Yeah I fall into mood reading too but I tend to regret it because I postpone the more intimidating part of the canon that I'd probably really enjoy. I'm finally doing Count of Monte Cristo atm after having it stare me down the last... 5 years? I don't know if I would have ever felt in the mood otherwise.

I guess like your gym analogy, some people can just work out when they feel like it. Some need a schedule to stay on track (of which I'm guilty)