I couldn't believe it, I was in a store yesterday and they were busy marking down bathing suits and putting out sweaters.  How dare they rush us through the seasons?  According to my calendar summer isn’t over yet! 

Summer is a unique time of year.  For a few short months everything changes.  It's time to relax, enjoy picnics and barbecues with family and friends.  There are so many people on vacation that phones stop ringing and offices are nearly empty.   

With fewer people around to bug you at work and no homework to worry about, many people figure that the summer is the perfect time to get those long term lingering projects done -- but then September comes and those projects are still lingering. 

The main ingredient for getting those projects done is not time -- although that helps! - It is to know what you want to do.  With this in mind, here are four steps you can do to make your summer more productive.  It's not too late!

1. Create a wish list.  Allow yourself to dream big; imagine you had a magic wand, what would you like to accomplish this summer? 


2. Review your wish list.  It would be great if you could do it all, but it is probably unrealistic.  So ask yourself -- If only a few of these projects can get done which would make the biggest difference in your day to day life? 


3. Look over your SHORT list of high priority projects.  Define what each project means.  Get really specific.  For example:

• Let’s say "get organized" is on your list, do you mean go through the paperwork on the desk? Get rid of the unnecessary papers? Find a home for the papers that are left?


• If "redecorate" is on your list, what do you need to do?  Pick a room to start in?  Empty a room out first?  Pick out furniture?  Measure the room?  The more specific you get the better. 

4. It's action time!  What is one step you can take to move your well defined project ahead?  When are you going to do it? 

By creating a plan that prioritizes, defines and schedules what you want to do, you will enable yourself to get it done.  Come September you'll be able to look back on your relaxing AND productive summer. 

So before summer passes you by, go ahead and create that master plan.  I invite you to share it with me by emailing it to Carrie@CarrieThru.com and don't forget to keep a copy for yourself!  What do you want to get done this summer?