Balancing Your Goals with Summer Fun

For some of you your summer is just starting. For others like me, it’s almost over. Last summer I went off on an amazing three week adventure and accomplished little in my home. This summer I vowed to check off several projects. But I’m finding that these projects are way too big to be completed in a few days. Or a few weeks.

The other day I spent hours in my homeschool room and while I made progress, I realized I could spend the entire summer in that room and MISS summer, OR I could take it slow and do a little bit each day/week. I prefer the later and I’m applying the same plan to my writing goals as well.

How do I plan to keep goals and summer fun in balance?

Make a List and Check it Twice
I’ve always been bad about making lists, but I’m getting better. I’ve got several lists going now. The long term “It’s going to take me all summer” list and the short term project list. Even the daily list. Oh boy, just thinking about these lists is stressing me out! BUT the goal of these lists is not necessarily crossing things off (repeat 100 times a day,) but working on something on the list every day. The cross off will come!

Plan for Fun
Where’s the rule that says you have to do something productive everyday? After all it is summer! Why not schedule a totally fun day away from the work! These days are especially welcomed after a hard work day. Listen to your body like I did the day after I spent hours in my homeschool room stooping, squatting, kneeling and cleaning! My body ached like I had just worked out. So instead of tackling the room again, I rested the next day and focused on computer work! You’re body will thank you and you’ll be more productive the following day.

Mix Business with Pleasure
Who says computer work has to be done inside? After I’ve had enough of cleaning and inside work, my body starts to crave sunshine! So to trick myself into thinking I’m actually participating in summer, I take the computer to the pool (or yard,) find a shady spot, and watch the kids swim. (This also helps them think I’m actually playing with them…well, maybe not.)

If you’re anything like me and struggle with balance and fun, you know how difficult it is to be productive without the guilt. But I think this approach to summer productivity could be a great way to satisfy the slacker and Type A me…and you! I could be wrong.

Guess we’ll see by end of the summer.

Got a suggestion to this balancing dilemma? Please share what works for you!!