Many people fear their Mondays. They suffer the week just to live it up on the weekend and then dread the return of the workweek once it arrives. Of course, not everyone has the same “Monday,” as it pertains to being the beginning of their working days. In either case, people still fear the start of the week as reality and duties hit us, seemingly all at once, like a slap in the face.
It is time for you to help change that mentality and conquer your Mondays!
I, too, used to live the life of the humdrum, mundane, workweek with the fears that come with the return of Monday and all the responsibilities it accompanied. Instead of getting through Monday with gloom and depression, by just pounding cups of coffee and surfing the web when I got home, I decided to make some changes to reward myself for successfully making it through the day.
This began a shift in my understanding of Monday, as before I had always complained, both sincerely and half-jokingly, about it being the beginning of the workweek. Once I began rewarding myself on this day, I quickly saw the day as being different, unique, and now special.
By rewarding myself on this day, I don’t mean splurging, or doing anything that would completely harm my Tuesday morning. Rather, I sought enjoyable personal hobbies to partake in on Monday, which is something I thoroughly enjoy doing.
I first started going to a weekly chess club, playing in official tournaments. I was making friends, winning some tournaments, and improving my chess-playing abilities. After a few months, some friends told me about some free dance lessons that took place every Monday. So, I began oscillating between chess and dance for a few months, and eventually just attended dance so that I could start my chess club on Thursdays instead. At dance, I made more friends, learned soo much about the art and body movement, and the amazing people there helped me advance in my skill while we each honed our craft.
This shift in thinking has led me to now be grateful for every day of the week, even the days that I do nothing but work, study, read, write, etc. It has helped me to realize that if I am willing to put in 8 hours for someone else, I should also put some time in for myself, and helping me to grow and expand my network. As cliché as it is, we do only live once; so, why should I let a day of the week and my responsibilities get in the way of my happiness and growth?!
Take control of your “Monday.” Find things to do in your area that are both fun and helpful in your growth as a person. Don’t let your life pass you by. Don’t let the arbitrary days of the week be the stresses that hurt you and stunt your personal growth and development.
Some ideas:
- Search meetup.com for groups to join in dance, chess, comedy, improv, public speaking, martial arts, book clubs, learning a language, cooking classes, etc.
- Search your social media for events such as SoFar Music, or ask your friends and family if they also feel the same about their Mondays and see if you can do something together.
- Check to see if ToastMasters is in your area to better public speaking.
- Have a family day every Monday, playing board games and eating fun foods, or watching movies, etc.
- Search if there are music or comedy shows every Monday in your area.
- Try a new restaurant every Monday.
- Try learning to cook a new dish every Monday.
- Go on a date on Mondays.
- Attend your religious institution every Monday.
- Start your club or meeting every Monday if you see there are a desire and a need.
Etc.
What are some ideas you have for conquering your Mondays and looking forward to every week?
