In a series of posts, I am sharing why we should all be embracing Mondays instead of looking at it negatively. Next up is Ten Must Use Workplace Commandments of Mondays.
We’ve already gone over why most of us don’t like Mondays. I’ve also written about the reasons why I look forward to Mondays. In order to start to get into the habit of making Mondays work, we have to start at work.
As a working mom or dad, you spend a great amount of time in the office. So I’ve come up with ten must use workplace commandments of Mondays to assist in helping to make the first day of the week a good one.
1. Thou Shalt Not Let Negative Nancy Get You Down
You should always try to stay away from Negative Nancy or Negative Ned in the office, but especially so on Mondays. One conversation with them and they will have your smile turned into a frown. Don’t do it.
2. Thou Shalt Institute Positive Self Talk
Positive self talk can help improve your mood, boost your spirits, and aid in you having a good day. While getting ready for work, put it into use. Give yourself a pep talk. Vocalize the things you want to accomplish during the week. Encourage and motivate yourself with words and inspiration. This can help you walk into the office on Monday with more swag.
3. Thou Shalt Use a Planner
I am not sure if you are a planner type, but for those who are visually inclined, using planners can help you rock your week. With the use of stickers and other visual aids, it can help keep you organized, on time, and looking forward to activities.
4. Thou Shalt Be an Influencer
Us working moms and dads influence our kids in many ways. The way you look at things and address them with your manner and attitude can directly reflect in your children. If we look down on Mondays, chances are our kids will too, so if you have to fake it ’til you make it for Mondays, that is a major key.
This is also true for those we work with. You will be surprised at how you handle your Mondays can help influence others. Try it out and see.
5. Thou Shalt Be Mogul Minded
Do you think moguls like Oprah, Bill Gates, and the like sit Mondays out? Probably not. So if you want to be a mogul, you gotta think (and act) like one. On the job and off.
6. Thou Shalt Start The Week Like You End the Week
Mondays and Fridays are bookends to the workweek. How you start it and finish it is important to your performance. Act accordingly.
7. Thou Shalt Have a Playlist
To help your Mondays rock while at work, create a playlist of motivating and encouraging music to help you throughout your day.
8. Thou Shalt Have Monday Encouragers
Get a group of coworkers to help each other to start the week off on a positive note. You all can assist in making sure Mondays (and the rest of the week) go well for one another.
9. Thou Shalt Not Make Important Decisions on Mondays
If Mondays are not your thing, try not to make important decisions that have long term repercussions on Mondays at work. Also, try not to schedule important meetings or deadlines on a Monday.
10. Thou Shall Use Mondays as a Reward
At the completion of each Monday at work, add a marble to a jar or vase for every Monday that you use to its fullest. When the jar is 1/3rd full, give yourself a small reward. When the jar is 1/2 full, give yourself a bigger reward. And when the jar is full, why, go all out. This could be the visual stimulation you need to help you be more Monday Minded.
Workplace commandments are needed, especially where Mondays are concerned. Now, are you ready to rock your week?
I love this! I need to start a reward jar for successful Mondays too 🙂 And I’m totally going to get making my Monday Motivation playlist on Spotify and blast it on the way to work in the car!
I definitely think the no meetings on Mondays rule is a good one – I always feel like I need a day to settle back in behind my desk before I start talking to clients again.
Monday playlists are the best. They can truly transform your mood.