Shedding Summer Expectations
Summer is supposed to be relaxing… isn’t it? The weather is warm, the beaches are open, and everyone has seemingly come out of hibernation; yet the illusion of the perfect summer can cause people to pile on an unnecessary layer of pressure. By focusing on the physique we should have, the places we should go, and the things we should get done, we build up certain expectations that negatively affect our wellbeing. In this blog, we’ll talk about shedding these summer expectations and defining our own vision for the perfect summer – let’s dive in!
Shedding the Summer Expectations
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Understand that expectations come from a host of conscious and subconscious comparisons that add stress to our plate. Feeling pressure to strive for a "perfect" summer experience distracts us from feeling good about ourselves and enjoying summer, our own way. To set yourself up for a satisfying summer, first you must identify your expectations:
Identify Your Summer Expectations
When you imagine your ideal summer experience, what do you see? Whether you’re relaxing by the pool with a fruity beverage, checking new places off your bucket list, or adding brunch to your weekly routine, the most important thing you can do is balance these expectations with the reality of your situation.
Start by asking yourself, where are these expectations coming from? Was it a social media post? A friend? An advertisement? Or something you genuinely want? No matter where they came from, list all your goals for the summer for your reference. Once you have a list, take a moment to analyze how each of them makes you feel.
Free Yourself from Comparisons
For each summer expectation you listed, ask yourself: does the experience make you feel happy and motivated, or stressed and frustrated? If your goals aren’t making you feel good about yourself, consider that new expectations might make your experience of the summer more relaxing and joyful, without the extra work or pressure.
For instance, instead of going on vacation like your friends, you may realize that staying home this summer is a conscious, intentional, and healthy choice that can reset your mindset and help you enjoy your time at home. Free from comparisons, it’s time to define your own vision for the ideal summer.
Make a Plan to Follow Your Personal Vision
Create a Personal Summer Mission Statement
Check out our Create Your Own Mission Statement workshop to make sure your team's expectations align with their values and vision.
Define Your Own Summer Vision
Create a statement that helps define what this summer means to you, considering your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Here are some prompts to help you discover your own definition of wellbeing this summer.
This summer, I want to prioritize...
What are the experiences, people, or emotions you want to prioritize?
Work Relaxation
New Experiences
Learning to Cook
Travel Family
This summer, I want to accept...
What aspects of your life would benefit from acceptance?
Things Will Be Busy
Myself Change
Things are In Flux
Not Every Day Will Be Relaxing
This summer, I'm letting go of...
What is something that you'd be better off reducing or eliminating?
Control
Social Media
Comparing Myself to Others
Unrealistic Expectations
Predictability
An Example Definition of Summer Wellbeing
"This summer, I want to prioritize saving money, so I am letting go of feeling the need to take an expensive vacation and I'm going to enjoy my peaceful surroundings at home." - You
Make as many definitions as you need to cover all your summer goals and conquer your expectations.
