Summer Goal Setting: Staying Motivated Throughout the Summer

Summer is here—a season of warmth, light, and endless possibility. At Southlake, we believe summer is the perfect time to breathe fresh life into your dreams and intentions. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and set goals that spark joy and keep you feeling alive and inspired.

But let’s be honest—staying motivated in the summer can be tricky. The days are long, the sun is bright, and sometimes it’s hard to stay focused when all you want to do is relax and soak up the fun. That’s where summer goal setting comes in!

When you take the time to create clear goals—especially with goal setting examples that light you up—you’re giving yourself a gift. 

You’re saying: “I deserve to grow, even in the sunniest, laziest days of the year.” And trust us: with the right energy and mindset, goal setting can feel as refreshing as a cool swim on a hot day.

Let’s dive in and explore how summer goal setting, and using practical goal setting examples, can keep you feeling motivated and inspired all season long.

What is goal setting with an example?

Goal setting is about naming your dreams—big or small—and creating a path to make them real. It’s taking that hazy idea in your mind and turning it into something solid you can reach for, step by step.

Here’s a simple example of goal setting:
Imagine you’ve been feeling stressed and want to add more movement to your days. Instead of saying, “I want to exercise more,” you create a clear goal: “I want to go for a 30-minute walk every weekday morning for the next two months.”

This is one of those goal setting examples that takes something vague and turns it into a real, achievable plan. You’ve got a clear action, a time frame, and a measure of success.

At Southlake, we love seeing people turn their summer dreams into goal setting examples like this one. Whether it’s exercising more, reading a book a week, or finally starting that creative project you’ve been putting off, turning your dreams into clear goals is the first step to making them happen.

What are 5 smart goals examples?

When we talk about goal setting examples, we often turn to the SMART goals framework—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This structure can turn your summer wishes into powerful action plans.

Here are 5 SMART goals examples to get you feeling excited and motivated this summer:

1. Read 3 books by the end of August
   Instead of just saying, “I want to read more,” this goal setting example gets specific. It’s measurable, achievable, relevant to your personal growth, and has a clear deadline.

    

2. Go for a 20-minute walk every day after dinner for the next 6 weeks
   A simple yet powerful goal setting example for your physical and mental health. It’s all about small, steady steps that build up over time.

    

3. Declutter one room in your house each month this summer
   This is one of those goal setting examples that’s achievable and satisfying. By breaking a big project into smaller parts, you make it feel less overwhelming and more doable.

    

4. Take a digital detox weekend once a month
   This goal setting example helps you carve out more time for rest, creativity, and connection, which is especially important in the busy summer season.

    

5. Cook a new recipe every week until September
   This goal setting example combines fun and learning. It’s a chance to try something new and infuse your summer meals with excitement!

    

These goal setting examples show how small, clear intentions can become anchors of motivation and joy. When you write your own summer goals in this way, you’re creating a roadmap that makes you feel alive and energized.

What is the best example of a goal?

When it comes to goal setting examples, the “best” example is one that lights you up inside. It’s the goal that makes your heart beat a little faster, the one that fills you with excitement and purpose.

Here’s one of our favorite goal setting examples at Southlake:

 “I want to spend one hour every Sunday planning something that brings me joy and peace—like a picnic with friends, a solo hike, or a creative project.”

Why is this one so powerful? Because it’s personal, heartfelt, and speaks directly to what makes summer feel special. It’s about weaving more of what matters into your life, and that’s what makes it such a beautiful goal setting example.

The best goal setting examples are the ones that make you feel like you’re moving in the direction of your own values and dreams. They’re the goals that bring more laughter, learning, and love into your days.

What are the 5 goal setting steps?

When it comes to creating your own summer goal setting examples, following these five simple steps can make all the difference:

1. Dream it up
   Start by imagining what you want to bring into your life this summer. Let yourself be curious and excited. What would make this summer feel magical and meaningful to you?

    

2. Write it down
   Putting your goals on paper is like planting a seed—it gives them a place to grow. Write your goal setting examples in a journal, on your phone, or anywhere you’ll see them often.

    

3. Make it specific
   Vague goals are easy to forget. Turn them into crystal-clear goal setting examples that include what you’ll do, how you’ll measure it, and when you’ll get it done.

    

4. Break it down
   Big dreams can feel overwhelming, so break them into small, doable steps. This makes your goal setting examples feel like fun, exciting challenges instead of chores.

    

5. Celebrate along the way
   Every step counts. Take a moment to celebrate your progress, even if it’s just a small step forward. A summer filled with little celebrations is a summer well-lived!

    

At Southlake, we know that these five steps can turn any summer intention into a set of goal setting examples that light up your days and keep you feeling connected to what matters most.

Closing Thoughts

Summer is a season of possibility, and setting goals can make it feel even more vibrant and full of life. By using these goal setting examples—whether it’s reading more, moving your body, or creating more time for connection—you’re giving yourself permission to grow in ways that bring you joy.

Remember: goal setting isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself, one small step at a time. It’s about saying, “I deserve to dream. I deserve to feel alive. I deserve to chase the things that light me up.”

At Southlake, we’re here to remind you that you’re capable of creating a summer that feels exciting, inspiring, and true to who you are. So let’s get dreaming, let’s get moving—and let’s make this summer one you’ll never forget.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got you. Here’s to a season of setting goals that make your heart sing.