I hate Mondays!
How many times have you heard someone say those words? Every week the same few turn up for work complaining about how they don‘t really want to be there. If you consider that there are 52 Mondays in the year, even when you take into account those which are public holidays or part of annual leave, there are still a significant number of days in the year that these people have set themselves up to dislike. Why not turn that around, and actively put a smile on their face as they walk through the door? Over time, many will be astounded that they have kicked the habit of ‘Mondayitis’.
Try thinking outside the square, think upwards and sideways and see where it takes you.
When advancing your career, you are likely to go higher, faster, if you take chances as long as they are calculated ones. For example, don’t leave one job until you have secured the next one, if at all possible. By getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things you will add to your skills and continue to move both forwards and upwards. When looking for opportunities, prioritize what is important to you. This will ensure that you are heading in the right direction, and it will help to give you the confidence to go forward into the unknown.
Smile
They say a smile is worth a thousand words, and if you put it into practice you will find it is true. Walk past a complete stranger and smile at them as you pass, more often than not they will smile back at you; it is infectious!
It is easy to get caught up in the urgency of everyday life, and as an executive assistant, I was often juggling a multitude of responsibilities. On one occasion I must have had my busy face on, as someone came up and said, “SMILE!” I thought to myself, ‘I don’t have time to smile!’ What a way to go through life, not having time to smile!
We all seem to take life too seriously, as we take it upon ourselves to do more than is possible at any one time. The people around us shy away because we are busy being busy, and don’t have time for them or their needs. I would urge you to start smiling and be the person you want to be in life. Don’t let the pressures of doing a good job detract from the real you. We can all be professional, but it takes a special person to exude professionalism whilst also exuding their true personality. If you are trying to cram too much of everything into your life at present, take some time out to enjoy the opportunity to smile and laugh!
Experiencing Mondayitis is counterproductive, it’s like treading water, time stands still. Embracing every day with a positive mindset is the steppingstone to achieving career aspirations.
And finally – never give up!
In the words of Henry Ford, ‘Whether you think you can or you think you cannot – you are right.’