Everyday challenge

Here we go again, Monday morning and it's back to the grind. Do you need some ideas on how to get 'pumped up' for the week ahead? The best way to do this is to ensure that nothing, is the 'same old' thing again. You need to use your senses to the full. Try jumping into a pool at 6 am or taking a shower at 5 am. When cool water hits your body, you are instantly awakened. Awake to think anew, feel rejuvenated, then the five senses start to complement your effort in any endeavour. There maybe other activities on your mind that you have rejected. See if you can force yourself to do these as well and rejuvenate yourself to feel and think anew.

Making the vision alive and active

Take some time to sit today and make your own list of everything that you take for granted. Don't just sit anywhere, go where you will not be disturbed and where the view is good, so that your creativity is enhanced. Do it today! find new answers to old questions. What is the purpose of living? What do you want to achieve in life and how do you achieve it?

You are working for yourself! Remember that you are working to achieve personal goals. Work is part of that process.

It's your decision to stay or to leave the company. Your future is in your hands. Try this approach and see what happens.

Neutralise emotional hot-buttons

Send positive energy to the others working around you. Be cheerful, upbeat and responsive to customers and co-workers.

Acknowledge their presence. If you encounter grumpy, sad or depressed individuals smile at them and move on.

Leave everyone you meet with the impression that you are happy, full of enthusiasm and motivated. Does this sound completely out of character where you are concerned? Good, you need to change.

Setting a routine is quite normal, and comforting, but not motivating. Make changes, maybe it's your breakfast, the way you work, your clothes...who knows. Fiddle around with your patterns, styles and routines, you may discover the optimistic individual in you!

Look for your emotional hot-buttons and take steps to neutralise them so that it is you and not your emotions that are in control.

Doing difficult things first is the way to play the game.

Challenge yourself to tackle difficult problems first. Admit that it has to be done and might be the most uncomfortable or unpleasant activity you will encounter during the week. Once this is out of the way you'll be surprised how much easier the rest of the week will be'.

Make someone proud of you. Everyone has a person or persons in their lives that they love and respect. Who are these people in your life? What could you do today at work to make them proud of you? Then get down to doing it.

Love yourself first to take care of others

How well are you looking after yourself? Are you feeling tired? Reward yourself regularly for hard work. Give yourself prizes.

Set goals and create rewards for their completion that can be enjoyed during the weekend, alone or with your loved ones. Once you develop the habit of enjoying little wins in life, you will not want to let go of that feeling.

Burned out, stressed out, unable to focus, unable to get excited, then decide to take time off regularly, disconnect from work with no email and no telephone calls. Recharge your batteries. Figure out when you are going, for how long, with whom and where.