Celebrating Summer

Summer has arrived here in New York in all of its hot and humid glory. At the beginning of every summer, I think about how I'm going to take advantage of the long days, the warmer weather, and the lighter mood. Then all of a sudden, it's the middle of August, nightfall comes earlier, and I can't believe that I missed most of the summer again.

Does this sound familiar?

I know you're busy, but I invite you to think about how you can "manage" your summer so that you reap more enjoyment this year. The most important element is to alter your mindset: make the commitment that this summer is going to be different.

I know that it's easier to answer one more email, make one more phone call, and tackle one more piece of paper on your desk than it is to think about something as seemingly frivolous as taking a walk on a warm summer evening or meeting someone for refreshments at an outdoor cafe.

But you're the only one who can choose to make the enjoyment of summer a priority. So, take a few minutes and jot down some ideas of what you might want to do to enhance your summer experience, especially if you have no vacation plans in the months ahead. If you're having trouble imagining what I'm talking about, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Plan a day trip to the mountains or to a beach
• Go to an amusement park and relive your favorite childhood ride
• Visit an outdoor flea market that only happens in the summer
• Enjoy a cool summer beverage in a beautiful park
• Take a walking tour in a neighborhood that is unfamiliar to you

Make a commitment to enjoy these summer pleasures and not let the summer pass you by. And by the way, this will do wonders for your productivity.

Have a great week!