Awake and think anew

Here we go again, Monday morning, back to work. Need some ideas on how to get pumped up for the week ahead? The best way to do that is to ensure that nothing becomes the 'same old' ever again.

To do this, you need to use all your senses fully. Try jumping into a pool at 6 am or take a shower at 5 am. When the cool water hits your body you are instantly awake.

Awake enough to think anew, feel rejuvenated, the five senses start to fully complement your effort in any endeavour. There may be other good activities your mind and body have so far rejected.

See if you can force yourself to do such activity to rejuvenate yourself to feel and think anew.

Vision

Take some time today to sit down and create your own list of everything you take for granted. Don't just sit anywhere, go where you will not be disturbed where the view is good, where your wellness and creativity are fed, but do it today. Find new answers to the old question; what's the purpose of my living? What do I want to achieve in life and how do I achieve it.

You are working for yourself. Remember that you work to achieve your personal goals. Work is part of the process. You are not working for XYZ Corporation, you truly are working for yourself. It's your decision to stay or to leave the company. Your future is in your hands. Try that attitude and see what happens.

Hot-buttons

Send out positive energy to the others around you. Be cheerful, upbeat and responsive to customers and co-workers. Say hello to everyone, acknowledge their presence.

If you encounter grumpy, sad or depressed people smile at them and move on. Leave everyone you meet with the impression that you're happy, full of enthusiasm and motivated today. Does it sound completely out of character to you? Good, you need to change. Setting a routine is quite normal and comforting, but not motivating.

Change something. Maybe breakfast, the route to work or your clothes. Fiddle around with your patterns, styles and routines, you may discover the more optimistic person in you - the real you.

Look for your emotional hot-buttons and take steps to neutralise them so you and not your emotions are in control, in and outside of business.

Game

Challenge yourself to attack the most difficult work problems first thing today.

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? Do it.

Love yourself

How well are you looking after yourself? Do you feel tired? Reward yourself regularly for hard work.

Give yourself prizes. Set goals and create rewards for their completion that can be enjoyed on 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? 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.