Monday can totally feel like a drag. You just had a great weekend of fun and play, and now it’s back to the work week. Even those who love their job can find Mondays a real buzz kill.
But Monday can also be an exciting beginning. With the right approach, it can stimulate efficiency and productivity for the entire week. It takes a strong constitution to start the week with focus and determination, yet, this is exactly what the most productive people do. Here are five key ways they 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 to 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 S.O.S.