The Ultimate Guide to Having the Best Summer Yet
Hi everyone! Welcome back, today we are kicking off how you can make the most of this summer!
This moment in time, is special, as all months are fleeting, and summer will fly by before we know it! So today, we are not wasting anytime. Take notes, and let’s get started!
1. It is Never Too Late to Make a Summer Bucket List
For me, I always get inspiration off of Pinterest especially for my bucket lists!! I will create a super fun and detailed list on paper or a check list on my computer.
Now is a great time to book that summer trip, get tickets to your favorite concert, and schedule plans ahead of time with your friends and family.
Iv’e learned that if you never book it, you never do it. So spend a little, go out and eat at that fancy restaurant, and buy that cute new bikini, because it is ok to enjoy the present moment. Below are some summer bucket list ideas!
- Outdoor movie night by a fire or in a tent (be creative)
- Dip/snack buffet night (food + dessert dip)
- Garden party (full decor with bouquets + tea sandwiches)
- Photograph/vlog each moment (digital camera)
- Country concerts/festivals
- Carnivals!!
- Explore a diner/new cafe
- Craft a vision board
- Firework/star gazing
- Decorate a lantern
- Start a summer bucket collection (seashells, flowers, polaroids, etc.)
- Breakfast/dinner on the beach for sunrise or sunset
- Try a new book, sport, movie, show (explore beyond the horizon)
- Beach/farm photoshoot
- Go on a date (be spontaneous)
Here are a few of my favorite ideas! Take this inspiration in creating your own unique list and stick with it!! Everytime you have nothing to do or feel uninspired, pull out your list and just take action. Sometimes the challenging part is just starting, but I am telling you once you get going, you will feel like a million bucks. Pinterest is truly my best friend. I find the best crafts, summer activities, photography, recipes, outfits, and my aesthetic on there. So spark some creativity and get going!
2. Create a Realistic Summer Schedule
Creating a schedule is so effortless nowadays, thanks to online calendar apps and printable templates. Each summer, I like to compile a comprehensive calendar that includes my schedule for work, gym sessions, personal goals and tasks, and leisure time.
First off, I will create a Google Sheet for my personal to-do list. I start off with a chart that sections my tasks, due dates, my priority level, and the status of whether I have completed the task or not.
Make your chart as descriptive as possible, color code each section, and make updates right away once a task is completed. Below the chart, I will create a daily to-do list.
Unlike most lists, I like to start off with my 3 non-negotiables. What are 3 tasks I must complete that day? This is the first question you should ask yourself. Lists are daunting and so starting off small and branching out from there will really help.
I use Google Calendar for all of my due dates in making sure I am staying on track. Lastly, I create a color coded time blocking section underneath the chart.
Time blocking has changed my daily routines immensely, as you can see when and at what time a task should start and finish. I would recommend following this example for having a structured and productive day.
To- Do List
My 3 Non-Negotiables:
- Gym
- Clean car
- Try a new recipe
7:30- Wake up + get ready for gym
8-9:30- Gym time
10:00- Eat breakfast
10:30- Get ready for day
10:50- Start cleaning car
11:45- Put cleaning products away
12:00- Get ready to cook
12:45- Finish recipe
1:00- Lunch break
Time Blocking
This is an example of how to time block your day so you can get the most done in a timely and reasonable manner. Let’s be honest. Are you always going to start or finish a task on time? No one is perfect and life happens so no.
Things come up, where your whole schedule is thrown off. It’s totally okay, your whole day is not ruined. As long as you progress forward in some way, it is a win!
Even if you aim to complete a task an hour or so behind, it is still a step in the right direction! Time blocking is good practice for learning to keep on moving and to go with the flow despite bumps in the road.
Just remember, stay in the grind flow. Something I would avoid is sitting down, scrolling on your phone, putting on a show for “just a half hour.” Technology can be the biggest distraction, especially when you have other priorities, let’s face it!
Once you take long breaks, it will certaintly lead to distractions and completely mess up your agenda for the day.
So don’t fall into the endless scrolling loop. If you want to take a break, set a timer on your phone and STICK TO IT.
When you don’t listen to yourself and what you should be doing, your letting yourself down, and you suffer more in the long run. In the moment, it feels good to keep on scrolling, as your subconscious mind likes to seek easy stimulation.
Avoiding is the key word. We avoid things that require effort, and time, and enery. However, if you can be sucked into scrolling by your phone, what else will you find addictive?
That is why breaking bad habits like scrolling is important. Start to incorporte activities that do not require instant gratfication or constant stimulation.
Stay moving. Once you scroll, you won’t be able to stop. So AVOID your bad habits instead. I am not saying it is easy, but learn what works for you. Stay on the grind! Check out https://templatelab.com/time-blocking/ for free time blocking templates..
3. Goal Setting
So, think about when was the last time you set a goal and it was never accomplished, or you thought of a goal in your head but never wrote it down.
It’s time to buckle down on our goals this summer and think strategically. What goals have you been pondering? Truly reflect by writing down your short-term goals, your medium goals, and your long-term goals.
When reflecting, specificity is most important. For example, if your short-term goal is buying a new sofa, how much money do you need to save up in order to invest?
Short-term goal:
Medium goal:
Long-term goal:
For a medium goal, if you are looking to book a week-long vacation in July, what are the necessary steps in saving, working, planning, and booking for this trip?
However, when we reflect on our goals, we need to be completely transparent with ourselves. When and how can this goal be obtainable?
What roadblocks may I come across in reaching this goal? What are my solutions for pushing through these roadblocks? What is the outcome for solving this problem? These should be questions you write down, not just repeat in your head.
Why is the big question. Why waste any more time not achieving the life that you want, the goals you want to achieve, and the summer you desire? For more inspo, follow my pinterest @Love, laurenmarie.
I hope you enjoyed The Ultimate Guide to Having the Best Summer Yet! Thanks for sticking along with me, and I hope you stay tune for more! I am so happy you are here, as we learn and grow together. With peace, love, and joy.
Love,
Lauren Marie