Getting Your Mind Back in Gear for Monday

It’s Monday. The weekend’s over, and if you’re like me, the shift back into work mode can be a tough one. Let’s be honest: leaders feel it too. That transition from personal downtime to high-performance leadership can feel like whiplash. And, yet, as leaders, we have to show up for our teams and the broader mission we’re driving forward. But, how? How do we get our head back in the game and get our teams on the same page for the week ahead?

Here’s my approach, honed over years of leading diverse teams:

Block Your Morning — For You and Your Team

Mondays are unpredictable. That’s why I generally block my morning calendar aiming for no meetings, aside from a team huddle. The first hour is dedicated to focus time. This gives me space to clear my head and prioritize what’s truly important. I check in on emails, reset my priorities, and mentally prepare for the day. Not just for me, but for my team, too. I encourage them to do this as well because the right mindset at the start of the day on a Monday sets the tone for the entire week.

Set One Bold Goal, and Achieve It

It’s easy to get lost in the noise of a full to-do list, but here’s the thing: Focus on what moves the needle. I pick one major goal for the day: the one that will deliver the most value. This isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing the right thing. I apply the 80/20 rule. What’s the 20% of work that will give me 80% of my results today? Once I’ve identified it, I block out 90 minutes to tackle it head-on using the Pomodoro method. I’m relentless about this focus, because the first meaningful win of the day gives me momentum.

Break Down Tasks; Don’t Tackle Them All at Once

Multitasking, which even Harvard says is mostly an illusion, is a productivity killer. I’ve learned the hard way that breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks is key. I prioritize based on urgency, but I also break down each task into 15-minute increments. Whether it’s writing a report, preparing for a meeting, or addressing an issue that arose over the weekend, tackling a task piece by piece makes it seem more achievable. It gives me a much-needed sense of accomplishment.

Fuel Your Energy. It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

For me, that fuel comes from reconnecting with what I enjoy: listening to my instrumental smooth jazz playlist as I ease into the workweek. Hear me: it’s not just about music. It’s about finding whatever it is that fuels you. Whether it’s taking a quiet moment for read an inspirational book, diving into your favorite podcast to listen to 5 minutes of the latest episode, or shooting your significant other a quick text to relive the weekend, find what re-energizes you. If you can, carry that weekend energy with you, even if it’s just a small ritual that reminds you of what you enjoy. This makes Monday feel less like a grind.

Keep Refining Your Approach

Let me be clear: it's not going to be perfect. Some days are easier than others, and not every Monday goes according to plan. And, that's the point: leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency and relentless improvement. Each week, I refine my approach, and I encourage my teams to do the same. We grow and adjust from our challenges and our wins. This mindset isn’t just about my success; it’s about the success of the teams I lead.

Why this approach works for me:

It’s rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and adaptability — traits that are core to my leadership style. My ability to connect with, lead, and empower teams allows me to bring out the best in most everyone, no matter where they are in their career. I know that a diverse team with varied strengths can accomplish far more than any one individual. And, if we start each week grounded in strong intention, we can face whatever comes our way with clarity and focus.

I’m curious: how do you set yourself up for success on Mondays? What’s your strategy for managing the grind and leading with impact? Drop your thoughts below. I’m always looking to learn from fellow leaders who value the power of authentic leadership and strategic action.