Planning an Inspiring Summer

As the seasons change, we tend to reflect on how we've progressed the past few months and what we'd like to do now. Would you like to feel motivated to learn new things, do something interesting and accomplish worthwhile goals? You can use this summer to bring these desires to life!

How will you ignite your passions as the weather heats up?

Explore these ideas for planning your most inspiring summer ever:

1. Take a personal inventory.
   Think about what you want and need in your life right now. Do you desire closer relationships? Perhaps you want to develop knowledge in a particular subject area. Maybe the one thing you seek most is more adventure in your life. This summer is a good time to try these things out.

• For example, if you've been working a lot of overtime, maybe you'll conclude that what you really need is more quality time with family and some fun in your life. Think about what's missing emotionally for you right now and promise yourself to include it in your life this summer.

2. Ask yourself, "What do I really want to do?"
   Make a list of the short-term and long-term goals you wish to accomplish. This is the time for some serious soul-searching. When making your list, decide whether to focus most on your professional or personal life.

• If it's a personal list, you might include items like, "Keep my cool when dealing with my teenagers" and "Exercise five times a week." However, plans such as, "Save for a trip to Italy next year" and "Walk a section of the Appalachian Trail in September" might also appear. Consider this list your short-term bucket list.

• On your professional list, list entries like, "Research topic X" or "Complete a quarterly report on my achievements for the boss." Also, "Resolve negative feelings toward Jane Doe at work" and "Talk with my manager about taking on Project B" may appear.

• When writing your professional list, keep in mind that your ultimate goals are to ignite deeper interests, resolve troubling issues, and promote your work life this summer.

3. Discuss summer schedules now.
   For many, becoming inspired will involve other people. Tell your spouse or friends that you're planning a summer that will be stimulating, motivating and full of accomplishments. Share your intentions. Listen to their ideas.

• If you've got a close friend, they might want to jump on board to plan their own inspiring summer along with you and share some of your activities, too.

• Schedule time with people you learn from and admire. After all, getting inspired is a spiritual journey you take with the help of others.

4. Plan a trip this summer.
   Speaking of journeys, even if it's only a long weekend, nothing inspires us like seeing brand new sights. When you travel, your mind is removed from the more mundane tasks of everyday life. You're physically and spiritually transported to a place where everything is new and different.

• Maybe you'll outline that novel you've always wanted to write or create a master financial plan for the next 20 years. Taking a vacation will invigorate your thinking and deepen your interests in new people, places and things.

5. Select three short-term goals to accomplish by summer's end.
   Clip them from the list. Stick them on your refrigerator. Place a second copy on your bathroom mirror. Stash them in your car. Gear up to achieve success.

If you take time to assess what you want and how you intend to get there, you'll experience one of your most inspiring summers ever. Don't delay! Start today to plan your best summer ever.