5 Steps for Planning a Great Summer

At the end of the summer do you think “What? Its over already and I haven’t accomplished anything?” First, we have to look at what you are expecting out of the summer.

Which statement best describes you?

I work all summer so I do not have any extra time. It’s business as usual.
I travel as much as possible in the summer.
I work hard, play hard. I want to go on as many adventures as I can.
I need the summer to chill, read books, hang out and/or enjoy my free (freer) time.
I save all my projects for the summer when I have a looser schedule

Perhaps you experience a combination of the above. The truth is, a successful summer means different things to different people. If my ideal summer involves maximum travel, I don’t plan on accomplishing projects. I get those done during the year so that I can travel without worry during the summer. That said, I shouldn’t look back on the summer and be disappointed that I didn’t get projects done, since, “getting projects done” was not a part of my plan in the first place. My summer will be successful if I travel a good bit.

So, you will be well served by determining what “the best summer ever” means to you and then make a plan based on that determination.

Why do our summer plans get derailed?

If you are one who looks to the summer to go on adventures and travel, generally you have to purchases tickets and reserve campsite/hotel ahead of time. More challenging is the “I save all my projects for summer.” Without a good plan, the summer passes us by without having accomplished any of those projects. Why does this happen?

What we really need is to just hang out and relax.
A less structured schedule means a lot less accomplished. We need a schedule to keep us on task.
Keeping the kids busy is not easy.
We wait until some relaxation happens and then, it is too hot to do the intended projects.

Whether these are excuses or reality, here is how you can make a plan to ensure a great summer:

1. Define what a successful summer looks like

Based on the beginning of this writing, identify what success means to you—adventure, relaxation, travel, visiting friends and family and/or house projects. In defining success, it is easy to develop a set of KPIs (key performance indicators) that are like benchmarks or indicators of success. We know we are successful because we have accomplished the following. . .They are pretty much like goals but stated as though you have already accomplished them

Be specific with measurable, timely parameters. Make yours SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Based. Here are some examples of success indicators:

I climbed three “fourteeners” (mountains that are above 14,000 feet for those of you not familiar with Colorado lingo) by the end of September.
I spent at least one weekend day outside doing something fun.
I planted my garden by May 15th and spent at least one morning a week tending to it.
I rode my bike to work three days per week.
I did something special with my children at least once per week (zoo, hiking, bike riding)
I read these ten books this summer . . .
I went to Europe for two weeks and then, took three shorter trips around my area, one where I visit relatives.
I attended two outdoor concerts with friends.
I feel relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for the Fall.

It doesn’t matter what KPIs you define, as long as they paint a clear picture of success for you. It’s even better if you can set some easy ones that you can check off right away and feel victorious from the beginning.

2. Set an intention or theme for the summer

When we set intentions, we call in The Universe to make our decisions right—sending us signs, support and often, miracles. Read more about setting a summer theme HERE. Some good summer themes might be: strong/fit/lean body, adventure, enjoyment, loving friends, vibrant health, good choices, amazing environment or relaxation. It is best to use positive one/two words phrases that do not limit or judge.

3. Determine your priorities, what are your “must do’s.” This is your summer bucket list.

I always make it a point to go to one or two outdoor concerts in the summer. There are many free concerts available, if you choose not to spend money in this way. I also make an effort to go standup paddle boarding as often as possible. There are activities that each of us feel is essential during the summer months. Include things like visiting Farmers Markets, attending art shows, flea markets, and music festivals, going to professional baseball games. Create a list that includes all these essentials. Aim for four or five must-do’s.

4. Identify firm dates and commitments and put them on your calendar

In addition to the things we try to squeeze into each summer, there are always plenty of things we HAVE to do or that are planned for us, like attending weddings, family reunions, class reunions, 4th of July celebrations, birthday parties, graduations, etc. While these might indeed be highlights and super fun, they are givens that have dates associated with them. These are the things we need to plan around.

5. Create a list or calendar

Based on the above set dates, create a calendar that represents your ideal schedule. Make sure to spread out the projects, adventure, travel, and social commitments to maintain a good pace that is manageable.

Defining your plan, whether you follow it precisely or not, gets you moving in the right direction. It will take you less than an hour. It is a super fun thing to do with a friend over coffee, a cold bevvie or an interesting red. If you are not a goal setter or planner, merely spending on hour thinking about the “best summer ever” that you are about to have and what that means to you, will be beneficial. If you have some great suggestions about things we must do this summer, share them below or on the FaceBook page. For some fun suggestions, visit our Old School Things to do in the Summer blog.