As the summer heats up and we settle into the flow of longer days, warmer temperatures, and what feels like unlimited free time in an alternate universe, I want to remind you that your self-improvement goals can still be a priority. Research says that 43% of Americans give up on their New Year Resolutions by the end of January and that only 9% of Americans actually complete their goals altogether. The difference? A desire to consistently improve self. Read on to discover 7 tips for summertime self-improvement.
- Grow
- Give
- Go
- Gain
- Geek
Upon initially reading this list, one might think, wheeeetttt? But keep reading, I’ll explain more.
In order to grow, give, go, gain, and geek, you’ve got to be willing to try new things, in new ways. These 7 tips aren’t NEW ideas, but they all include an innovative approach. K? K!
So first, GROW. Grow refers to the idea that one might stretch, become, transform. Summer is a great time to challenge yourself to grow in a new area. What are your weaknesses? How might you make them strengths? What are things about yourself that you’d like to improve upon? Now is the time to get started on them. As a certified life-coach, I spend the better part of my days helping people lean into the discomfort of change, and embracing all that life has to offer–good, bad, and indifferent. This is where the growth happens! Don’t believe me? Schedule a free 30 minute session w/ me to discuss success planning and the difference life-coaching with me can make for you! In the comment section below (or an email if you prefer) tell me, what growth areas do you want to focus on this summer?
In addition to growing, giving is a way to improve self. We’re often taught that the only way to become a better individual is to solely focus on self, however, it has been my experience that in relationship with others is where improvement happens too. So, give your time, talent, and treasure to others in a way that prioritizes you and your wants, needs, and interests, and serves other people. You can do this by volunteering at a local food bank, helping at a community garden, mentoring someone, cleaning up a park or otherwise. While we’re on the topic of giving, if you give nothing else, be sure to give yourself some grace. Grace allows us space to make mistakes, change our mind, and the freedom to be. Grace says, “I am not fully there, and that’s okay because I am working to get there.” Grace reminds us that we’re human and worthy of more than one opportunity to get it right. What are you planning to give?
Next, go! Summertime is the perfect time to GO! Do! Be! Go refers to the idea of moving from one place to another and/or traveling. To go often refers to physical transitions from one space to another, but I am encouraging you to GO mentally, emotionally, financially. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to LET GO, too. I have been trying to plan a vacation for my children and I for the last two months. I’ve reached out to multiple travel agents and still, nothing is booked. My focus was redirected after my teenager asked, “why don’t you ever get to take some time off?” I thought about my intention to monitor a healthy balance to and for him, but I was failing to do that because from his perspective, it appears that I am always working. It seems that I am not making enough time for the things that really matter. Like him. His brother. His sister. This was a pivotal turning point for me. I’ve taken vacation twice since then, with a few more planned trips. Please also note that going doesn’t always have to be expensive. Moving from one place to another and/or traveling is what you make it. Tell your loved ones to pack their bags, grab a tent or a map, and go. Get creative and make memories that’ll last a lot longer than this blog post will. Besides, adventures + summertime go together, real bad. Where are you going this summer?
Summertime provides a unique opportunity for gains that other seasons, depending on where you live, do not. To gain means to obtain or secure something that’s desirable. As a girl born and raised in the Midwest region of the United States, summertime in and of itself was desirable. Summertime meant popsicles, swimming pools, water guns, and countless sleepovers. I took for granted the sunshine, the quality time, and the versatility of activities to be completed. As an adult, summertime allows me to get back that which I lost. Often, these losses refer to quality time with people I love most, the opportunity to catch up on non-academic literature, the flexibility to take a couple of consecutive days off to be in real, deep, and genuine relationship. These are gains to me. What are you prioritizing as gains this summer?
Finally, geek! To geek means to become very excited about something that you know a lot or little about, but are very interested in. As a mother, I have the pleasure and privilege to see my children geek about all kinds of things. I don’t always understand their interest, but what I recognize and respect, is the passion they have for and toward things. Somewhere along the way, as adults we often lose our ability to geek and we get caught up in the seriousness of life and its requirements. I don’t know about you, but I’ve made a joy a life requirement. I’ve decided to take it everywhere I go and in doing so, have re-engaged with things to geek about. A few of my favorites are scrapbooking, creating community for and with women (learn more about The Sanctuary Collective, a brain child of mine and focus area for an intentional self-improvement village rooted in sisterhood), and digital course design! I’ve built online courses for years in the academic environment, but my love for creating online content was reignited when I had the opportunity to build some modules for The Co. I look forward to sharing more with you all in the coming months. Please share, what are you geeking over these days?
If you’ve made it to this part of the article, I am going to assume that you’re actually going to attempt to implement some of its contents. I hope you find something new on the other side of doing so and I really hope that something new is you–renewed perspective, hope, joy, etc.
If you were waiting on permission to connect with me, you’ve got it! Leave a comment below or email me your thoughts, questions, and aspirations for summertime self improvement. I can be reached at hello@marquishaandco.com.
Thanks for reading! Have a great time making it happen! XO!
M.
