Fixed, Firm, and Flexible: How to Plan for Summer (Without Losing Your Mind)
The weather’s finally getting nicer 🌞 and if you're anything like me, summer weekends are already starting to fill up before you've had a second to think about what you actually want to do.
In the supply chain world, we talk about production schedules being Flexible, Firm or Fixed.
Flexible: Plans that are ideas, dreams, maybes—they're a placeholder, not a contract.
Firm: Plans that are set but can still shift a little with enough notice.
Fixed: Plans that are locked—you're committed, non-negotiable.
And honestly? Real life could use a little more of this structure.
🧠 Why This Matters
Summer gets busy fast. Between vacations, weddings, projects, and everyday life, it’s easy to wake up in September and realize you never actually did the things you cared about most.
Taking a few minutes now to intentionally map out your Fixed, Firm, and Flexible plans can save you a ton of stress later—and help you protect your time for what really matters.
📅 How You Could Try It
1. Create a Shared Place:
A shared family or household calendar, a group chat, a whiteboard. Somewhere everyone can toss out their “want to do” ideas before the season fills itself.
2. Decide on Your Categories:
Use color coding or simple labels:
🟢 Flexible: "Would be fun if it works out" (e.g., farmers’ market visits, patio nights)
🔵 Firm: "Let's keep it open, but adjustable" (e.g., BBQ at a friend's place, a beach day)
🔴 Fixed: "No ifs, ands, or buts" (e.g., your sister’s wedding, a booked vacation)
3. Communicate What's What:
Help everyone understand what can move—and what can't—so you’re not renegotiating every week.
😬 What If This Stresses You Out?
If thinking this far ahead makes you itchy or gives you hives (you know who you are 😄), here’s an alternative:
Pick just one fixed thing each month.
Something you know you’ll be glad you did. Let everything else stay loose.Pick one Fixed weekend to do absolutely nothing
Don’t overcommit yourself! Make sure you have one (or two) recharge weekends to enjoy the lazy days of summer.
A little structure gives you freedom. It’s not about over-planning your life—it’s about making room for what matters before everything else eats up your time.
🛠 Try This Today (Just 5 Minutes):
Open your calendar or notes app.
Pick one thing you really want to do this summer.
Label it: Flexible, Firm, or Fixed.
Share it with someone you love.
That’s it. First move made. ☀️
🆕 New This Week: AI Without the Overwhelm
Each week, I’ll share one AI tool, course, or small upgrade I’m loving—something that’s helping me (and hopefully you) work a little smarter, not just harder.
This week’s pick:
📬 "AI for Non-Technical CXOs" — a free 15-day email course that introduces simple, real-world ways to understand and use AI (without getting lost in buzzwords or code). You don’t need to be an executive for this - it’s great for anyone curious about AI.
I’ve already recommended it to three people last week alone, so I figured it was time to share it here too. Whether you’re leading a team, managing projects, or just curious about how AI can make everyday life smoother, it’s a super easy, no-pressure way to start.
You can check it out here: LINK
