The trouble isn’t that there are 52 of them in a year.

(There are 53 Mondays if the year starts on a Monday in a non-leap year, or if either of the first two days lands on a Monday during a leap year.)

The trouble with Mondays isn’t even with Mondays at all, no matter the number. The trouble with Mondays is our approach to them. Perhaps it’s because 7 of 10 workers are unhappy at work, not engaged.

In fact, many a Sunday evening has been ruined with Monday taking the blame. I’ve heard of people who started dreading Monday on Friday evening. How horrible!

The trouble with Mondays is mindset. Unfortunately, many people would agree with this quote by American comedian Steven Wright, as found on Goodreads.

“Monday is an awful way to spend 1/7 of your life.”



Actually, an awful way to spend Monday is in that frame of mind. It’s like running a 10k race  and slugging through the first 2 kilometers. After all, Monday is 20% of your work week. And just as in a race, how you start could very well determine how you finish.

Here are a few tips for more Mindful Mondays.

Finish Friday well. Don’t leave unpleasant tasks for Monday if you don’t have to. Also, make a list of things you want to accomplish in the next week, with a strong task list for Monday. Make sure there are enjoyable duties on that task list too.
Enjoy your weekend , if you’re lucky enough to have them off. It is time to accomplish things at home, pamper yourself, enjoy time with friends and family, heck, even be a little lazy. Make sure you accomplish the things you want to get done, reasonably. Seeing that the weekend wasn’t a waste with regard to personal activities can help you approach Monday ready to tackle your professional activities.
Mentally prepare for Monday by making up your mind that you will start strong and in a good mood. A decision to approach the day better is all it takes. It’s up to you to follow through on that decision, even as you embark on that morning commute with a bunch of grumpy people lamenting the loss of their weekend.
Give yourself something to look forward to on Mondays. Schedule lunch with a friend, at work, or outside of work if you can manage it. Get a coffee treat on your way to work, only on Mondays. Make Monday nights take out night at home so you can relish your evening.
Don’t invite Murphy to your Monday.  You know, the guy that says, if something can go wrong, it will. I was unaware that Murphy was qualified to make laws for you. Refuse to participate. No police officers here are waiting for you to follow Murphy’s Law.
Start strong.  Get to work a little early, leaving earlier if you have to. Sit at your desk and envision a great day, a great week. Get started on a task that will give you an immediate feeling of accomplishment.

Mindset is EVERYTHING! Make your Monday’s the best first day of the week you have.