Yes, for me setting a reading goal has also really helped me get back into reading, after a long break thanks to professional life and stress etc. For me it's the opposite though -- I set my goal low on purpose (I hit it in September this year). That takes the pressure off and makes it so I'm not stressed about meeting the goal, have the flexibility to read longer books and so on, but I find just having the goal and keeping track of what I've read is fun and helps motivate me. I also really enjoy going through my list of what I've read at the end of the year!

I think the point is whatever works for someone -- there's no "right" answer!