As we enter the home stretch of summer, the list of things I plan to tackle once the kids go back to school has grown. Surprise, surprise, right?

While it’s only natural that we prioritize a slower pace and more family time together during the summer, there’s a big difference between taking an intentional pause versus punting on our to-do list. And it can quickly become a slippery slope if we’re not careful.

It’s natural to wait to do things until motivation strikes or the time seems right.

The problem with this approach is that’s not how life usually works.

Taking action is where you’ll find motivation – not the other way around.

Thinking about all the things you’re going to do in the future can feel productive. But when those thoughts don’t result in you taking action, that high level thinking might actually be hiding the fact that you’re really procrastinating. And as a planner both personally and professionally, I’m quite familiar with that model myself!

So what’s my advice if you find yourself in a similar situation?

Just start.

It doesn’t matter what it is or how small the action might be. 

To get unstuck, remind yourself that all you need to do is start.

When you focus on putting one foot in front of the other and work incrementally toward your goals, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.