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Leadership Thought #417 – Monday Mornings Shouldn’t Bum You Out

January 7, 2013

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I know quite a few people who start feeling depressed on Sunday night simply because they must go to work the next day. Sadly, for many of them, this is a feeling that has existed for years.  At this point in my life, I honestly cannot comprehend this state of mind.  I haven’t always been thrilled about Monday mornings, but as I have progressed in my career and thinking, I have come to believe that how you feel about Monday morning is a good indicator of how you feel about your job or career.  If what you are doing makes you so unhappy that you dread Monday mornings, either change how you think about it or choose to do something else.  Life is too short for habitual Sunday night misery.

Here are a few points to help you rethink your attitude towards your job if you regularly deal with the Sunday night blues:

  • Take your career seriously – create a plan for advancement
  • Show up with a positive attitude and treat your colleagues courteously and most will respond in kind – even the most cynical will eventually come around to the positive vibe you are creating if you stick to it
  • All work is done in service to someone, try to think about who you are helping and the difference you are making in their life
  • Consider where you feel especially competent and take pride in striving for personal excellence in these areas
  • If you are feeling incompetent or overwhelmed in certain areas, be honest and ask for help – most people will step up and help/teach when asked
  • Try to partner with other people at work who complement your strengths and weaknesses
  • Treat problems as opportunities to demonstrate your skills and abilities rather than petty annoyances or burdens
  • Try to get to know your boss better and fully understand what makes him/her tick – be a positive resource for them rather than someone who regularly snipes behind their back
  • If you are the boss, take pride in the growth and development of your direct reports and make it your mission to convince people that they are capable of much more than they imagine is possible
  • Don’t be a clock watcher, instead create a daily “to do list” and have a plan of accomplishment for each day
  • Allow enough time for commuting difficulties and budget some thinking and getting settled time for the start of each day
  • Count your many blessings at the end of every day to reinforce what is good in your life

 

There are very few real victims in life.  Outside of violent crime, your victimhood is usually a personal choice.  Plenty of people have accomplished remarkable things come from humble or disadvantaged beginnings.   You are the architect of your own life: good, bad, or otherwise.  A substantial percentage of your time as an adult will be spent in some level of employment.  Simply putting in your time and waiting for retirement is a “soul-sucking” way to live.  There are no real guarantees for your future so make the most of it now.