Hey passengers for some, ever notice how the statement “Thank goodness it’s Friday†leads quickly to anxiety over having to return to work on Monday. Sometimes we even get to the point where they cannot even enjoy the weekend. Such a negative mindset is self-defeating and can limit our life and career success. Try these simple strategies, and let me know if realize an attitude reversal that has you saying along with me each Monday: “Merry Monday.†It’s all about creating a strategy to achieve control of our work and time.
First, focus on the positive. Think about the things that we enjoy about your work. Perhaps it is the camaraderie with our fellow workers, or possibly new challenges and learning. Facilitate positive thinking by planning work activities that you will particularly look forward to during the week.
Plan ahead! Before leaving on Friday, clear your desk and create a written, realistic and achievable agenda for the following week. Clearing the decks will help to ensure that no unfinished tasks and unexpected surprises greet you on Monday morning. Try to avoid starting anything new or stressful Friday afternoon. You might even avoid looking at e-mail on Friday afternoon. Reward yourself, taking time to celebrate your successes during the week.
Start your Monday simply, by stopping by the LiFeTrain and encouraging one another to have a “Merry Monday!”
Also, my favorite, keep your Monday morning agenda light. Avoid scheduling big meetings and scenarios where you will need to make major decisions. Do not allow yourself to get bogged down immediately with a difficult issue. Give yourself something to look forward to, that will give you a feeling of quick results, by scheduling at least one interesting activity with an achievable goal. Feed off colleagues’ positive energy, and avoid those who may be depressed with the return to work.
Avoid Procrastination; don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today? Doing so only increases feelings of being overwhelmed, making your Monday more stressful and less enjoyable. Procrastination is more than just a bad habit. It can be viewed as a liability to a company’s productivity, which will ultimately reflect badly on you. Some see procrastination as a way of expressing internal conflict, and a way of protecting a vulnerable sense of self-esteem. Others say it has a component of brinkmanship, where individuals want to demonstrate how well they can pull things together under pressure. Perfectionists are prime candidates for procrastination. Others put things off because they are rebelling indirectly against authority. Get started on the tasks you are tempted to put off — intermediate steps can bring a sense of accomplishment.
Lastly, and I will remind you this Friday, enjoy your weekend. When you leave work on Friday, your time is now your own. Spend it wisely with family and friends enjoying pursuits that are important to you. By doing so, you will clear your mind and will return to work on Monday refreshed.
Through some simple strategies and self-discipline it is possible to change your mindset. Maybe you’ll even start saying, “Merry Monday.†Hey passengers, HAVE A GREAT DAY!!
All Aboard, THE LiFeTrain!”