Monday Motivation: action v.s. reaction

Sometimes we all need a little extra #MondayMotivation. I’m not talking about Mondays in the literal sense but rather as an adjective. You know those days/scenarios/people that are just so Monday?

I think this is why we start out each day with a coffee, (or at least those of us who like to think of ourselves as sane do #Venti.) It’s a Mussar Haskel for life. In that strong, dark brew you have the ability to add a splash of creamer, some suga’ and customize it to your preference. Whether you keep it dark or show your mug a latte love, the caffeine will deliver the same jolt, but the experience is in your hands.

For example, your annual (if it’s so “annual” why do we do this “weekly”?) review. Analytics are down, social media content is getting dry, and I think You're too excessive with the coffee breaks. Okay, I’m exaggerating for effect, but in all fairness...

Initial reaction: blood reaching my checks rising to the tips of my ears, irrational thoughts creeping up. He’s going to fire me; I’m under performing, I knew I should’ve worn a blazer...

Controlled Action: Make eye contact and hear your boss out, really listen. Understand that your 9 to 5 is part of a bigger scheme, this is his baby, and he doesn’t clock hours. Try to put yourself in your boss’s shoes, see it from his perspective, and be sincere. This advice goes for all relationships btw. Yes, work is a relationship, and no I am not married to my job. I have a life #catluvr.

And now for a real #Monday.

The Holidays are behind us but not so behind, am I right?

You’re at a family party. The little cousins are in dire need of a good game of monkey in the middle, and you’re deemed the coveted “monkey.” Grandfather is telling you that you made a mistake with your career path and should’ve gone into Special Ed, like your cousin. Said cousin is showing off her new diamond ring and happens to mention that her new beau had the foresight to invest in Bitcoin. Truthfully the Bitcoin bit is what gets you. In the kitchen, Bubby is beckoning with three different cheesecakes. Think vanilla goat cheese frosting with honeyed almond crumble, but you’re in inner turmoil because you have a BFF’s wedding tomorrow and you HAVE to look GOOD.

Initial reaction: Lock yourself in a room with cheesecake(s).

Controlled Action: Promise your little cousins that you will play either five rounds as the monkey or ten rounds as an “ender.” Decisions yield maturity. Respectfully explain to your grandfather that if you could do it all over, you would choose the same career path and then some. Turn to your cousin, wish her the heartiest of congratulations, and mean it, and resolve yourself to trust your intuition. Next time there’s something you have a hunch about, respect that voice of reason. “A failure is someone who never tries.” As for the cheesecake, have a piece, or you know what? Save it. Ask bubby to put one of each slice in a Rubbermaid. Tomorrow you’ll feel light and after you’ve danced the night away, have a piece. Cake isn’t something you have to earn, but instead, it’s about timing. Slow down, and enjoy the Mondays, it all works out in good time.