I used to let summer slip by in a haze of lazy days and bad habits. What if this year, we made it about more than just getting a tan? What if we made it about real, lasting growth?
Summer has a special kind of magic. The days are longer, the sun feels warmer, and there’s a sense of possibility in the air. But it's easy to let that magic fade into mindless scrolling, late nights, and a general feeling of being stuck. I know because I’ve been there. For years, my summers were a cycle of gaming, overeating, and feeling sluggish. I was waiting for motivation to strike, but it never did.
Change didn't happen overnight. It happened when I decided to be intentional. It started with one small choice, then another. Those small choices eventually led me to lose over 110 pounds, build a life I’m proud of, and find a deeper purpose in my faith. This summer, I invite you to be intentional with me. Let’s trade a few empty hours for activities that fill us up from the inside out.
Why a 'Growth' Bucket List?
A typical bucket list is about doing things. A growth bucket list is about becoming someone. It’s not about adding more pressure to your life. It’s about choosing activities that challenge you, nourish your spirit, and connect you to what truly matters.
Think of it as an investment. You’re investing this time and energy into your future self. The person you’ll be in September will thank you for the small seeds of growth you plant today. This isn't about a dramatic transformation in two months. It’s about building small, positive habits that create momentum for the rest of the year.
20 Ideas for Your Summer Growth Bucket List
Don't feel like you have to do all 20. Pick two or three that genuinely excite you or challenge you in a good way. The goal is to start, not to finish some imaginary race.
-
Start a Prayer Journal. Instead of just saying your prayers, write them down. Write down your hopes, your worries, and your praises. It’s a powerful way to see how God is working in your life over time.
-
Read a Biography of an Inspiring Person. Pick a saint, a historical figure, or someone you admire. Learning about their struggles and triumphs can give you incredible perspective on your own.
-
Visit a Monastery or a Beautiful Old Church. There is a profound peace in places dedicated to worship. Go, sit in silence, and just be present. It’s a wonderful way to quiet the noise of the world.
-
Go for a Sunrise or Sunset Walk. Witnessing the beauty of God's creation at the start or end of the day is humbling. It reminds you of something bigger than your own daily schedule.
-
Master One Healthy Recipe. Forget trying to overhaul your entire diet. Just pick one nutritious meal you’d like to eat more often and learn to cook it perfectly.
-
Plant a Small Herb Garden. Even if it’s just a pot of basil on your windowsill. Tending to something and watching it grow is a simple lesson in patience and care.
-
Write a Handwritten Letter. In a world of instant messages, a thoughtful letter is a treasure. Write to a friend, a grandparent, or someone who has made a difference in your life.
-
Volunteer for a Day. Serve a meal at a local shelter, help out at a church event, or clean up a local park. Shifting the focus from yourself to others is one of the fastest ways to find joy.
-
Complete a Small DIY Project. Fix that wobbly chair, paint a picture frame, or organize your closet. Finishing a tangible task with your hands brings a unique sense of accomplishment.
-
Learn a Practical Skill from an Elder. Ask your dad to show you how to change a tire or your grandma to teach you her famous baking recipe. These are skills and memories that last a lifetime.
-
Memorize a Favorite Psalm or Bible Verse. Choose one that speaks to you and commit it to memory. Having God’s word in your heart is a source of strength you can carry anywhere.
-
Host a Screen-Free Dinner. Invite friends over and ask everyone to put their phones in a basket. You’ll be amazed at how the quality of conversation changes.
-
Forgive Someone. This is a tough one, but it’s one of the most freeing things you can do for your soul. It might mean writing a letter you never send or simply making a conscious decision in your heart to let go of a grudge.
-
Start a Gratitude Jar. Every day, write down one thing you’re thankful for on a small piece of paper and put it in a jar. On a tough day, you can pull a few out as a reminder of your blessings. This simple habit was a game-changer for me.
-
Try a Digital Detox for 24 Hours. No phone, no computer, no TV. It will feel strange at first, but it creates space for reading, thinking, and connecting with the people right in front of you.
-
Learn to Identify 5 Local Birds or Trees. Pay attention to the creation around you. It’s a simple way to feel more grounded and connected to your local environment.
-
Take an Online Course on a Topic You're Genuinely Curious About. Not for a grade, not for your resume, but just for the joy of learning something new.
-
Schedule a Weekly Call with a Family Member. Don’t just wait for the holidays. Be the one to initiate a regular connection with someone you love.
-
Create a "Win of the Day" List. Before bed, write down one small thing you did well that day. Maybe you resisted a snack, went for a walk when you didn’t feel like it, or were patient in traffic. Celebrating small wins builds momentum for big changes.
-
Spend 15 Minutes in Quiet Reflection Each Morning. Before the day gets chaotic, find a quiet spot. You can pray, read a short passage from the Bible, or simply sit in silence and offer your day to God. It sets a peaceful and purposeful tone for everything that follows.
Making It Happen Without the Pressure
The point of this list isn’t to overwhelm you. It’s to inspire you. Pick just one thing. Seriously, just one.
If you choose to try a new recipe, focus only on that. Don’t worry about the rest. If you choose to start a prayer journal, just commit to writing one sentence a day. Consistency is far more powerful than intensity.
My journey of losing over 110 pounds didn’t happen because of one heroic effort. It happened because I made one small good choice, and then another, day after day. It was the sum of thousands of small, unglamorous decisions that led to a new life.
Your growth journey will be the same. It’s built on small, faithful steps.
So, what will it be? Look at the list again. Which idea sparks a little something in you?
What’s the one small step you can take this week to make this summer different?
