Leadership Thought #292 – Set A Positive and Proactive Tone on Mondays

Based on everything I have read and observed, it is safe to assume that most people don’t like their jobs or at least have a “work to live” mindset. Work is something they must do rather than something they enjoy doing. I encourage you to challenge this thinking and look for the good in your work and in the people you work with. Since you’ll be working for a long time, why not make it more fun? Here are some simple tips about how to set a positive and proactive tone for each workweek:

• Set the alarm clock a few minutes early and allow yourself more time to wake up and ease into the morning; don’t start the day by rushing out the door.
• Take some deep breaths and stretch for a few minutes when you first get out of bed.
• Have a hearty and healthy breakfast; remember, food is fuel.
• Listen to upbeat, positive music and avoid TV or radio shows that bum you out or make you angry.
• If you are fortunate to live with family or other loved ones, hug everyone before leaving and wish them a good day.
• Factor traffic into your travel time and give yourself a time buffer.
• While driving to work, consider all the good things that happened the prior week.
• Try getting to work a bit earlier and having a cup of coffee, tea, or water to help you get settled and ready for the day.
• Spend a few minutes thinking through your top 5 priorities for the day and any required action items.
• Tackle your most challenging tasks as early as possible to put them behind you, and don’t procrastinate.
• Take a few minutes several times a day to exchange pleasantries with co-workers and give them positive energy.
• Avoid or redirect co-workers who are complainers and negative influences.
• Look for opportunities to laugh and to make others laugh.
• Make sure you take your full lunch break and, if possible, go outside for some fresh air.
• If you are having difficulties or conflicts with a co-worker, try and hash it out maturely rather than let it escalate or linger.
• Before leaving work, take a few minutes to debrief on how the day went.
• Try not to plan or schedule anything right after work that forces you to rush out the door at the end of the day.
• If possible, exercise for a few minutes before dinner.
• Do your best to eat a healthy and well-balanced dinner.
• When you get home, leave work at work and focus on being the best husband, dad, sibling, and friend you can be.
• If you live alone, call someone you care about and check in with them.
• Don’t be a couch potato in front of the TV; do something constructive with your downtime.
• Go to bed earlier than usual and make sure you get your rest.

I guarantee you that if you use the above list of tips as a checklist for your workdays, you will begin to feel better at work. Remember, you don’t have to dread Monday mornings or your workweek; it is a conscious choice. In addition, if you are perpetually unhappy, find another job.

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