why I added a reading tracker to my notion for books
In my last post about it, I shared how I finally took the plunge and built out my book library page on Notion—a project that was both exciting and time-consuming. Still is, cuz I’m addicted to Notion now. But after hours of tinkering, watching YouTube tutorials, and embracing my inner tech nerd, like I said, I now have a sleek, customized library with my books to be logged in (still in progress). But as satisfying as it is to see all my books neatly organized, I realize something was missing.
So, I added a reading habit tracker.
Why?
Even though I read quite a bit, I’ve noticed that my reading habits aren’t as strong anymore as they used to be. Sure, I’m still getting through books, but my attention span feels like it’s shrinking–we’ve talked about this–, and I find myself easily distracted all the time, even when the plot is gripping or the subject is compelling.
That’s when it hit me: organizing my books is only half the battle. I need to understand how I’m reading, not just what I’m reading or what I own. By adding a reading tracker to my Notion library, I hope to gain insights into my reading patterns and become a more mindful reader.
Here are the benefits I’m looking forward to:
Increased awareness
By tracking my reading sessions, I can become more aware of how I spend my time with books. Logging details like start and end times, pages read, and even my focus level during each session might highlight patterns I haven’t noticed before—like whether I read more nonfiction in the mornings or fiction at night.
Improved focus
Knowing that I’m keeping tabs on my progress could encourage me to stay more engaged. It’s like having a gentle nudge reminding me to put my phone away and dive deeper into the book. I’m hoping this will make my reading sessions more immersive and enjoyable.
Better time management
With insights from the tracker, I can plan my reading time more effectively. Maybe I’ll notice that I read more consistently when I set aside dedicated time slots, rather than squeezing in pages here and there. This could help me establish a routine that fits seamlessly into my day.
Enhanced appreciation
Seeing my progress visually mapped out adds an extra layer of satisfaction. It might be rewarding to look back and see how much I’ve read over a week or a month. It could also motivate me to explore different genres and authors I might have overlooked.
Things I should be cautious about…
While I’m excited about the tracker, I’m aware there are potential pitfalls. Here are some things I’m planning to avoid:
Turning it into a chore
I don’t want to get carried away with logging every minute detail to the point where it feels burdensome. The tracker is meant to enhance my reading experience, not complicate it.
Obsessing over numbers
Focusing too much on statistics like pages per hour or books per month could shift my attention from enjoying the story to meeting arbitrary goals. I’m aiming to keep the emphasis on the quality of my reading time, not the quantity.
Over-customization
Notion offers endless possibilities, but adding too many features can make the tracker unwieldy. I’m planning to stick to what provides genuine value to my reading life.
Why I believe it’s a good thing…
Adding the reading tracker has the potential to give a new perspective to my passion for reading in ways I didn’t expect. I’m hoping it will help me:
Reconnect with my reading habits
By being more present during reading sessions, I might reinforce the joy of getting lost in a good book without distractions.
Set realistic and fulfilling goals
Instead of vague resolutions like “read more,” I can set specific, achievable targets based on my tracked habits.
Share and discuss
Having detailed records could make it easier to share recommendations and insights with fellow readers. It adds depth to book club discussions or casual chats with friends.
Now here are some tips if you’re considering a reading tracker.
If you’re thinking about adding a tracker to your Notion library (or any other platform), here are some pointers I’m keeping in mind:
Start simple. Begin with basic fields like date, book title, and pages read. You can always expand later based on what you find useful.
Make it accessible. Ensure your tracker is easy to update, especially on the go. A cumbersome system is less likely to be maintained.
Personalize it. Tailor the tracker to fit your reading goals. it might be interesting to track genres, authors, or moods. Go for it!
Final thoughts
Integrating a reading tracker into my Notion library feels like more than just an organizational upgrade; it’s a journey toward a more mindful reading. By understanding my habits, I hope to make small adjustments that significantly enhance my reading life.
If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your reading or simply curious about your patterns, maybe give a tracker a try. Just remember to keep it fun and flexible.
Now… have you tried tracking your reading habits? What has your experience been like? And if you have any tips or tricks—especially things to avoid—I’d love to hear them!