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August 20, 2025 Summer Slump? Here’s How to Re-energize

Different people respond to the summer months in different ways. They might energize and invigorate you, motivating you in all areas of your life. Or…you might slip into vacation mode and have trouble concentrating on your work or mustering the energy to tackle your to-do list. If you fall into the latter category, I have some ideas to help pull you from your summer slump. 

Limit Distractions

When you’d rather be riding your bike, relaxing at the beach, barbecuing outdoors, or doing anything else besides working, it’s easy to become distracted. Help pull your concentration back to your work by closing all games and social media sites on your laptop, putting your phone in airplane mode, or installing an app that limits your social media or internet browsing time. Cutting distractions will help you be more present and limit the temptation to procrastinate.

Set Timers 

When you’re having trouble getting motivated, try setting a timer and working on one project for 15 or 20 minutes. No stopping, no splitting your attention between multiple projects or screens. Just one project for the designated amount of time. Then, take a break (or keep working if you’re still motivated). After your break, set another timer and keep going. It’s incredible how a definite endpoint can help a task feel much more manageable.

Use Fun to Propel You

There’s no need to deprive yourself of summertime fun. In fact, you can use it to motivate you. Tell yourself, “If I answer X number of emails, I can go get ice cream after work.” OR: “If I finish analyzing the data on this spreadsheet, I’ll reward myself with a trip to the lake this weekend.” There’s nothing wrong with a shameless self-bribe!

Take a Meaningful Break

Sometimes, it’s best to fully remove yourself from work and responsibilities for a time if you want to truly re-energize yourself. Consider planning a getaway for a week or two, and leave your work behind. Give your team plenty of warning, set an email vacation responder, and make it clear that you won’t be answering work emails or phone calls while you’re away. It’s amazing how many “emergencies” can work themselves out. 

If summer has got you feeling less than motivated to go to the office or tackle work projects, I hope you will take the time to try some or all of these strategies. Even with the sunshine and aromas of barbecue beckoning, it is possible to maintain your concentration, get energized, and propel yourself forward. 

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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May 17, 2023 How to Beat Summertime Procrastination: 6 Tips

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

As we tiptoe into summer in the Upper Midwest, it can become increasingly difficult to concentrate. Who wants to be stuck inside staring at a screen when the weather is mild and sunny? Who wants to enter information into a spreadsheet when you could be riding your bike, barbequing with your family, or simply taking a walk in the fresh air? The procrastination bug can bite hard when you’re resistant to the tasks in front of you! To help beat summertime procrastination, try any or all of the following 6 tips:

1. Take a midday break

Taking a midday break is a great way to recharge your brain and get moving. Take a 30-minute break to go for a walk, ride your bike, or simply sit outside with a good book or cup of tea and enjoy the sunshine. Getting outside can boost your mood and energy, making it easier to focus when you return to work.

2. Work during off-hours

If you’re finding it difficult to concentrate during the day, try working during off-hours. Wake up early and work before the sun rises, or work in the evening when you’re not as tempted to go outside. This way, you can take advantage of the sunshine during the day (at least for a few hours) without feeling guilty for not working.

3. Break tasks into smaller pieces

Breaking tasks into smaller pieces can help make them feel more manageable. Instead of trying to finish a big project in one day, break it into smaller tasks that you can complete over a few days. This way, you’ll feel more accomplished and less overwhelmed.

4. Set a timer

Setting a timer can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a task without any interruptions. Once the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break to stretch, grab a snack, or check your phone. Repeat this process until you finish the task. Remember, there’s really no such thing as multitasking! Focusing on one project at a time is a better use of your time AND produces better results.

5. Create a summer schedule

Creating a schedule can help you stay on track and make time for both work and play. Set aside specific times each day for work, exercise, and leisure activities. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what you need to do each day and won’t feel guilty when you take time off to enjoy the summer weather.

6. Find an accountability partner

Having an accountability partner can help you stay motivated and on track. Find someone who shares your goals or is working on a similar project and check in with each other regularly. This way, you can hold each other accountable and offer support and encouragement along the way.

By trying these 6 tips, you can beat summertime procrastination and make the most of your summer. Remember, it’s important to take breaks, stay motivated, and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. Happy (almost) summer!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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