10 Goals To Set This Summer

I always head into the summer with big plans and a somewhat jaded concept of what summer really is. I don’t often do the things I planned to do and I barely even have free time, especially since I’ve been interning for the past three summers. With all of that aside, there are plenty of goals to set this summer that can have a positive impact.

Setting these goals can help you prepare for a wonderful fall. They can also ensure you stay on track and avoid falling into an endless unproductive pit. Without further ado, here are some goals to set this summer.

1. Make a reading challenge for yourself.

Remember those local library summer reading challenges you did as a kid! Make a new one and keep yourself to it. This varies from person to person. If you don’t read much, start low, but if you’re an avid reader, aim high. The goal doesn’t have to be met, but it can help you stay motivated to read as the summer progresses. I love that on Goodreads you can set a goal for the number of books you want to read for the year.

2. Visit at least one new place.

One of your goals to set this summer should surely involve a little bit of discovery. As always, this doesn’t have to be very far. It can be a popular new ice cream place the town over or an amusement park a state or two away.

3. Update or refresh your resume.

A little bit of career savvy-ness can’t hurt. This is especially crucial if you spent the summer working or interning somewhere new. At the end of the summer, ensure it’s up to date. And don’t forget to update your LinkedIn!

4. Save *insert reasonable amount of money here* dollars.

Again, the amount is entirely up to you. If you’re working or have a paid internship, it can be easier to save. If you’re working on a side hustle that pays, it can be a bit tougher. Set an amount you feel pretty confident in and go for it. Heading into the fall with a chunk of change set aside is very rewarding.

5. Cut down on *insert snack or unhealthy indulgence you often partake in*

This is entirely up to your discretion. You can opt to cut down on the amount of time you spend on Netflix, the amount of coffee you drink in a day or even the amount of time spent on Instagram. Find out what some of your vices are and make an attempt to reduce the times you do them.

I’d like to cut down on excessive snacking and also excessive clutter. I need to put things back where they belong and really make a place for everything in my room!

6. Schedule all necessary doctor and dentist appointments.

Pick one day, schedule them all and bang them out. Grouping them together means getting them over with. This is a nice way to get some peace of mind and to feel like a true adult.

7. Learn how to perfectly execute a new dish.

It’s always good to have that one thing that you can cook really well. This is a great excuse to hit up your dusty Pinterest board, pick a yummy looking dish, and do some Gordon Ramsay magic. The dish I’ve learned to execute very well is quinoa and chorizo stuffed peppers. They’re fairly healthy and very easy!

8. Plan a Trip

It’s always nice to have something to look forward to in the summer, even if it’s a small trip. This doesn’t need to be expensive or far, especially when things like Air BnB exist. My boyfriend, best friend, and her boyfriend booked a weekend trip a few hours away for the end of August and it cost us all less than $100! A lot of trips are about the company, not so much about the location. No need to go extravagant on this one.

P.S. If you’re hoping to have a trip with a group, check out my post 12 Tips for Planning a Trip with Friends.

9. Catch up on a show you’re behind on.

This is especially good for shows that return in the fall! Or, for shows that a roommate or friend has been begging for you to watch. The show I was dying to catch up on was Orange is the New Black (The new season was SO GOOD!). Any show that you never had enough time for during the year should be added to this list. Obviously, for many, summer won’t be any more free than any other season, but try to find ways to work in your show into your routine. Maybe you can download it on your Kindle to watch on the commute home or watch half of an episode with your morning coffee.

Plus, you can make this extra productive with 9 productive to do while you watch TV.

10. Throw things away.

No need to become a minimalist. Even throwing out papers you no longer use, clothes that no longer fit and makeup you no longer want is enough. It’s very relaxing and refreshing to cut down on clutter, even if only a little bit.

What are some goals you want to set this summer?