Start The Week Off On A Good Note

Life is much easier if you start the week off on a good note. Fortunately, I’m one of those people who look forward to Friday nights but also love Monday mornings. I’ve been blessed to enjoy my work life for quite some time now. In fact, it no longer feels like work to me. I guess this is what they call a vocation. I still get excited every Sunday night when I think about what is coming up that week. Sadly, many people dread Sunday nights. They encounter bouts of minor depression as another workweek begins to loom on the horizon. I feel bad for them. If you’ve ever lived with someone who suffers from the Sunday Night Blues, it’s not fun to watch and can rub off on you if you’re not careful.

Many years ago, I went through a period where my work wasn’t necessarily inspiring. However, I always believed it would eventually get better. Rule number one: If you don’t like your reality, then change it. Although I was aware that a long-term career plan would require time to yield results, I dedicated myself to creating positive, proactive routines from the beginning of each week to create forward momentum. You can do the same. Here are a few tips to help you transition better on Monday mornings.

First, plan out your week. Don’t wing it. Please take an hour or two this weekend to think about your goals for next week and prioritize what matters most. Review your schedule to identify upcoming important meetings. Make sure you’re adequately prepared for them. Take control of your calendar rather than having it control you. If there is some blank space, then figure out ways to use it effectively. Plan your work, then work your plan.

Second, go to bed a little earlier on Sunday night. Even if you have to read a book in bed or write in a journal to unwind, it’s still beneficial. You may also want to keep an open notepad near your nightstand in case you want to jot down pressing issues or action items that might be inhibiting your sleep. Strive to get a good night’s sleep. It’s important to be well-rested as you start the week. Many of us are worn out by the end of the week. We shouldn’t begin next week that way. And, I know it’s not easy, but don’t get caught up in TV shows on Sunday night. If you really like something, record it for later in the week or the following weekend. There is no substitute for a good night’s sleep. Your body will thank you for it. You will also be more clear-headed on Monday morning.

Third, plan to wake up a few minutes earlier on Monday morning. Many people, however, do the opposite and pay for it. Hitting the snooze button, not wanting to get out of bed, and starting your day fatigued is a poor way to begin the week. Wake up early, do some stretching, exercise, have a cup of coffee or tea, breathe some fresh air outside, or whatever works best for you. Just try to start your day off on a good note. Please also allow for commuting problems so you don’t feel rushed heading out the door.

Fourth, try to earmark some things during the week that you are really excited about. This doesn’t necessarily mean they have to all be work-related activities, but find a few things that you’re really looking forward to. It could be dinner or drinks with an old friend. It could be a hike coming up the following weekend. It could be that sales meeting you’ve been working on for months. It could be an opportunity to check in with your mentor. Regardless of what it may be, please consider identifying several things you are genuinely looking forward to that week.

Fifth, try to start the week off by eating healthily. Have a healthy breakfast. Commit to a healthy lunch. Try to plan at least a couple of meals where you’ll feel good about what you’re eating. Hopefully, you did your food shopping over the weekend, so you won’t have to rush around during the week. It’s far too easy to eat poorly when you don’t think about it until the moment you’re hungry. Of course, you’re going to have food missteps and meals when you eat on the go. However, try to eat healthily at least a few times a week. You’ll feel better about yourself.

Sixth, check in with your colleagues and direct reports socially before jumping into work-related conversations. Human beings are social animals. Everyone knows they are there to work, but they also appreciate it when people care about them more than just their work. It doesn’t have to be deep, meaningful conversations; just a quick check-in to see how they’re doing and if there’s anything personal you should know about. You have to mean it, though. You can’t fake caring.

Finally, make sure you had quality family and/or friend time over the weekend. Ensure the people who are important to you are a priority. Once the time is gone, you can’t get it back. Don’t get too bogged down in chores and busywork. In addition, allow some “me time” so you can recharge your battery and make yourself a priority. Try to do something you enjoy just for the sake of doing it.

I hope these tips prove helpful. I am writing this on a Sunday night. I have a busy week ahead. I am looking forward to it. There is a lot to get done and some great people to do it with. There will undoubtedly be multiple opportunities to make a positive difference in someone’s life, as there always are. I hope you are feeling the same way. If not, please take constructive action about it. Life is too short to be stuck in a rut or perpetually unhappy.

Have a great week!