One of my favorite movies is "Office Space" because it's ridiculous and realistic all at the same time. My inner HR lady cringes at the workplace antics.
One of the catch phrases from Office Space is "a case of the Mondays". You know that feeling, the "Where did my weekend go?" and "How can I deal with this monotony one more friggin' day?".
When I was feeling stuck and didn't know what was next in my career- or life- I had a bad case of the Mondays...ever day of the week. I was just going through the motions. At one point or another we have all been there. The cubicle jungle is a challenge to navigate. As many as 80% say they don't like their jobs (yup, they are living in corporate hell). That number is staggering.
Are you one of them? If so how can you pivot your Monday grind to set yourself up for a great day....or a least one you dread less?
Here are 9 ways to pivot your Monday:
- Plan your Monday on Sunday. Mentally prepare. Make a healthy lunch. Review your to-do list. Envision your day going well!
- Listen to your favorite music. Music gives us a boost. It can transport us to another time and place. Why not jam out on your way to work? Sing at the top of your lungs. Dance in your seat. Don't let the party of one stop there. Bring ear buds with you and let the music set the tune of your Monday.
- Add something special to your day. What's something that would perk up your day? Better yet, think of something to make Monday better for everyone. You'll multiply the good juju. Bring in a treat to share or something to brighten your environment. I loved it when a co-worker brought in an arrangement of fresh flowers from her garden or another brought extra produce to share.
- Set up a meeting with your favorite co-worker. Not possible? How about a (quick) pop in? Some days I spent more time at my work best friend's desk than my own. Even though she was in a different department we worked on projects together so if anyone found us chatting, they assumed it was work related...or gave us the benefit of the doubt. More often than not I was giving her an update on the date I went on over the weekend. Having a good friend at work exponentially ups your job satisfaction and increases the chances you will commit to the company long term.
- Set a reminder on your phone to get up and do a lap around the building. Moving is good for you. Regular breaks help you to be more productive and it will make your day go faster, not to mention the health benefits. Bonus points if you can get outside.
- Add or subtract something to create your day, your way. Run out for coffee (like in Office Space, flare optional) or take a walk during your lunch. Dread doing something? Bump it from your Monday. I hated doing my expense reports so I bumped them to Friday afternoon. Then, that was the only task standing between me and freedom.
- Download a motivational podcast to listen to. Two of my favorites: Your Kick-Ass Life and TedTalks.
- Make plans to connect with a friend after work. It's called Happy Hour for a reason. It's motivating to have something to look forward to, a light at the end of the Monday tunnel.
- Day dream or meditate to take a mental break. Take 10 minutes to plan your next vacation...or just daydream about it. Quiet your mind for a few minutes. You will return refreshed to power through the remainder of the day.
Sometimes we have to remind ourselves, life is a choice. Every day in every way you chose the life you have. If you are not happy, Monday after Monday maybe you need to shake things up and chose a different Monday? What do you really want to do? If you can dream it, you can BE it.