How I Win on Mondays

Mondays, they are tough aren't they?! Every Sunday, many of us have that overwhelming feeling that Monday is a few hours away and that it isn't going to be fun or productive. I'll admit, I am not a morning person, I find it hard to wake up early and feel like I am seizing the day (not before countless coffees anyway). Due to this ongoing struggle, I have added below, some of the ways I win over Mondays.?

#1. Get started early

I will remind you, I am?not?a morning person. When my alarm goes off so much earlier than I wish it did, all I really want to do is turn it off and not hear it ever again. The reality is, that when it goes off, I know I will be much more thankful later in the day that I got up and got started. Getting to the office early is vital to me winning and Monday losing the battle.?

Why? Why get up early and be one of the first in the office? The raw fact that I actually get stuff done and my productivity is way beyond what it is at other hours of the day. A friend told me recently that we lose about an hour of work time a day due solely to distractions (that is probably on the low end). Getting in early also allows the next 4 things be as successful as they are.?

#2. Plan my day

If I don't do #1 then planning my day does not happen effectively. By getting started early I am able to plan out my day, get all the must-do's and quicker tasks completed and off my list. This means that when my day actually begins, I can focus on the core and truth north of my role.

#3. Understand my week

Once my Monday is planned and underway, I always look ahead at the rest of the week to gain an understanding of what it looks like, high level view. This is great for me and my planning, just knowing what I have on other days and what needs to be accomplished by the end of Friday. Understanding your week will help in many of your conversations?throughout the following few days as well as take away some of that stress and/or anxiety.?

#4. Challenge my attitude

This one is huge for me, most importantly on a Monday. I have had to challenge myself every single Monday for many years as my attitude hasn't been what it should be. If my attitude is wrong or bad on a Monday, I might as well take a vacation for the rest of the week as I know it affects so much else. As you wake up or are sipping that first coffee on your way in on a Monday, check your attitude, do a pulse check, enter the first day of the week with the mindset that you are going to win.?

#5. Find time to walk

This is an action item for myself that I am working on bettering, finding time to walk and allow my mind to think and recharge. Whether this is a short walk to work, to grab coffee (even when it's free at work) or even to take a walking meeting. This is great for my mind, my body and for my Monday.?

How about you? What do you do to win on Mondays? I would love your feedback and thoughts.