It’s mid-August, which means the end of summer is approaching. I’ve heard more than a few people say they didn’t have enough time to do the fun things they planned on doing this summer, whether it’s going to the beach, taking a vacation, hosting a movie night, etc. Instead they are pining away for what could have been. I’m here to say, “Snap out of it!” We’ve got a few weeks left so let’s make the most it.

First things first, go make your summer list. Yes, make a list of all your favorite summertime activities—swimming, barbecuing, road-tripping, dancing in the sprinklers with your kids—whatever it is, write it down. You’re much more likely to accomplish a goal if it’s written down. And yes, enjoying the rest of the summer is now one of your goals. If you’re having trouble, let me offer you a sample list:

1. Make a playlist on your iPod with all your favorite summer-themed songs. They can be songs that are actually about summer or just songs that remind you of past summer memories. My personal playlist includes:

“Doin’ Time” by Sublime
“In the Summertime” by Jerry Mungro
“Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
“The Boys of Summer” covered by The Ataris
“Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams
“Summer Love” by Justin Timberlake
“Surf Wax America” by Weezer

2. Go to the beach. Do it. Go now. If you live in southern California there’s no excuse. Pick an afternoon and go to the beach. Put it on the calendar. Think of it as an appointment you can’t miss. If you can make time to spend all day there, that’s great. But if you’re pressed for time, a few hours should fill the summer beach void. Grab a friend, a beach towel, a book, some snacks and park it on the sand. It’s amazing how much better you’ll feel.

3. Speaking of snacks…head to the local grocery store and stock your fridge and freezer with all your favorite cold summer treats. I suggest fresh fruit, popsicles, rocky road ice cream, and ice cream cookie sandwiches. If you don’t have time to throw a bbq, a great alternative is inviting some friends over summer desserts. Sitting on the porch with friends and a big bowl of sweet watermelon sounds good right about now, doesn’t it?

4. Catch an outdoor movie or concert. I personally love a good drive-in movie theater. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many left, so it’s often a bit of a drive to get to one. But many cities offer free outdoor concerts or movie nights, so pack a picnic and get over there! Again, mark it on your calendar and think of it as an appointment you can’t miss. Get out there and enjoy a warm summer night under the stars.

5. Take a dip in a swimming pool. If you have one, stop neglecting it and jump in right now. Then come back and finish this article. If you’re not the proud owner of a pool, find a community pool or a friend with a pool. Swimming is one of the most refreshing things you can do in the summer. And don’t let the thought of wearing a swimsuit deter you. Diet shmiet. It’s the end of summer and we’ve all given up on our diets, so you’re in good company.

6. Take lots of pictures. Make sure to document all your fun summer activities. It will make you ever more proud of accomplishing your summer goals. Plus, it will feel less like you crammed summer into a few weeks, and more like you’re a summer-loving machine. Bonus points for buying a disposable underwater camera and taking pictures in the pool.

There is still summer fun to be had, so don’t let the fact that it’s already August bring you down. It’s time to make that checklist and start crossing things off. This is by far the most fun to-do list you’ll ever make.