Hello and welcome on this wonderful Friday!
Summer is one of those times of year that is infectious. It is a problem that has stayed with us since our time in school. On one hand there is work to be done but at the same time there’s so much temptation to put that work off.
This year there’s no need to fret because there is a way to balance work and play. Here are my top five ways to keep yourself motivated this summer!
1. The Early Bird Gets The Worm
Having a dog who still acts like a puppy makes it difficult for me to sleep past seven. I’m by no means a morning person but because of my furry alarm clock I’ve been able to get more done.
If you’re the type who likes to fit as much into a day as possible then this would be the option for you. Waking early and getting to work leaves you more summer time fun throughout the day.
This can also work in reverse if you’re more of the nocturnal type like myself. You can always put all that work off until the night rolls around but late night gatherings or exhaustion from a day of fun might complicate that.
2. Reward System
I know this one has been used a lot but it's one I personally use and it works wonders for me. If you're someone whose attention wanders frequently or if the temptation of summer makes you overly excited then this may be something you would want to try.
Make yourself a to do list to accomplish for the day and each time you accomplish a task allow yourself to have a little fun. The key is to hold yourself accountable. Knowing that as soon as you get 1,000 words written you can go have a swim is a wonderful source of motivation.
3. Schedule
Another obvious one but it's surprising how effective it can be. If you know there's going to be a lot going on this summer or maybe you're not sure how to balance everything then this would be good for you. This is a useful way to keep yourself on track as well as helpful in making sure you don't overload yourself. For example, my husband and I are taking a trip to visit my family in the beginning of July, meaning those few days I won't be getting any work done so I have myself doing double the work the four days leading up to our visit so that I stay on track with my word count and leave myself time to spend with them without worry.
It's up to you how detailed you want your schedule to be, I personally use a daily schedule mixed with a to do list that way I know what I'm doing on which days but don't put the pressure of time constraints on myself.
4. Working On Sunshine
There's no point in staring out your window longing for the time when you can enjoy the sunshine like everyone else. It can be distracting to day dream of what you would be doing if you were outside, so why not take your work outside and enjoy that sunshine while working?
This is a favorite of mine, especially since I have three dogs. I enjoy laying out a sheet and sitting outside with a snack, my iPad, and my puppers, enjoying the sunshine and getting my work done at the same time. There's nothing anywhere that says you have to shut yourself away in order to get your work done.
5. Summer Ready
This is a new tip that I've discovered and thought it was such a great idea. Instead of waiting for the moment when you get to go to summer, bring summer to you. Liven up your work space with summer inspired things to help you feel a part of the season as well. Whether you give your space a fresh coat of paint, a summer breeze candle, or a simple flower nearby, enjoy summer in your own way while getting those words pumped out!
There is always a way to have fun and also manage to get everything you need to done, it’s just a matter of finding ways that work best for you. As important as work is, please remember to allow yourself to take a vacation from worrying about getting all that work done and let yourself have some fun this summer.
I bid you farewell until next week my lovelies, my to-do list is rather cluttered at the moment in preparation for my summer plans.
✿ Happy reading and writing to all and to all a good day ✿
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