Why I Stopped Counting Down to Friday—and You Can Too!

Remember those Friday evenings after school?

For me, they were the ultimate reward—rushing home excited for the episode of Chip ’n Dale or Aladdin at 4:30 PM.

The weekend was a two-day paradise, where homework and classes faded into the background, and there was nothing but freedom to play, relax, and binge on TV.

I thought adult life would be different—that a career would bring a new kind of fulfillment and happiness. But upon entering the working world,

I found a familiar cycle creeping back. Fridays became that breath of fresh air, the long-awaited break, while Sunday nights brought that same dread I used to feel over the unfinished homework and my strict schoolteachers.

That’s when I knew something had to change.

Curious to know how I broke free from the cycle and found joy throughout the week?

I decided to pursue a role aligned with my purpose, even at the cost of a higher title and salary.

Now, instead of waiting for Friday, I find joy and fulfillment every day.

This shift taught me that true happiness comes from living in alignment with what truly matters, not just from paychecks or weekend countdowns.

Understanding that this cycle of dread affects many professionals, I want to share some strategies that have helped me achieve lasting happiness throughout the week.

Please share any tips from your journey that might help other working professionals along the way!

Learning Who I am & Finding my Purpose

Before fully transitioning into coaching, I spent time during the week exploring my strengths and values.

I engaged in psychometric assessments, connected with my coach, and learned about positive psychology—all while working on talent development projects beyond my regular responsibilities.

This helped me reflect on which parts of my job felt truly meaningful and aligned with my values.

Purpose-driven work brings a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond financial rewards, helping you to escape the cycle of weekday dread.

By continually exploring and aligning with your deeper values, you’ll find more joy in the work you do.

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I kept a gratitude sheet on my laptop in an excel and made it a habit to start Mondays by listing things I appreciated in my life and work.

This practice was a refreshing way to kick off the week, keeping my focus on the positives.

Tackling Mondays with lighter or exciting tasks, rather than diving into the hardest work first, can make the day feel less overwhelming and set a positive tone for the entire week.

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I’m grateful for the wonderful friendships I’ve built in every organization I've worked for. I’ve realized that strong relationships can significantly boost happiness and make the workweek much more enjoyable.

Connecting with colleagues over chai breaks, sharing lunch, and swapping stories helps deepen these connections.

Additionally, scheduling small midweek treats—like a coffee with a friend, a mall visits with family, a workout, or catching an episode of a favorite show—ensures that weekdays are fulfilling rather than just a countdown to Friday.

Recommended read The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Achor

What shifts have you made in your life to break the cycle of weekday dread and cultivate sustained happiness?

Please share any tips from your journey that might help other working professionals along the way!