Summer doesn’t always mean slow. Whether you’re prepping for a proposal, planning for a new school year, managing your side hustle, or just trying to stay afloat—July can feel like a blur. The good news? You don’t need hours of focus to make real progress. You just need micro-moves.

Main Sections

1. What Are Micro-Moves?

Micro-moves are quick, intentional actions that move you forward in just 10–20 minutes. They’re perfect when your schedule is tight, your focus is split, or your energy is low.

Examples:

• Jotting 3 lines for your dissertation
• Drafting 1 slide for back-to-school night
• Brain-dumping content ideas for your business
• Cleaning one folder on your desktop
• Sending one check-in text you’ve been meaning to send

2. Why They Work (for doctoral students, educators, and everyday folks)

• Reduce mental clutter and overwhelm
• Build momentum in short bursts
• Fit into unpredictable or exhausting schedules
• Help you feel accomplished without burning out
• Keep you connected to your long-term goals

3. Micro-Move Ideas for July

Doctoral Students:

• Revise your problem statement
• Create 1 slide for your proposal
• Respond to your chair’s last comment

Educators:

• Update 1 Meet the Teacher slide
• Gather classroom supplies into one spot
• Outline your classroom routines on paper

Entrepreneurs:

• Write a social caption
• Check inventory or update one Etsy listing
• Brainstorm 3 promo ideas for your next launch

Everyone Else:

• Schedule your overdue appointment
• Organize one drawer
• Write down one goal for August

4. Make It a Habit: The 5×5 Challenge

Complete 5 micro-moves in 5 days.
Write them on a sticky note, keep a tally in your phone, or track them in your journal.
Celebrate when you finish—small wins stack up fast.

Call to Action:

Ready to put micro-moves into motion?
Tag @ScholarStart and share your first one.
Whether you’re in the classroom, in your dissertation grind, or in between goals, we see you—and we’re cheering you on.