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Sometimes Mondays bring a mixed bag of emotions.
We dread them, embrace them, or simply accept them as a matter of course.
It only stands to reason that if we have a lot going on in our lives, the first day of our work week can overwhelm.
It makes sense, too, when we look forward to something we approach Mondays with a lighter attitude and a spirit of excitement.
And then there is simply resiliency—the resolve to just make it through the day.
For the most part, Mondays hold a certain appeal for me. While I miss the fleeting moments of weekend downtime, the thought of new opportunities thrill me. Nothing kick-starts my work week like fresh possibility!
Don’t get me wrong—I still have off days like everyone else.
When they come, I’ve found a few things are key to staying motivated.
- I’m intentional. With my time. My talent. My resources. Who I spend time with.
- I steer clear of naysayers. Those who discourage, backbite, or complain.
- I read something inspirational. It might be a passage of scripture, a blog post, or a book.
- I turn off the news. Yes, bad things happen every day, but sometimes I have to re-focus.
- I watch something uplifting. (Over the weekend, my husband and I watched The King’s Speech again. A side note: Based on history, this isn’t a family-safe film because of the salty language. However, it never fails to inspire.)
- I limit social media. As much as I adore connecting, sometimes, solitude is essential.
- I set aside the day for fun. That might include a special research trip or lunch with a friend.
- I eat healthy—and not just during off days. Thankfully, I enjoy veggie burgers and salads and I try to watch the sweets and carbs. (I still enjoy a few cups of coffee and a little daily chocolate, but moderation is key.)
We tend to think nurturing ourselves is selfish, but it’s only selfish when we allow self-absorption to rule. Like everything, there must be a happy medium.
Whatever mode of life you’re in just now, I have some Monday motivation to kick-start your week… Feel free to indulge.
Ready for a Recharge? Encouragement You Can Use!
Sometimes, You Need a Breather: Fresh Air HERE
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Put Away the Past, Anticipate New Beginnings
Don’t Compare Your Productive Season to Someone Else’s
How to Thrive Despite the Odds
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How do you kick-start your work week?
What specific things motivate you?
How do you nurture yourself?
Happy Monday!
Blessings Always,
Comments 4
Something yummy to eat waiting on me usually motivates me! 🙂
I just finished editing my middle grade manuscript, I believe, for the final time. I had two chapters left when I woke up this morning … and I finished! Yay!
Author
Shelli, good for you! You’ve been busy!
I physically beat the heck out of myself with exercise.
Making myself hurt more makes me realize that I can do a lot more than I thought, and it’s a motivator.
I try to avoid the news, and commercial TV, and PBS (especially the drama series…they tend to focus on trivia and politicking in dysfunctional families…ugh).
I do listen to good Christian music, like Linkin Park (yep…though not a genre Christian band, they are solidly Christian in outlook).
That gets me going. Well, more or less.
Author
Andrew, it’s great to find those go-to motivators that work for us. I’ve definitely learned over the years what doesn’t motivate me.