Make Monday Work For You
You just had a fantastic weekend of relaxation and fun, and Monday shows up to put an end to it all. Mondays are tough, even for those people who love their jobs.
But with right outlook, Monday can kick off a entire week of productivity and efficiency. According to an article by author Kevin Daum, there are five simple things super productive people do to use Monday to their advantage.
1. They start with a positive attitude.
So much time and energy is used up by a bad mood. Super productive people don't like to waste any energy, and they certainly don't want the week to lag from a bad start. They focus their mind on joyful productivity from the moment their feet hit the ground in the morning. They revel in the excitement of what they can accomplish. Instead of lamenting going to work, focus on where you truly want to be and what will take you forward.
2. They dedicate time for organization.
Starting Monday firefighting will put you behind schedule for the entire week. Super productive people understand that organization doesn't happen magically on its own. Time is required to think things through and create process. Otherwise, a haphazard approach will create chaos and eat the very time you thought you might save. Block out an hour first thing Monday morning and get your ducks in a row.
3. They prioritize their objectives.
If you don't have clear objectives on Monday, you will find yourself with a short week to get things done. Super productive people assess the entire week so they can manage their resources accordingly. That gives them the ability to meter out the week and adjust as necessary. Make your lists and calendar your time. It will free your mind for the week.
4. They anticipate obstacles.
Obstacles are an inevitable part of every project and work environment. Monday is a great time to focus on the obstacles of the week. Super productive people incorporate room for unknown speed bumps into their plan, so that when the inevitable happens, they don't get tripped up.
5. They line up their allies.
People are busy, and you can't assume that they will use Monday to set up their own week. Super productive people take into account the human resources required, and schedule appointments right away so they don't have to chase people later in the week. A colleague asked early for help is much more likely to respond and act than someone who is jarred into action by a surprise SOS.