
Summer break. For young adults, it’s a time to breathe, reset, and have some fun. But it can also be a season where momentum slows, structure fades, and motivation takes a back seat.
If you’re a high school student (or a parent of one), you’ve probably heard the phrase “summer slide.” I believe summer doesn’t have to be a setback, it can be a launchpad.
Here’s how we help young adults stay motivated and moving forward, without robbing them of their well-earned downtime:
- Set One Personal Goal: Not five. Not ten. Just one.
Maybe it’s learning a new skill, picking up a book series, saving for a dream item, or improving your fitness. The key? Clarity + Consistency. Summer success starts with something you care about and a little progress each day.
💡 Tip: Write it down. Put it somewhere visible. Watch what happens.
- Keep a Loose Routine: We’re not talking about military wake-up calls here! Just a light rhythm to your days that includes time for growth (like reading or practicing a skill), time for connection (with friends or mentors), and of course, time to recharge.
Structure doesn’t kill fun—it fuels it.
- Use Technology with Intention: Social media and streaming services are great until they become black holes. Flip the script. Use the same phone or device to:
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- Track your goals
- Listen to motivational podcasts
- Join a virtual workshop
- Stay in touch with mentors or accountability buddies
Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s a tool. The power is in how you use it.
- Get Involved in Something Bigger: Find a way to volunteer, intern, coach, or contribute. Purpose fuels passion. When young people feel they matter, when they know their actions create impact that’s real motivation.
It also builds confidence, connections, and character. All the good stuff.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Progress in the summer looks different. It’s not about grades, it’s about growth. Be sure to celebrate the little things; waking up early, finishing a book, helping a sibling, sticking to a routine.
Motivation isn’t something we find. It’s something we build, one win at a time.
Neville De Lucia is the founder of the Dale Carnegie Young Adult Initiative at Dale Carnegie Greater Carolinas. At Dale Carnegie, we believe in building confident, connected young adults who lead with empathy and communicate with purpose. Our Generation.Next summer programs give students real tools for real life—skills that help them lead themselves before they lead others.
Because here’s the truth: 🔥 Summer isn’t a pause—it’s a preparation. 🔥
Let’s help the next generation make the most of it.