Can you believe how quickly summer is flying by? It feels like just yesterday that we were
eagerly awaiting the warm, sunny days, and now we’re already in the midst of them.
My husband Joe and I are enjoying having our daughter, Amanda, home from college for the summer. At the same time, we're already planning for the new school year
ahead.
Summer is such a precious time, filled with opportunities for both productivity and relaxation. It’s important to strike a balance between getting things done and making time for fun. To make the most out of this season, I’ve found that planning goes a long
way.
First and foremost, sit down and make two lists: one for tasks and projects you want to accomplish and another for enjoyable activities. When you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and list your goals, it becomes easier to prioritize and manage your time effectively. By breaking down your aspirations into actionable
steps, you increase the likelihood of starting and completing them.
1. Plan Your Tasks and Projects
Begin by jotting down all the tasks and projects you’ve been meaning to tackle. These might include home improvement projects, organizing
your closets, shopping for the school year ahead, or even professional goals like updating your resume or taking an online course.
Once you have your list, prioritize the items based on urgency and importance. I like to use a simple system: label each task with an
A, B, or C, where A is most urgent (do today), B is important but not urgent (do this week), and C can be done whenever there’s extra time.
2. Schedule Your Enjoyment
Whether planning a family vacation, scheduling a picnic, or setting
aside time for reading a good book, create a list of these activities too.
Prioritize them like you would your tasks, ensuring that you allocate time for people, places, and things that rejuvenate you and bring joy to your life.
3. Combine Tasks and Fun
Merge productivity with pleasure whenever you can. For instance, if one of your tasks is to declutter the garage, turn it into a fun activity. Play upbeat
music, set a timer, and see how much you can accomplish. I like bringing my laptop outside and responding to my email in the sunshine.
Afterward, reward yourself with something enjoyable, like stopping out for a cup of iced coffee at an outdoor cafe or attending a
local town festival. Combining tasks with enjoyable activities can make chores feel less daunting and more like quality time.
If you have other family members living at home, do a project together AND enjoy a reward together.
4. Use Tools and Apps
There are plenty of tools and apps available that can help keep you organized. Here are a few favorites:
Trello: This versatile app allows you to create boards for different projects, complete with lists and cards for individual tasks. It’s great for visualizing your progress and collaborating with others.
Todoist: This TO DO list app helps you manage tasks with deadlines, priorities, and project
categories. It’s simple to use and very effective.
Evernote: Ideal for keeping notes, ideas, and lists in one place. It’s highly versatile and great for capturing spontaneous thoughts and plans.
5. Review and Adjust Regularly
Life is unpredictable and sometimes plans need to be adjusted. Set aside time each week to review your lists and make necessary changes. This helps you stay flexible and adapt to any new priorities that may arise. It also gives you a chance to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what still needs attention.
6. Delegate When Possible
If you have family members or friends who can help with tasks, don’t hesitate to ask for help and/or delegate. This not only lightens your load but also fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Plus, it frees up more time for you to
enjoy summer activities.
By organizing your tasks and activities, you can ensure that you make the most out of your summer. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between productivity and leisure.
So grab a notebook or open up your favorite planning app, and start mapping out the rest of your summer. This season slips by way too quickly. It's important to make the most of it!
