When we think about new year’s resolutions, we often think about changing our habits or new setting goals around food, exercise and work. But why not take our reading seriously too?

Social media reading platforms often ask us to set annual reading goals based on the number of books we plan to read. But there are all kinds of reading resolutions worth making. They might be diving deep into one author, books instead of phones before bed, or finding ways to support local writing culture through what you read.

These are just some of the ideas six of our experts came up with when we asked them to share their new year’s reading resolutions.

My reading resolution is to finally leave my phone at the front door. My phone is the one thing thwarting my reading goals. I’ve gone to great lengths to neuter its effect on me. I’ve deleted my Facebook account. I’ve installed content blockers. I’ve turned on “sleep focus”. But, I’m astounded how my tired brain can outsmart my best intentions.

Swipe, tap, dopamine. The little pile of books on my bedside goes untouched, like Miss Havisham’s wedding cake.

So, I’ve removed the chargers from the bedroom, bought a $5 reading light, and for accountability, professed my intentions to my wife and the internet. No more phones in bed.

Michael Noetel is an associate professor in the school of psychology at the University of Queensland.

In 2026, I’ll be reading a lot of music memoirs and relevant books on writing craft to support my next project: unpacking my life as a rock journalist in London during the 1990s.

Top of my list are Melissa Auf Der Maur’s Even the Good Girls Will Cry, on her days with Hole and the Smashing Pumpkins, The Royal We by queer icon Roddy Bottum (ex Faith No More), and........

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