Starting tomorrow, I will begin summer vacation. Come this time of year, the last day of school is one of the teacher’s favorite days – and I am no different! I look forward to having more time to spend with my family, to go on day trip and get things done around the house. During the summer, I have more time to be creative and more time to spend on my blog. My days are open and free; sometimes that’s a blessing and a curse.
You see, during the school year, I’m pretty regimented about getting stuff done. Aside from my occasional stray from productivity, I have it all set out so that I can get to the things that need my attention. It’s funny though, the more time I have to be productive, the less productive I often become. Pair that with summer’s laid back vibe, and it spells disaster for any sign of my productivity. Over the years, I’ve learned this about myself, and developed ways to make sure I stay productive all summer long.
Make a List of Five – It’s no secret that I really depend on lists to help me remember everything that I need to do. During the summer, it’s no different. I still make my one master to do list, but every night before I turn in, I also make a small list for the next day. I list five things that I am committed to getting done the next day. It’s a small enough number to be doable, and by doing it the night before, my mind is already getting a jumpstart on getting those things done.
Stick To the Schedule – When I don’t have school and other responsibilities taking up my day, I find it so easy to just sit and stare at the computer screen for most of the day. This is one of the quickest ways to get absoutely nothing done. Instead, during the summer, I limit my time working on the computer to what I would have during the normal school year. I usually add in a small amount of time early in the morning, and then use the evening hours I would have if it was the school year. Having a set amount of time to get stuff done helps me get more done.
Chillax! It’s Summer! – I have a tendency to be hard on myself when I am not being as productive as I want to be. I have to remember, that it’s summer, I need to chill! Someone once told me “No one is as hard on us as we are on ourselves” and I’ve really started embracing that. Is the world going to end if I don’t do a blog post? Nope. Will I not be able to go on if I don’t finish up the three layouts I need to do? Definitely not. Will I regret not spending as much time as I can with my awesome family over the summer? You betcha. That’s what’s important to me. It’s all about frame of mind people!
So as I write this, I am re-committing to these three principles for the summer. I look forward to getting a lot done, and having a great time while I do it. What steps do you take to stay productive in down time?
I take No Steps…its a short life so i finally learned take it as it comes. Much more fun for me..