On a Monday in June (yesterday) we had our big university meeting for the business school. Yesterday, for the first time in three years, I got to hobnob with my work colleagues from our three satellite campuses. As I rode the train to Olten, the sun began to shine on the rain washed green, which Switzerland is famous for.

This meeting week heralds summer season for business school. I am very much looking forward to seeing my colleagues this week and to the season this time means for us all.

In a few weeks I get to pick up my students’ exams for corrections and in just over a month we (just the two of us) are on our way to Tenerife. Summer is calling to me. Summer means “only “ meeting clients and friends; gardening, eating outdoors, and special outings - and holidays.

Do you have something special planned for the summer? I have some very good ideas for you to stay focuses when everyone is “relaxing” around you.

You and I need to focus, even in the summer.

We all need an easy way to keep on track when we are trying to focus.

Here are some tips:

REMEMBER TO DO ONLY THE MOST IMPORTANT (& urgent) things- things that will make a difference in one, two or five years.  AND…

·       Keep you list of summer goals SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, rewarding and time-based)

·       Write your goals down and make a plan to reach them (SMART)

·       Visualize the positive effect of reaching this goal.  See yourself “already there”. Remember the “why” of it to keep you motivated

·       Write down the goal for the week each week at the beginning of the week (or on Friday afternoon) and break it up into daily goals

·       Write down your goal for each day at the beginning of the day and say it out loud – and then say it again after lunch

·       At the end of each day – and each week – readjust your list

·       When you reach each goal, whether small or large, “pay” yourself with a coffee break, some chocolate, or my personal favorite: reading a chapter in a novel.  The bigger the goal, the bigger the prize.  Choose what fits you and is healthy enough, and not too expensive.

·        At the end of the week if you have reached your big goal, besides rewarding yourself, set a “harder” goal for the following week.  See how big a goal you can reach!

·       Finally, take care of yourself: practice good “mental and physical health” activities such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, mindfulness, getting enough sleep, AND attempt to stay in a positive environment.

·       Keep on going and growing – ONWARDS and UPWARDS!

If you work on each of these things when you are not on vacation this summer, you will move onward and upward in the midst of the summer fun and socially distanced parties.

Finally, for those who have their own company, here is a great article to read about summer slow-downs: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/295402?utm_campaign=syndication&utm_medium=related&utm_source=applenews

Enjoy the summer while you work!

Have a successful week!

Patricia Jehle                patricia@jehle-coaching.com