Have you ever had a case of “the Mondays”? You know those days – we’ve all had ‘em – you wake up knowing your workday is going to be tough or dreary and you just want to go back to sleep already! Perhaps it’s an intense meeting with a prickly boss or a 5-hour session on learning the new computer system or back-to-back meetings all day. Sometimes the issue is as simple as insufficient sleep and you just know it’ll be a long slog all day.
Whatever the reason, those days can be difficult and arduous. But the good news is, they don’t necessarily have to be. Attitude counts a lot on these days, and sometimes a quick and easy attitude adjustment can turn a dismal day into a bearable – maybe even an enjoyable – one.
And of course: you want to have as many enjoyable days and as many enjoyable moments as possible. Not only does that help you love your life, but it also keeps you happier, and inspires you to more forward movement in your business. Sounds obvious, I know, but so many of us forget that simple truth a little too often.
Take Action – Get Excited … on purpose!
Here’s one super-simple – and a personal favorite – tactic for managing my energy on workdays. I recommend doing this EVERY workday. By the end of the first week, you’ll notice some pretty amazing changes!
When I wake up that morning, before even leaving bed, I walk through the day in my mind and find at least three things, events, or moments to look forwardto that day. I take 5-10 seconds with each thing and savor it in my mind. This can be anything! Some ideas are:
- a quick chat with a co-worker who makes you smile
- a big deal that you’re about to close on
- a delicious lunch
- a client session that you are really passionate about
After that, I pick some things in my personal life that day that I’m looking forward to, and savor those things:
- dinner with my husband & daughter
- a conversation with a good friend
- taking my favorite yoga class
Focusing on and feeling happy anticipation about the positive moments in your day can help lessen the weight you feel around the unpleasant moments.
What are you looking forward to today?
Turn Your Attitude to Gratitude!
Another strategy for bringing back joy to your workday is to take a moment to remember the parts of your job that you love and give thanks for them. Sure, you might hate doing paperwork, but don’t forget that you enjoy teaching class, or writing, or getting to know your clients. Or maybe you feel very stressed about meeting with prospects and trying to connect with them. But try to bear in mind that you love creating programs or classes, or that it feels terrific to close a session with a client and reflect with them on how they’ve grown or benefited.
What are you grateful for today?
Instead of focusing on the parts of your day that you’re not looking forward to, make an effort to identify and get excited about the parts of your day – no matter how small – that will make you feel alive or make your heart sing. The more you focus on the positive, the more you will notice it and enjoy it in your life … and the more your soul-centered project will soar!!!!
