By Nkiru Ogbuli
We can all agree that at certain points in our lives, Monday mornings were the scariest part of the week. Whether it was as a little child in primary school, or as a teenager in secondary school, as a higher institution student, a Youth Corps member, a newly employed worker or even as an entrepreneur running ones own business, it seemed as though we could and for some, still can never catch a break from the hustle and bustle that characterise Monday mornings.
An unemployed person is not left out because such a person might still live in fear of waking up to another day of idling away while others go about their “productive busy lives”.
It takes an intentional shift of mindset to overcome that fear, if not, one might live in perpetual trepidation of what is supposed to be a very normal day, till retirement.
The Beehives group of the Finewiners Network as part of their Monday tasks, asked Finewiners what their go-to Monday survival tips were, while reminding them that they were strong, resilient, and fierce. Finewiners were also encouraged to keep their shoulders back, chest out, and heads up as they tackle the week head on.
Enjoy the read!
Queen:
“My Monday mornings are not always hectic because I don’t do a 9-5 but if I have to be out on Monday for business, my survival tip would be keeping my eyes on the prize (my payment after the job).
“Every bill I need to pay, will be my motivation to go out there and give my best.”
Kiki:
“For me, I demystified Monday a long time ago.
“Instead of getting worked up as Monday approached during my regular work days, I always told myself it was just like every other day of the week. A senior friend had as his slogan “I love my Mondays!” I adopted that.
“These days, I shift my activities to say Wednesdays and Fridays leaving Mondays as free as possible.
“So survival tip is: Just see Monday as every other day of the week. It takes the pressure and anxiety off of you.”
Omotee:
“Honestly, I wish I could just sleep in and have someone make all the money for me.
“But in reality, my survival tips are rooted in faith. I start my week with Psalm 91, 121, and 23, and tune in to Pastor Jimmy’s Monday morning prayer.
“For me, prayer is the ultimate key to surviving and thriving throughout the week. With a heart full of faith and optimism, I’m confident that the week will be blessed and work in my favor.”
Winnie:
“Nothing wakes me up faster and gets me alert like coffee especially on a Monday morning when I need to figure out how the rest of the week will go… of course pairing it with moist French Toast and Sunny Side Eggs my way, seals the mood in.
In essence, it is food for me.”
Emem:
“I totally agree with Kiki. Mondays are mostly a free day for me. I hardly do anything on Mondays unless it is absolutely necessary. When we make it special, we mount pressure on ourselves. Like today, I have a meeting by 12noon and I’m back home. Soft life on Monday.”
Faith:
“Mondays are stressful for me, but I tackle them head-on!
My Monday routine starts, from 8am school runs to 5pm office hours and back.
“My trusty motto keeps me going: “Believe you can and you’re there.””
Blessing:
“Mondays are a scare for me honestly. I always wish it can be postponed.”
Hadiza:
“Life is but for the living. As much as I can, I will work and not take chances. I will grab every good opportunity given to me to excel.
“I will keep pushing and striving, believing God for favour and speed for accomplishment of all my life goals.
“Then in between, I try to balance work and family life with a little bit of me time. I can’t **** myself.”
Keren:
“Mondays are hectic for me. We have trainings at the office.
“I start my week with prayers listening to Pastor Jerry Eze and Pastor Selman. I am also a worshipper feeding my spirit with the scripture Jeremiah 29:11.
“Words of affirmations are a ritual for me with my green tea or turmeric milk by the side.”
Aniefiok:
“My Monday is in the office. Though I am on my annual leave I had to still come today to finish an unfinished job I had on my desk and to meet up with Faith for a personal stuff.”
Uche:
“My ideal Monday survival tip is to start the day with a positive routine. I prepare for Monday on Sunday evening by organising what I’ll need for the day. I make sure to get enough sleep.
“On Monday mornings, I start with a short workout while listening to gospel music, I pray and meditate, I keep a positive mindset because Mondays offer the chance to refocus and set the tone for a productive week.”
Lizzy:
“Fortunate enough, I look forward to every Monday. For me, Mondays are my best days because it determines how the rest of the week flow for me.
“My go-to Monday morning survival tip is: As the week is a fresh start, full of new opportunities and challenges, I believe in myself and the abilities to explore, so I get things ready on Sunday to kick start my week.
“I do my daily morning devotion to usher myself spiritually, and do school runs in the morning before leaving for business/work, so that help me survive the pressure that comes with Monday.”
Whatever Monday morning means to you, remember you have the power to control and steer your days the way you want to. It starts with having the right mindset and actually believing that you are in control. Remember to do what works for you as everybody’s reality is not the same.
Break a leg!
Perfect ways to kickstart the week. Thanks Finewiners for the tips.
Monday is like every other day of the week. It is when we make it special that it feels special and remember with special comes pressure.
For me, I don’t do routines as each day is different from the other even though not special.
What is important is to attack each challenge the day presents with as much zeal and enthusiasm as you would, any other day.
My Monday was a little stressful but it ended so well with lot’s of progress and fulfilment🥰
One day at a time, including Mondays. My style may necessarily not work for 9-5 folks, but not being sentimental about Mondays removes so much pressure from me. Personally, I would say Wednesdays are my Mondays because that’s when I basically start to function.
I love how Mondays mean different things to different people but the one thing in common is the fact that it’s one day of the week that sets the pace for the rest of the week.
As a civil servant Mondays seems like the main day for serious file work so if you miss work on Monday it seems like you have missed a whole work week.
But most times reverse is the case as you might go to work on that Monday and still not meet any file to work on. So for me Monday is just like every other day nothing too special about it.
I plan my week on Monday morning. Take 10-15 minutes to prioritize my tasks, set clear goals, and organize my schedule. It helps me feel in control and gives my week a focused start.
I have a magnetic calendar on the fridge were I write down all the appointments for everyone in the house and other activities that need to be done too. It’s part of my organizing the week.
In as much as mondays are tasking for me I need to rest and sleep more I can’t ecape Mondays so I have to deal with it . Applying my daily task cos that how every other days would look like .
I plan
Strategies
Follow up