by Karen Kahn

Monday mornings can be hard to get going.  Many people I talk to (myself included) find it hard to get started and even feel a little down.  Here are some activities that work for me. Try them out and let me know if they get you beginning the week clear, active and psyched for great things to happen, and please add some other “Monday Starters” to the list:

1. Write down the good things that happened last week.  (I know this is a bit Oprah-esq but it really does help.)
2. Make a list of the things you want to accomplish this week.
3. Check your e-mail box and flag notes that need your response.
4. Talk to a “Monday Buddy”—a colleague with whom you can have an actual or virtual cup of coffee, discuss your week’s  “to dos” and hold each other accountable for actions
5. Play the theme from Rocky loudly in your I-Pod.
6. Fill in the blank:  “This would be a fantastic week if ______  happens.”  Now answer this question:  What do you need to do to make it happen?
7. Try this “10 Minute Drill.”  Send out 5 e-mails to people with whom you would like to be in touch this week. Let them know what you want to touch base with them about and when the ideal time is for you to have a brief conversation.
8. Write a blog about ways to get psyched up on Mondays.

Happy Monday!