Years ago, there was a Dunkin Donuts commercial. A non-descript, middle aged man gets up, bleary eyed, on Monday morning, and mutters, "It's time to make the donuts." Making the donuts is obviously a dreaded chore, full of drudgery and monotony, and it appears that he is going to Donut Hell every day, let alone Monday!
Unfortunately, too many of us feel the same way, I am guessing, when it comes from transitioning from the weekend to the beginning of the week. Perhaps I should have said something about Tuesday, since a lot of us had this Monday off for Labor Day. A key success factor is how can make a successful transition from Sunday to Monday.
1. Review your goals. It's a good idea to take some time to review your overall mission, purpose, and goals, and then to do some weekly planning prior to starting out your week. By doing so, you will be starting with the end in mind. By connecting with your goals, vision, purpose, and mission, you will be getting excited about making a difference. Your daily routine at work will have meaning, because you will know Why you are going to work.
2. Get to bed on time. This one is a tough one for me. I really enjoy catching up on the computer, getting my social networking in on Facebook and Twitter, and getting some reading done. However, it comes at a cost. When I am running behind in the morning, struggling to get to work on time, and disorganized, it sets the tone for the rest of the day. By getting up early, I have time to get ready for the day, and hence, the week.
3. Get prepared for the day the night before. I know, this is a basic one, but one I have been too slow to learn. It helps to get your outfit picked out, and your keys, wallet, organizer all in place before you go to bed. I don't know how many times I have been frazzled and therefore in a bad mood because I wasted 10-15 minutes trying to find those things on Monday morning.
4. Ask yourself the right questions. First accept that you will feel a little natural letdown from having had a more relaxing pace over the weekend. Then, shift gears, by asking yourself some of Tony Robbins' morning power questions:
- What am I grateful for today?
- What am I excited about today?
- What am I passionate about today?
- How can I add value today?
- What am I enjoying today?
By focusing on these questions, you will be creating answers that will control your attitudes and actions, which will then translate to positive feelings.
I would have liked to add more to this article, but it's time for me to follow my own advice, and get to bed :)
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