Late Summer Goal Setting

Well these are what they call the dog days of summer, aren't they? The days are long and hot and as much as I want to be productive and active, the weather and slowness of life have been making it a challenge. So I think it's time to set some tangible and measurable goals for what's left of this season.

I got super inspired by this post over at Darling Magazine that walks you through some practical ways to be productive in the midst of this relaxation-centered season. One of the things it mentions is setting deadlines which is such an important thing for me, and the reason why I've been lagging behind on some of my goals. I also know that I really need accountability because I tend to be flexible about my own deadlines (since I mean, I did make them). So hopefully putting this out on the blogosphere will give me some of that. I'm forcing myself to update you all on my progress so I have a reason to stick to every deadline!

To start off, I'm making a list of the Top 5 most pressing things on my to-do list. I've already started working on most of these, but in order to actually finish them before the year's over, I really need to set a deadline and write out the tasks related to each of them.

1. Finalize World Race Fundraising Projects

Deadline: August 31

Things to do: Create final design plans, buy materials, create several prototypes, set up website to sell, open new bank account, promote through social media.

2. Car Maintenance (not so fun, but totally necessary)

Deadline: August 31

Things to do: Get car inspection, buy sticker, get brakes checked out.

3. Reorganize/Redecorate Room

Deadline: September 30

Things to do: Go through every box/drawer/desk, check out Ikea for inspiration and furniture (doing this tomorrow!), buy needed items, print pictures, reorganize and redecorate

4. Minimalist Wardrobe Creation

Deadline: September 30

Things to do: Donate/sell old clothes, take inventory of good clothes, create list of needed clothes, shop.

5. Keep a scheduled Journaling/Quiet Time of the Day (really the most important thing on this list)

Deadline: Start on August 1st

Things to do: pick a time, pick a location, pick a journal, cut down social media time, and maybe choose a bible study/devotional to go along.

So those are my Top 5! I'm hoping these deadlines really help me stay motivated in the midst of the uncertainty of summer. The cool thing about this season is that it's probably the time of year that we get the greatest say over how to spend our time. Of course, with that comes a lot of responsibility, and I want to make sure I embrace that.

What do you do to help you stay motivated in the summer. Share your tips with me! :)

#life #2015