If you need an excuse to take a vacation – a real, phones-off-laptops-closed break from work – here’s one. OK three, actually.
I’m there with you. And will take my own advice soon enough. But for now, let’s talk about how to set in motion actionables for yourself (and your team) so your brain can rest as much as your physical and digital self should.
Summer Action #1: Reflect
When the temps soar, I know it’s time to open my journal and unload. Because if I don’t, those thoughts will go nowhere and help no one – and I’ll likely forget how I felt and why. So don’t underestimate how important it is to prioritize reflection, especially right before you allow yourself a needed break from work.
What you reflect on can run the table. I suggest focusing on:
- How did you meet your deadlines, and what structures did you have in place that allowed for it?
- At what point in the last six months did you feel your messaging or campaign was a big hit, and why? How could that become repeatable or templatable?
- When did you feel overwhelmed? Compare that to when you felt like you were just as busy, but totally in flow. What was the difference?
- What do you wish you’d gotten done/started earlier in the year?
- What do you wish you would’ve known about your strategies six months ago, and how can you help your future self plan for (or take advantage of) a similar situation?
Now that you’ve reflected on what’s stored in your brain, move on to what’s stored on your drive. We all have that one folder filled with outdated messaging – revisit it. Examine it with fresh eyes.
Ask yourself:
- What story did you used to tell, and why?
- What worked, and what didn’t?
- What language, cadence, typography, tagline, etc. permeated your org, and how far have you come since?
Then, write about it. Speak about it. And the next time you need a go-to speech, you’ve got one. This is perfect fodder for future presentations, board meetings, and conferences you’re invited to speak at. Or, at the very least, used to inspire others through your personal social media posts.
Summer Action #2: Recycle and Republish
After years of watching trends, I’ve noticed that more often than not, certain folks are more online during the summer months than during the rest of the year, and the way they scroll is more leisurely. So why not capture (or re-capture) them with your very best? Recycle high-performing posts from the past two quarters and republish. Here’s what that looks like:
- Find your social analytics and sort for engagement. I suggest setting the date parameters for at least 3 months back, but you could choose January 2026 as well.
- You’ve already vetted and okayed everything previously posted with your team, so you avoid that endless summer editing cycle while your social manager is away at a family reunion. Or your big boss is unreachable (as they should be) camping in the mountains. You get to simply choose and take action.
- Using the analytics you just pulled and sorted, make a chart and get ready to start cutting, pasting, and making any date or relevant changes needed to the hooks or text.
- Schedule weeks worth of posts.
- Turn on your out-of-office reply, and turn off your device!
Summer Action #3: Compost for Growth
Prep for what’s next. For growth.
This goes for hard copies, old merch, lapsed comms, and even outdated messaging.
What can be transformed or used in a new capacity? A different purpose?
Here are a few examples:
- Revisit strategy docs! Sometimes, composting is all you need, not a complete re-do. Set aside some time – maybe an afternoon – and re-workshop what you’ve got. This is a perfect opportunity to tap someone from the outside to provide their neutral but informed feedback.
- If communication with a former collaborator or volunteer has lapsed because you were out of alignment, but you still value the relationship, use this time for a fresh start. Invite curiosity. Say, “hey, I was just reflecting on (mention something they participated in or asked about), and was wondering if you’d like to chat sometime this summer over coffee.” And then see what happens. Chances are they’re open to new ideas, too.
- Old merch is gold for long-time donor gifts. Start a simple summer campaign by leaning into nostalgia. Limited supply, once they’re gone, they’re (truly) gone!
And if – during your reflecting, recycling, and composting process this summer – you find yourself rejuvenated and excited to make use of the space you’ve cleared, I’d love to help you discover even more value in what you’ve unearthed and the space you’re growing into. Let’s chat.
Wishing you rest and meaningful time away,
DSB
