How to Make Your Summer To-Do List
Image C/O Slim Aarons
Summer is the juiciest season, but if we’re not intentional, it can fly by. Enter, the “Summer To-Do List”, something I’ve been doing the last few years, by creating a vision, and then action steps to make my dreams come to life, so that I actually do the fun things I always think about doing.
This to-do list is different from others, as it’s purely aimed at pleasure and doing things to create a summer to remember. In the past, I’ve chosen to-dos like sleeping in until 10:30 am, and skinny dipping with coffee, things my ideal self does in the summer, but I’d never actually set aside the time to do. You can check out my 2022 and 2023 summer lists if you’d like some inspiration.
The beauty of creating a list is that you know what you want to get done in three months of summer, and can plan accordingly. While other seasonal goals are fun, there’s something about summer energy that brings out childlike joy and truly soaking in moments doing the things that make you smile.
Below, I share how to write your summer to-do list, to support you in creating your most magical summer yet!
Summer To-Do List How To
Reflect on what type of summer you’d like to have. Maybe you had a busy year and just want to chill, or maybe you’ve been so boring and productive that you want to get a little buck wild. Take some time to think, maybe even journal, about what energy you’d like to create in the next few months.
Be realistic. When creating goals, we want them to be specific, realistic, and attainable. Don’t just say you want to “have fun” - think about what that means to you, so you can make it happen. Also reflect on what you already have planned. Don’t make a list of 12 things to accomplish in 3 months if you already know you have x, y, z filling up your summer. You will feel amazing accomplishing your fun summer to-dos. Make your list attainable so that you can do what you say you will. For my past summer lists I’ve found 11 to be the perfect amount of to-dos.
Get intentional. Don’t do things you already were going to do. Doing things outside your typical box will make your summer extra special. I like thinking about what made my summers as a kid so amazing, or what my dream self would be getting up to in the summer, and using it as inspiration. Your to-dos should be unique to you. Close your eyes, imagine eating ice cream on a hot day, and let yourself choose your own adventures.
Try it with a friend, lover, child, etc. What’s more fun than creating memories with people you love? You can use this concept solo, or sit down and create a joint summer to-do list with your partner-in-crime. I recommend choosing less to-dos in a group (6 is perfect), as coordinating can be a bit more challenging.
Choose a range of things. Think about how much action, time, and money is required for each to-do, and choose a balanced list. You want to end summer feeling alive, envigorated, and full of good times, so your list might need you to add in more chill items (reading a full book in a day), to balance out your energy taking to-dos.
Write it down, using a pen and paper, then put your list somewhere you’ll see it frequently. This will remind you to take action on your fun summer goals, and it feels amazing crossing off the things you’ve accomplished.