As the summer sun shines bright, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of family activities. But amidst all the fun, have you thought about what happens when the kids go back to school? If you’re planning to return to your professional career, kick your job search into high gear, or pivot to your potential, now is the perfect time to start planning. Let’s add some targets to your "Summer Bucket List"!
Your Summer Bucket List
You probably have goals for the family, like a day at the beach or helping Johnny with his math skills. But what about goals for yourself? Our "Summer Bucket List" is designed specifically for moms like you, who are gearing up to return to work and want to make the most out of this summer.
What is the Summer Bucket List?
Our Summer Bucket List is more than just a to-do list. It’s a personalized action plan to help you achieve your goals. We’ve broken it down into four key areas:
Tasks for Prepping My Family: Ensure your family is ready for the new routine.
Ask yourself:
"What I Always Wanted to Do Prior to My Return?": Fulfill personal aspirations you've been putting off.
"For Me to Be Ready?": Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the transition.
"What Do I Need to skillUP In?: Identify and work on areas where you need to improve your skills.
Setting S.M.A.R.T Goals
Setting goals is crucial, but setting S.M.A.R.T. goals can make all the difference. S.M.A.R.T. goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These criteria help you create clear, realistic, and attainable objectives, increasing your chances of success.
For example:
Specific: I want to update my resume and LinkedIn profile.
Measurable: I will spend 2 hours each week on this task.
Achievable: I can do this by dedicating time during my kids’ nap times or after they go to bed.
Relevant: Updating my resume and LinkedIn profile will help me in my job search.
Time-bound: I will complete this by the end of July.
Read more from the Forbes article about S.M.A.R.T Goals https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/smart-goals/ .
Expand on Each Box in the PDF
1. Tasks for Prepping My Family:
Example: Create a new family schedule to balance work and home life.
Example: Take time now while the kiddo's are home to build their self-sufficiency skills in lunch-making and key aspects to ensure smooth mornings come fall!
Example: Arrange playdates or activities for the kids during your work hours.
2. What I Always Wanted to Do Prior to My Return?
Example: Take a short course on a hobby you love.
Example: Plan a solo day trip to refresh and rejuvenate.
3. For Me to Be Ready?
Note: our workUP Series covers the tactical items pitch/resume/interview
Example: Start a morning routine that includes exercise and meditation.
Example: Set up a dedicated workspace at home.
4. What Do I Need to skillUP In?
Example: Take an online course related to your field. See options we love...
Example: Attend webinars or workshops to stay updated with industry trends.
How S.M.A.R.T Goals Are Used in the Workplace
S.M.A.R.T. goals are widely used in the workplace for performance appraisals. They help employees set clear and achievable targets, which can be tracked and measured over time. Practicing setting S.M.A.R.T. goals with your Summer Bucket List will not only help you prepare for your return to work but also give you a head start in using these techniques in a professional setting.
A bucket list can be used to motivate and inspire you to achieve more. Walk through our PDF, fill in each aspect, make sure you incorporate all aspects of the acronym and once you get started, you'll start to understand why it’s important.
Now is the time to focus on yourself and craft your #returntowork journey.