three paths to overcome Monday dread

That familiar knot in your stomach on Sunday evening. The heavy sighs as you set your Monday morning alarm.

We spend approximately 90,000 working hours in our lifetime - with over 2,000 hours spent each year. This is way too much time to not feel good about what we're doing.

I've felt this and walked the path to break free. It takes a commitment that you want something more for your life and it's worth every step.

If you're experiencing "Monday dread," you're not alone—but you don't have to accept it as your permanent reality.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. – Steve Jobs

Here are three proven paths to transform your professional life and reclaim your peace of mind.

Path 1: Launch Your Own Independent Venture

If you've always dreamed of being your own boss, transforming Monday dread into entrepreneurial excitement might be your calling. Even getting started can help lift your spirits.

Here's how you can begin:

Start While You're Still Employed

- Dedicate 1-hour (or as much time as you can) each evening or early morning before you start your 'typical' day to your side project

- Use weekends to develop your exit plan

- If you plan to quit before you're generating full-time income, build a backup fund covering ideally 6-12 months of expenses or 2-3 months if you've already started replacing your 'paycheck' income

- Test your business idea through project work before you quit

When you're committed to make a change - you'll be surprised how many things will naturally align once you make the commitment to yourself.

Take Strategic Steps

1. Identify your marketable skills and potential offerings

2. Research your target market and competition

3. Start with a minimal viable product or service

4. Establish a process and build some experience gaining clients or customers before making the full transition

5. Leverage your network and seek mentorship or coaching from other successful entrepreneurs

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. — Steve Jobs

Path 2: Pivot to Purposeful Work

Sometimes the solution isn't striking out on your own - at least not right away - but finding the right organizational or actual 'work' fit. Here's how to make a strategic career switch:

Identify Your Ideal Role

- Identify work that energizes rather than drains you

- Note elements of a company's culture that aligns with your values

- Research industries and types of work that interest you

- Network with professionals in the industries or field of work that you're drawn to

Execute Your Transition

1. Update your skills through courses or certifications

2. Revamp your resume to highlight transferable skills

3. Build relationships in your desired industry

4. Consider lateral moves within your current company

5. Be patient—meaningful transitions take time

The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Path 3: Reframe Your Current Reality

If immediate change isn't feasible, you can still improve your relationship with Mondays. Here's how to find joy in your current role:

Daily Appreciation Practices

- Start each day by noting one positive aspect of your work - or list things you are grateful for

- Keep a "wins journal" to track accomplishments

- Identify colleagues who brighten your day

- Create meaningful rituals that you look forward to - even if it's a lunch or after-work ritual that you can look forward to

Environmental Improvements

1. Personalize your workspace

2. Build better boundaries around co-workers and/or work hours

3. Take proper lunch breaks

4. Find opportunities to mentor others

5. Propose projects that align with your interests

Moving Forward

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to Monday dread. The key is making a conscious choice about your path rather than remaining stuck in indecision, or somewhere that zaps your energy and joy.

Whether you choose entrepreneurship, career transition, or mindset shift, taking action—even small steps—will help you break free from the cycle of dreading each new week.

Remember that life is fleeting and we never get back the time we 'survived' rather than "thrived."

Start by choosing one path and take one action today. Your future self will thank you for having the courage to begin.

For additional support you can get the Free Transition to Work You Love Guide here.

To your success and happiness,

LuRae

Be You and Be Free

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p.p.s. for more inspiration and motivation visit You Can Be Free Now