Mondays are notoriously rough. The weekend is over, school starts, and work begins abruptly. Ask any group of people and at least one will say some version of “Monday mornings are the worst.” Even Garfield (the comic strip cat) hates Mondays.
A quick internet search of “Monday” images summarizes what our general culture thinks of Monday mornings:
Since Mondays represent 1/7 of our lives, we don’t want to hate them. But there may be a bit of truth to the jolt of Monday. If that’s you, here are things to think about:
Monday mornings aren’t for direction, development, or decisions.
Don’t set huge life direction goals or make significant decisions on Monday, especially in the morning. Don’t quit your job on a Monday. Allow the big rocks of your planning, work, and development to come later in the week. If you feel motivated to act on Monday morning, go for it, but set up your Monday schedule so you’re not forced to make those kinds of decisions.
Instead, focus on details, delight, and determination.
DETAILS:
In many ways, Monday is the in-between day. Consider loose ends from the week or weekend and plans for the week ahead. Mondays are a time for wrapping up and prepping. Plan time to do all the little things that will set yourself up for a successful week. Send the notes you need to send. Follow up on email. Connect the dots for a coming project or presentation. Set your schedule for home. Get things ready for success in the coming days. Do errands, straighten your space, clean your car. Get the details out of the way.
DELIGHT:
Catch up with people. Ask questions and listen. Enjoy conversations. Make plans for the coming weekend. Subscribe to a joke of the day email – it will surely make you smile. One study claims that the average worker doesn’t crack a smile until 11:16 am on Mondays, but you can be different. Make plans for a trip or vacation. Do online shopping. Be generous. Go to work early and leave a little early if you can. Delight yourself in the ways of the Lord through prayer and scripture. God promises to give us the desires of our hearts.
DETERMINATION:
Mondays represent a fresh beginning each week. Determine to use this to your advantage. Set up lessons to learn something new each Monday. Determine to exercise every Monday – it will probably trickle into a formed habit for you. Did you know Mondays are the most crowded day for most gyms, and the day that most smokers decide to quit smoking? Monday is a day to hone in on your determination. Determine to be joyful. Determine not to complain. Determine to encourage others.
In the world of ministry, Mondays bring their own uniqueness. For starters, Sunday is the first day of the week, as it is represented on the calendar and in my personal calendar flow. But Mondays start the flow of the work week, leading up to next weekend. In some circles, the church office is closed on Mondays to recuperate from Sunday. Our church office is closed on Friday, so the work week is Sunday through Thursday. We have staff meetings on Mondays and handle little details and deadlines. If I have been out for a weekend of ministry, I try to lay low on Monday mornings to take care of things around the house and with family. I also make sure the schedule is set for maximum impact Tuesday through Thursday, leading up to the next weekend and beyond.
Everyone sets their own schedule and lives, and Mondays can be great.
See, I am making all things new! – Jesus
LISTEN TO EPISODE #153
