought-provoking? It’s time to set your intention. Maybe you’re looking to add some self-care this year (and we can’t think of a better way than curling up with a book), or perhaps it’s time to take those digital-detox moments more seriously. 

For some of us, it may even be reconnecting with others through the power of stories, and in that case, a book club is the perfect option. Remember, your reading goal doesn’t have to be just one thing!

 

 

Categorize your goals into themes like self-discovery, learning, or connection. Add visuals: your favorite book covers, cozy reading corners, or quotes that make your heart flutter. If you need some inspiration, check out the Self-Love Box for a little reading-meets-self-care magic or the Quote Print Bundles for motivational pieces to feature right on your board.

Step 2: Gather Tools: Canva, Notion, or Classic Poster Board

When it comes to creating the ideal vision board, the options are endless. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to go the digital route or prefer creating something more tactile. What is important is that it resonates with you!

Canva is the perfect tool for creating a digital vision board with stunning collages, while Notion lets you design a practical dashboard with widgets for “Books to Read,” “Currently Reading,” and “Favorite Quotes.”² And for those of us who prefer the feel of paper, grab your scissors, glue, and a poster board—it’s the ultimate excuse to use that washi tape collection. 

You can even mix both worlds: use your digital tools to design and print inspiring layouts. 

Step 3 – Break Big Goals Into Monthly Habits

We all tend to want to start big and rush in with big goals, but real progress happens one step at a time. We definitely recommend trying habit stacking: link reading with something you already do daily, like your morning coffee, lunch break, or bedtime wind-down. 

Becoming a monthly book box subscriber is an easy way to keep on top of a new reading habit. Every time your Book Subscription Box arrives, it marks a new reading checkpoint, a fresh story, a new beginning, and another chance to fall in love with books! Think of it as your monthly reading alarm disguised as a beautifully wrapped gift.

 

Step 4: Create a TBR You’ll Actually Finish

TBR lists, as fabulous as they are, tend to grow and become overwhelming. Relax! Instead of having what can feel like an endless TBR list, break it down into quarterly or monthly TBRs. Choose manageable reads, perhaps books under 300 pages or something lighthearted, and vary your selections: a cozy mystery, a heartfelt romance, or an inspiring memoir. 

Our curated monthly selections do the heavy lifting for you, saving time and removing that dreaded decision fatigue. We make sure that every box is packed with an exciting, newly released novel paired with our amazing bookish gifts. Because when you spend less time choosing what to read, you have more time to actually read.

 

Step 5: Track, Reflect, and Reward Progress

There’s something deeply satisfying about checking off a completed goal, especially when it involves finishing a book. You can create your own reading tracker or jot down notes in your reading journal. We have some fabulous options, like our digital reading journal or one of our beautiful classic reading journals from our boutique!

Reflection on what you have read is a perfect way of taking your reading goals to the next level. Try using prompts like “Book that surprised me,” “Character I related to most,” or “Genre I want to explore more.” 

Don’t forget to reward yourself for milestones, you’ve earned it! We have an incredible selection of bookish products just made for you. It may be time to add a beautiful glass mug set for your next reading session. Looking for the ultimate bookmark? Look no further than our shiny metal dagger bookmark or a practical reading log bookmark to make every chapter feel like progress.

Tools to Make Your Reading Vision Board Interactive

Your vision board should keep you engaged all year long, and with a few interactive elements, you can create something magical to look back at! Add a reading bingo sheet where each square represents a challenge like “Read a debut author” or “Finish a book in one weekend.” You can even create a badge tracker to celebrate milestones (yes, adults deserve stickers too.) Speaking of stickers, make sure you check out our sticker collectors; they are a great way of adding a different dimension to your reading goals!

These little updates keep your board alive, just like your reading journey, which grows and evolves with you.

 

Connect Your Vision to Real Habits

A stunning vision board is great, but it's the habits that bring it to life. Keep your goals visible—on your wall, laptop, or phone—and revisit them often. Visualization sparks motivation, but it's your actions that will sustain it. 

That’s where your OUABC subscription box comes in handy: a delightful mix of accountability and inspiration, helping you transform ideas into routines. Let your monthly delivery remind you that progress is just one chapter and one beautiful story at a time that will turn your 2026 reading vision into a reality!

Turning Pages into Possibility

Your vision board isn’t just about books; it’s about creating a life filled with imagination, growth, and joy, the type you get from diving into the pages of a great new novel. Each image, quote, and book cover you add is a promise to yourself. 

So dream big, read boldly, and share your personal masterpiece on social media with #OUABCReadingVision to inspire others. Start your 2026 reading adventure today with a Book Box Subscription and turn those dreamy vision board goals into page-turning habits. 

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out Engaging Readers of All Ages: Finding Your Perfect Book Subscription to find your perfect fit. After all, a vision board may show your reading dreams, but OUABC helps bring the pages to life! Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club.