Summer Project Fatigue


Posted by Julie Larsen on 06 Jun 2012 / 4 Comments


Yes, you read that title correctly. It is June 6th, and I already feel like I am suffering from summer project fatigue. I can name lots of reasons — the office hasn’t really slowed down, unexpected events, needing to cover for folks out on vacation — the list goes on. But, if I were to be truly honest with myself, one big reason I am already experiencing fatigue is distraction. When I start summer, I am always excited to begin updating manuals, purging files, and planning for the next year. (Truly.) But, after the first week, my plan to conquer the project list seems to have several holes, there are new projects that have made their way onto the list, and students that still want to see an advisor over the summer. It is at this moment, when I feel bit lost in my plan, overwhelmed in tasks, and begin refusing to talk about August. (It is still 50+ days away! I will savor the days!)

In one of my moments of distraction I found this video, and while it made me chuckle, the strategy presented did not seem all that feasible for my work environment.

So, I am turning to you my Student Affairs friends — how do you deal with summer project fatigue? What are your strategies for avoiding the big distractions and keeping your eyes on the prize?

Written by Julie Larsen


  • http://twitter.com/ammamarfo Amma Marfo

    So glad someone wrote about this! I found myself about two weeks ago, despite an otherwise slow schedule, panicked out of my mind. The sheer volume of list items that we push to summer was overwhelming me. But placing priority on them, delegating the progress of some of it to students, and being able to let go if some of the more exorbitant “wish list” projects fell by the wayside.

    Best of luck to you!

    • Julie Larsen

       Amma — thanks for sharing! Like you said, it’s good to know others have a similar experience.

  • RichardLAnderson
  • http://www.alumnichoose.org/ tomkrieglstein

    Some questions to help define the problem better…

    1) Are your goals for the summer clearly defined?
    2) Do you not have enough time in the date for your task list?
    3) When you focus on a project can you shut everything else out?
    4) Do you need to take part in those “other” projects?
    5) Is summer make you just want to go outside and frolic? Can you for an hour and come back recharged?

    Ideas…

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