Sunday Funday: Gearing up for a Productive Work Week
Surely I’m not going to recommend working weekends as well?! Well, it’s not quite ‘work’ in that sense but a bit of a laid-back preparation routine that gives you a head start on the week and makes the Monday morning a little less intense. Remember, it’s not just about managing time, but about making time work for you.
Why Sunday?
Why not do this on Monday morning? Because you’re far less likely to be interrupted on Sunday evening, you won’t be getting emails and calls, or colleagues interrupting you on Teams. It’s mostly downtime in the business world, so perfect for a bit of quiet planning. I’ve been doing this for a few years now—after my daughter goes to bed around 8pm on Sundays, and Laura at work, I spend an hour or so sorting through my calendar and tasks, as well as dealing with some email, other tasks like personal finances.
Reflect on the Week That Was
We just don’t do this enough, do we? It’s one crisis or project after another. Unless we force ourselves to think and reflect, we just don’t take the opportunity to consciously learn from our experiences—sure, you can trust your unconscious mind, but how much more could we do with a bit of genuine reflection. So pour yourself a cuppa (or something stronger…it’s OK, it’s Sunday!) and take a few moments to look back on the week that just bid you farewell. What did you get done? What worked? What didn’t? Any lessons learnt? Jot down your thoughts—it’s like a mini debrief for your brain.
Check, Clear, and Calendar
With the reflection out of the way, it’s time to look ahead. Cast an eye across your schedule for the upcoming week. Are there meetings, deadlines, or coffee catch-ups that need your attention? A lunch you haven’t actually made a booking for? Clear out any lingering todos from the past week and make a list of what’s on your plate for the days ahead.
Set Your Priorities
Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, it’s time to set your priorities. What are the must-dos for the week? What can wait? Do you have time blocked off for the big tasks?
Prep Your Workspace
Whether or not you’re working from home on Monday morning, take a few minutes to tidy up your workspace. A clutter-free space is a mind-ready space. Organise any materials or tools you’ll need for your Monday mission so you don’t need to worry about it in the morning.
Tech Check
Give your tech a little love. Charge up your devices, update your software, restart your laptop if needed, and clear out those unnecessary browser tabs. A smooth tech setup equals a smoother workday.
Meal Prep Marvels
Ever tried staring at your fridge on Monday lunchtime, hoping it magically prepares lunch for you? Spoiler alert: it doesn't. Take a bit of time on Sunday to prep some easy meals or snacks for the week. Your future hungry self will thank you!
Early to Bed, Early to Shine
Can’t say it any more clearly. A good night’s sleep is the secret sauce for a great Monday. Get an early night and you’ll wake up more refreshed and ready to start the new week.