The beach is calling, but so is your future. Three ways to level up your summer and live with intention. (7/5/25)

Beach bodies, exotic trips, and lounging by the pool.

Sand, surf and sun.

It's summer time. 

The weather is heating up. 

The kids are out of school.

Social media tells the story.

The idea that we should all take a break from life.

Relax. 

Have some fun. 

You only live once.

With each scroll you feel like you are ready for that true summer vacation.

The average person lives (and spends) like there is only today.

America is particularly in tune with what it means to consume. 

Spending is what drives the economy, right?

Traveling is required to let your mind and body relax.

Rest and recharge.

Take a break.

It is all fun and games until the American Express bill comes due.

It is a thrill, until it's not.

This is how I used to live, until I discovered a better way to enjoy my life while turning summer fun days into opportunities to fuel my biggest goals.

Here are three ideas to enjoy your summer while building your business and creating a life you love.

1. Be intentional with each day.

Getting up early and having a plan for each day becomes even more important during the summer.

Although this does not mean you must get up at 5am, it does mean that the more intentional you can be about your mornings, the more traction you will build while your peers are sleeping in and taking a break.

Learn to set aside at least one hour for deep work every morning, and increase the habit of focused work that builds your business. 

- Avoid checking your phone or opening social media until your deep work is done.

- Pick one project and work on it until it is completed. Then choose another project.

- Create a dedicated space in your home where you can minimize distractions. 

- Make this process a game by treating yourself to something you enjoy, after your deep work is completed.

- Finish your deep work before your morning workout.

- Finish your deep work before breakfast.

As you take control of your schedule, you can add in additional work blocks that fit your schedule. 

Do this consistently over time, and you will find that your business will grow and you will have more peace in your day.

2. Intentionally plan your vacations.

My husband and I are coming up on 28 years married, and over the past few years we have adopted a new way of looking at vacations and fun time. 

This simple hack has revolutionized our relationship.

We set rules around vacations.

Here are our rules.

1. Schedule quarterly mini vacations.

2. Never miss weekly date night (or date day).

3. Include the kids.

In our home, quarterly vacations are already on the calendar for the entire year. We set aside 3-5 days each quarter (destination to be determined), and typically we will choose weekdays to avoid traffic.

Many times we pick local destinations that are unique, such as a train trip from San Diego to San Luis Obisbo or Santa Barbara. You can also expand these vacations to world travel.

The planner in the family picks the place to stay, a few activities, and reservations at the best restaurant in the location.

Leave open space in the schedule to allow for spontaneity and variety.

Mini trips can create the most memorable times for you and your partner.

You can choose which trips will include the children or even other family members.

This strategy is designed to create even deeper family relationships. 

Don't worry if things don't go right every time. 

The plan doesn't have to work perfectly for it to be considered a success.

Date night is essential to build a strong relationship.

Spice up your relationship with unique date nights and make this a weekly routine.

Set aside a specific evening (or afternoon) each week and put it on the calendar.

Pick different restaurants each week or do something different, such as an afternoon hike, bowling, or an escape room with the family.

If you are new to date night, start with something simple such as inviting your partner out for a nice dinner, and scheduling the sitter for the children.

For those who are single, consider creating your own date night. 

Whether that is a special dinner out for just you, or inviting a friend, set this time aside as a sacred space to recharge and refresh.

Including the kids has many benefits.

Although this may seem somewhat like a contrarian point of view based on societal shifts, children need time with their mom and dad. 

Femininity and masculinity are back in style.

Studies show that when children are exposed to healthy family relationships, they have a higher chance of finding success in their own relationships, and are more likely to live a well rounded life, building wealth in the process.

For those who are single or have no children, consider building relationships with your nieces and nephews.

For single parents, you can bridge the gap simply by dedicating time to your children that has an intentional structure.

No phones. 

Make it fun. 

Schedule regular activities with the kids. 

The benefits of including the children in your weekly activities will have long lasting affects on them, and positive affect on you.

3.  Create a network that includes people that are one step ahead of you in business.

Just this week I spent time in a mastermind with high performers from across the globe in a private suite overlooking San Diego.

Not only did I have that one breakthrough that will catapult my business to the next level, I also contributed to the journey of others, opening up breakthroughs for them. 

This packed day of learning and growing was followed by an evening on a private yacht, where the depth of conversations entered a new level.

In environments like this, amazing things can happen that not only open up business opportunities, but also to expand your way of thinking and believing. 

It is easy to think that we must do everything on our own, but this is far from the truth.

The truth is that magic happens when you are plugged in with other people.

Your capacity expands. 

Your limiting beliefs begin to fade. 

You see new perspectives. 

You discover a fresh way of seeing life, business, and family. 

When you learn to be intentional with your time and relationships, you can create the life you truly want.

It is a way of life that may or may not include a summer filled with sand, surf, and sun.

It doesn't have to fit anyone else's model.

Choose the path that works for you and continue to fuel your biggest goals.