It usually happens around Sunday afternoon: The vague, uncomfortable reminder that tomorrow is Monday. You get revved up to start the week at your A-game, but the pressure can often crush any real or perceived progress. It can be a rough cycle.
Instead, consider shifting your usual Monday work to Tuesday. Whether your business is based on the traditional workweek or loosely framed around consultant hours, it is a simple strategy that can save you both time and anxiety.
No One Is Paying Attention on Monday
When do brands announce things they don’t want to get attention? Friday afternoon. And despite the norm, I’d argue that Monday morning would be a close second, as everyone is antsy to get out what they’ve been working on or thinking about since late last week. The same can be said for important internal and external meetings, major sales launches, and anything else that requires serious attention. It’s like we all have a gag order for two and a half days and, suddenly, we have the opportunity to talk. Things quiet down by Tuesday morning—making the second day of the week perfect to make your announcement or to have a conversation.
No One Is Ready for Monday
Office Space clichés aside, we have to do a mental shift after two days off. Even if, like me, you work over the weekend, there’s a difference between quietly getting things done and manning the workday phone, email, and social media. Respect that you, and most everyone else, are still in second gear. Treat Monday as you would Friday: laying the groundwork for the upcoming days, but leaving the serious thought and actions to later.
No One Is Listening on Monday
When it comes to connecting with others, Monday is a pretty rough day. Monday is considered one of the weakest days to post on social media (Wednesday, arguably, is the best) as well as one of the worst days to cold call (Friday takes the award here). Save your heavy discussions and your “asks” for another day. Tuesday is an excellent candidate.
No One Is Satisfied With Their Progress on Monday
As a five-day culture, we create this immense pressure to be as productive as possible every week. It may motivate you sometimes, but any less than stellar work or unfinished business comes back to bite us in the behind on Monday. It’s like the Ghost of Friday’s Past begins haunting on Sunday night—and by Monday morning, you are feeling the weight to make up even more for last week’s lackluster productivity (even if it isn’t actually lackluster). The expectation of bigger, better results can be an internal struggle or, worse, projected onto other people, including employees and colleagues, which means that even if you don’t feel that way on Monday, there are others that are struggling. Why not sidestep the melodrama? Make a simple, limited list of what must get done on Monday, create a dialog with others enforcing the focused approach and save the heavy lifting for a less psychologically day: Tuesday.