Mondays creep up on us fast. Do you drive into work after the weekend dreading your full calendar and projects that are screaming for attention? Do you hope for an hour of quiet time when you get to the office so you can get organized? Not having that planning time can throw off your day - and your entire week.
But don't despair! With a small investment of time, you can ensure that you start your work week with a smile.
- Plan your work and work your plan
We've all heard this saying, but how many of us do it? I have established a recurring hour every Friday afternoon to look at what was accomplished during the week and what needs checked off next week. Then, I determine what takes priority and start getting things on my calendar.
- Put it all on the calendar
For people like me who overestimate how much they can get done in a day, I recommend scheduling every piece of your work. This gives you a realistic view at a glance. For a report due on Thursday, block time earlier in the week to work on it. And build in a buffer to anticipate unexpected emergencies that take precedence over what you had planned.
- Know when your most productive times are
If you're most alert in the mornings and have something challenging to work on, plan your morning around that project. Learn when you work best and use it to your advantage. Working when you are most productive helps the project get done faster and yields better results.
- Check your calendar Sunday morning
Most people wait to check their calendar on Sunday night, which works if you tied up loose ends on Friday. But I like to review my upcoming week on Sunday morning to avoid any late night surprises. There have been times when I looked at my schedule on Sunday morning and realized that I could ease my entry into the work week by spending just a little time on Sunday preparing.
- Make sure you get enough sleep
Don't start Monday in a sleep-deprived fog. Everyone needs different amounts of sleep, but make sure you get enough for you. Most sleep experts recommend that you establish a consistent time that you go to bed and wake up. Even on the weekends. It makes a big difference in how well you sleep.
Starting the work week on the right foot isn't rocket science, but it does take discipline. What do you do to make your Mondays a success?