Summer is the time of the year that seems to breed possibilities. It’s in these warm months that you make promises to yourself to go through with those things we always wanted to do. You may compile a list of things you would like to do over the summer in the months preceding, telling yourself that you will indeed find the time to do them. But do you actually do these things?

Unfortunately, more often than not, summer comes to a close and you are left disappointed that most of what you had wanted to do went undone.

So what are those promises you made to yourself?

Perhaps you told yourself that you wanted to dedicate ample time this summer to hiking several trails with beautiful lookout spots and peaceful waterfalls. Hiking has become a popular leisure activity for many, and you have grown sick of reading about it on Facebook; you want to take in the sights for yourself and make your own memories of the trek to the top. So put away the excuses and set out on the adventure you had been waiting to do for so long now. Educate yourself on the trails before going (or don’t if you’re really in for an adventure), pack a bag, and hit the road!

If you’re not much of a hiker and prefer to spend your summer days cozied up at home, maybe you have a list of books or films you would like to spend time with.

Many who find pleasure in the pages of a book are the same breed, always searching for their next read. These same people, though, often have a plethora of other responsibilities that hinder them from tearing through two novels in a month. That is why readers make lists.

If you’re a reader you know this holds true. You are constantly asking around about good books to read, asking friends, family, maybe even coworkers. With each addition to the list, readers grow anxious to delve into these books and lose themselves in the story. Preoccupied with other things, you tend to forget about these lists for a time until summer nears. As these months draw closer, you tell yourself that you’ll finally have time to dedicate yourself to these books you have been longing to read.

So yes, here it is, the time to bury your face in a good book. Find peace of mind in the work of the classics, or the more contemporary pieces of literature. Whatever it is you enjoy, make the time to seriously enjoy it!

Like bookworms, film fanatics are also keen on making lists. Their lists include those films they have yet to see, whether blockbuster hits, independent flicks, or unique documentaries. Although it may seem uncanny to spend a summer watching movies, sometimes it’s good to escape the heat and revel in the cool air awarded by the air conditioner. Further, the warm days and nights are good for rain showers, which are perfect days to cuddle up with popcorn and binge watch those films you set your sights on.

It’s hard not to fall into watching your favorite films over and over, yet you should challenge yourself to resist the urge, for you’ll be much happier in the end when you’ve checked several films off your list.

Perhaps you are not interested in hitting the trails and trudging through tough terrain, or burning through novels or films. Maybe you’re more interested in the outdoor social scene. That is, visiting the hip local bars and restaurants that have sprouted up in your neck of the woods. This is especially true for city dwellers.

There seem to be pop-up beer gardens filled with the newest tastes of craft beer and specialty food trucks that reek of deliciousness flooding every street corner. People are flocking to these sites, eager to experience the craze for themselves and you’re more than willing to participate. You can’t bear the thought of missing out; you fear it more than anything (otherwise known as FOMO).

So enough hanging around those local spots where the bartenders know your name and drink, get out and go to the places where you’ll meet new bartenders and enjoy a beverage out of your comfort zone. Enjoy the food that comes from the trucks and appreciates the gourmet look and taste that it exudes. You’ll be sure to have a great time and will likely try more places like it.

Make this the summer that you follow through on your plans. Don’t let another one pass you by and be left at the end with regrets. Don’t allow yourself to fall short. Don’t be left with feelings of disappointment for never hiking that trail, reading that book, seeing that film, or paying a visit to that new bar or trying that food truck. Don’t settle for less than you had planned for. Better yet, don’t settle for less than you had hoped for.