How to enjoy Mondays

Posted on | July 13, 2010 | 5 Comments

Here’s a list of the best ideas I can think of:

  • Do something fun.
  • Treat yourself to a decent breakfast.
  • Make bad jokes.
  • Get up early. (and go to bed early the night before)
  • Have a nice lunch.
  • Make Monday morning your “get things done” time.

On that last point. I’ve heard people suggest that you should aim to avoid carrying any work over to the next day. Whether it’s “inbox zero”, or not leaving things unfinished… I think this idea is a load of bullshit.

The reason?

Most of my tasks span multiple days. OK, maybe try to finish the bit you’re on before going home… but that’s different. I’ll still come in tomorrow and pick up the next item in the chain.

Instead, I think it’s good to try and use Mondays as your time to resolve things that have been knocking around for a while, especially those things you’d really like to work on but haven’t had the chance. Even better if you can get into the office early and make a start before most people get in.

That’s what I did this week. It made my Monday much more interesting and productive than any other Monday I can think of, possibly ever. And to think I used to hate Mondays. Incidentally, it’s not job-specific – I’ve never liked Mondays. Now, I’m warming to them. Maybe because the weather is hot.

Do you hate Mondays? How could you make them more bearable, or even enjoyable?

Category: Shiny new ideas

Comments

5 Responses to “How to enjoy Mondays”

  1. Gary Anderson
    July 15th, 2010 @ 6:59 pm

    Having a job where the work is never done is more stressful than one where the work is finished for the day.

  2. Laura
    July 17th, 2010 @ 1:40 am

    Mondays don’t really bother me. Wednesdays are my least favourite. Sometimes Thursdays too cause you are stuck right in the middle of the work week, or near the end but not near enough. These days I don’t really have a work week any more. I’m just glad for a day to myself, whatever day it happens to be.

  3. Laura
    July 17th, 2010 @ 2:14 am

    You became a blog post which should actually show up on Monday of all days. ;)

  4. Ben
    July 17th, 2010 @ 11:38 pm

    Gary – that may be, but at least I’m never bored. I had a previous job that was fairly low stress as everything moved pretty slowly (it was a large company). I’d choose my current job over that job any day. Fast-paced can be hectic, but it’s not so bad.

    Laura – I’m not overly keen on Tuesdays, but the week seems to get better as I approach the weekend.

  5. How to Enjoy your Manic Monday « Writing Inspiration « Word Grrls
    July 19th, 2010 @ 11:52 am

    [...] Barden: How to Enjoy Mondays. Read Ben’s list. My favourite of his tips was to have a decent breakfast. I love having [...]

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