After more than 10 years of schooling, I have come to the conclusion that summer productivity does not exist. The shining sun and warm weather with no pressing deadlines become a recipe for Netflix and beach time. Before school lets out, I make myself a nice looking schedule to help myself prepare for the next school year courses. Without fail, every summer I find myself either holed up in my room watching Korean drama or hanging out with friends.

Growing up, my father always had expectations for summer productivity. He enforced household chores and studying for the SATs. After a while, his expectation became to work hard at an academic subject over the summer. Doing this every year has made me more conscious whenever I spend time watching TV shows and other non-professional activities. For me, there is no deciding whether or not I should be productive over the summer. It’s a matter of how productive I am.

In an attempt to be more productive this summer, I plan to write out a loose schedule. Last summer, I wrote a strict two-week schedule. It was too difficult to follow. Perhaps it has something to do with my terrible sense of motivation and commitment. Before this school year ends, I will write another plan. This time, I’m going to try another method to increase summer productivity.

First, I now consider learning any skill as productivity.

Next, I want to make a realistic and fun list of things I want to learn. Every summer, I make a list that is too extensive. This summer, I plan to learn how to crochet a stuffed animal, train to run a 5k marathon, watch organic chemistry khan academy videos, and learn two classical piano pieces. I realized that I could always add to my list after I finished.

What about you? What is your summer activity like? What things would you like to learn? In September, I’ll let you know if I accomplished my list!