How to create a summer resolution

Progress with summer goals that actually feel achievable

Every January, people confidently declare that this will be their year. Resolutions to wake up at 6 a.m., drink 8 cups of water and become “that person” who journals.

And then February rolls around. The dedicated water bottle is missing, the journal has missed two weeks’ worth of entries and let’s not even start with the spamming of the snooze button.

But why is that? Why is it so difficult to follow through with a New Year’s resolution?

Maybe the problem isn’t in the goal itself, but rather the timing. Summer resolutions are like a more realistic cousin of New Year’s resolutions. They are less stressful, more manageable and somehow feel more achievable. The freezing chaos of January makes these summer goals feel lighter and more motivating. The weather is better, schedules are more flexible and people naturally spend more time doing things that improve their mood.

Why summer resolutions feel easier

A smiley squish ball kept on wet grass — *Photo by Ahmed Zayan on Unsplash*

One reason summer resolutions work better is because of its short lifespan. Committing to a goal ‘forever’ can feel overwhelming, but for one summer? That feels possible.

Think of it like lowering your caffeine intake for the summer instead of stopping completely forever.

Sounds more achievable, doesn’t it?

Summer also naturally gives people more opportunities to feel good. There is more sunlight, free time and chances to spend time outside. And the more positive experiences, the easier it is to build habits.

Think of it like this, if you want to stop relying on caffeine after the hectic exam season, summer is the perfect time to find healthier alternatives. Going on bike rides, taking walks, or spending your time outdoors can help boost energy levels with active movement.

Step 1: Pick a realistic goal

A coffee mug on top of an agenda notebook — *Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash*

The biggest mistake you can make with resolutions is choosing goals that are too extreme. A successful summer resolution should fit into your routine naturally. Some resolutions can be:

Less screen time
Going outside more
Taking more walks
Reading more books
Cleaning your room more often
Trying a new hobby
Saving money
Bettering your sleep schedule

It is easier to stick to goals that are specific and manageable tasks and not vague, such as a perfect sleep schedule by the end of the month.

Step 2: Focus on rephrasing your goals

A board reading think outside the box — *Photo by Diana Parkhouse on Unsplash*

A lot of resolutions fail because they are built around punishments. When setting goals, people often say things such as “I can’t do this anymore,” or “I’m cutting everything out.”

Try making your summer resolutions work better by focusing on adding to positive habits. For example, when wanting to lower social media usage, avoid saying “I’m quitting social media,” instead think outside the box and say, “I want to spend more time outside with my friends.”

This simple restructuring of your goals can make them feel more motivating because they connect to your enjoyment.

Step 3: Keep the habits simple

Lots of dart boards on the wall with darts pierced in few of them — *Photo by Maria Teneva on Unsplash*

Habit building is easy when you are able to stay consistent with it. Consistency matters way more than the intensity. Which means you do not need to wake up at sunrise every day or completely transform yourself in three months.

Small habits done regularly will be more effective at changing your lifestyle. So to do that, choose small habits like:

A 15-minute walk after dinner
Reading before bed instead of scrolling
Drinking water first thing in the morning
Spending one day a week offline

The easier the habit feels, the more likely you are to continue it.

Final step: Let your resolutions make you happy

A man happily spreading his arms on top of a mountain — *Photo by Kyle Loftus on Unsplash*

Summer resolutions should improve your life and avoid causing any stress. Social media often creates pressure to have the “perfect summer.” Suddenly, everyone seems productive, constantly busy and somehow living their best life every second.

But your summer resolutions do not need to be life-altering. Your goals are far different than someone else’s. Maybe your goal is to simply rest more or reconnect with hobbies you stopped for the time being.

At the end of the day, any and every goal that is set to make you happy and improve your lifestyle is a goal that is worth following. The best summer resolutions are the ones that feel realistic, enjoyable and possible to maintain long after summer ends.

Feature image courtesy of Ethan Robertson on Unsplash

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