Summer Bucket List: Fun (and Useful) Things to Do When It’s Quiet

Jul 24

3 min read

0

3

0

Summer can feel like a weird in-between season when you run your own business. One minute you're flat out, the next you're wondering if anyone's still online. Clients are away, the usual rhythm is off, and your motivation might be taking a bit of a sun-soaked nap too.

But here’s the thing: quieter months aren’t a problem - they’re an opportunity.

This is the time to slow down without stopping completely. To do the things that fill your cup and support your growth. So if you’ve found yourself with a bit of unexpected breathing space, here’s your ultimate summer bucket list - part playful, part productive, and totally FMBO-friendly.

1. Refresh Your Brand Photos

If you haven’t updated your headshots or brand imagery in over a year, now’s the time.

You don’t need a full-on brand shoot. Grab a mate (or your tripod), find some good light, and take a few relaxed photos of you doing your thing - working, walking, sipping iced coffee, laughing in your natural habitat.

You’ll be so glad to have fresh images ready when autumn hits and you're back in visibility mode.

2. Go to a Café With Your Laptop (Just Because)

Working for yourself means you get to choose how your workday looks. So why not change the scenery?

Spend a morning in your favourite café with no real pressure. Catch up on admin, jot down your ideas for Q4, or just enjoy a slow coffee while planning the next phase of your growth.

It’s amazing how much clarity comes from stepping out of your usual space.

3. Start That Book You've Been Putting Off

Yes, we’re including actual reading on this list - because learning and inspiration count as productivity too.

Pick a book that feeds your creativity, challenges your thinking, or reminds you why you started. Bonus points if you pair it with sunshine, a cold drink, and absolutely no notifications.

Some summer faves to try:

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
Company of One by Paul Jarvis
Do Pause by Robert Poynton
Anything by Emma Gannon or Natalie Lue

4. Clean Up Your Digital Life

Unsexy but SO satisfying.

Clear out your Canva folders
Unsubscribe from email lists that no longer serve you
File your downloads folder (finally)
Audit your Instagram bio, highlight covers, or pinned posts
Update your offerings or services page

Treat it like a mini summer reset. Future you will thank you when things get busy again.

5. Check In With Your Contacts

Use the quieter energy to genuinely connect. Pop into your favourite group or community space (hi Collective!), reply to someone’s story, or reach out to a fellow founder for a virtual coffee.

You don’t need a strategy - just start a conversation. The best opportunities often come from genuine connection, not forced networking.

6. Summer Productivity - Do Absolutely Nothing (and Feel Good About It)

Last but not least: you’re allowed to rest.

There is no prize for being the busiest person on Instagram in August. Rest is productive. Slowness is strategic. And taking time to recalibrate is often what leads to the biggest breakthroughs later.

Give yourself permission to nap, daydream, read, walk, doodle, or stare out the window if that’s what you need.