Summer is a lovely time of great weather, outdoor and water sports, vacations, music festivals, barbeques, weddings, soirées and general fun.  But one can get distracted in the middle of the fun and forget our business – and life goals.  We need an easy way to keep on track when we are trying to focus.

Here are some tips:

·       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

·       Visualize the positive effect of reaching this goal.  See yourself “already there”.

·       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, and my 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 t he following week.  See how big a goal you can reach!

·       Finally, take care of yourself: practice good “mental health” activities such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, meditating, get enough sleep, attempt to stay in a positive environment, and keep on growing.

If you work on each of these goals and decisions, you will move onward and upward in the midst of the summer fun and parties.

Do remember to take a holiday, too! In Europe, the month of August (& sometimes July, too) is set aside for holidays, and many people do not work then at all.

Enjoy the summer!

Have a successful week!

Patricia Jehle

patricia@jehle-coaching.com