Why You'll Never Get Ahead on Mondays Unless You Do This First
How I Fixed My Monday Routine in 15 Minutes
It’s Sunday night. You’re sprawled on the couch, scrolling through Instagram.
Suddenly, you remember tomorrow’s Monday.
Panics.
You vow to follow your to-do list from Monday. You imagine yourself as a productivity machine.
Let me tell you about Jen. She dreams of being an author.
Adoring fans. International book signings. Movie rights.
She’s got it all planned out.
But when Monday rolls around, Jen finds herself reorganizing her desk instead of writing.
Sound familiar?
I thought so.
The “I’ll Start Monday” Effect
We’ve all said it: “I’ll start on Monday.”
It feels good, right? Like you’re giving yourself a fresh start.
But here’s the thing: Your brain is playing tricks on you.
It’s called time discounting.
Basically, your brain sees your future self as a stranger.
“Research shows when we think about ourselves in the future, the brain lights up like we’re thinking about someone else.”
So when you put something off, even for 5 minutes, it feels easier.
Why? Because you’re making that “stranger” do it.
Optimism Trap
Let’s talk about optimism bias.
It’s that voice in your head saying, “This time will be different!”
Spoiler alert: It won’t be.
Your brain thinks you’re better and faster than everyone else.
Even your past self.
So you overestimate what you can do.
And underestimate how long it’ll take.
The Planning Fallacy
Ever make a to-do list that would make Superman sweat?
It’s called the planning fallacy.
You forget about all the little things that eat up your time.
Emails. Phone calls. Lunch breaks.
Even scrolling through Instagram (we all do it).
Bike Shed Effect
Remember Jen, our wannabe author?
Instead of writing, she’s designing her book cover.
That’s bike shedding.
Your brain loves distractions that feel productive.
Why? Because they’re easier than the real work.
“Personally, I never feel more compelled to clean my kitchen or do the laundry than when I am up against an important deadline.”
The Dopamine Trap
Your brain doesn’t actually want you to achieve your dreams.
It’s all about dopamine.
Your brain gets a hit when you think about your goals.
But it also gets one when you start something new.
So you end up starting a bunch of things and finishing none.
Status Quo Bias
Your brain loves routine.
Change is scary.
So it tries to keep you right where you are.
Even if “where you are” is wasting your Mondays.
Solution: Three Steps
I know it’s getting repetitive now, so let's talk about solutions
Step 1: Think Micro
Break your big goal into tiny pieces.
I’m talking microscopic.
Why? Because your brain makes thousands of decisions daily.
You need tasks so small, they’re almost laughable.
One tiny task each day.
It adds up. Trust me.
Step 2: List Your Distractions
All of them. Big and small.
Then categorize them.
Now, here’s the secret weapon: “Not yet.”
Hungry? Not yet. After this paragraph.
Want to check Instagram? Not yet. After this page.
Make “not yet” your mantra.
It’ll change your life. I am literally using it right now.
Step 3: Get an Accountability Buddy
Your brain can’t be trusted to hold you accountable.
You need someone else.
Someone who’ll ask, “Is this a bike shed?”
Someone who’ll remind you why you started.
“Research shows that when you do have regular check-ins with someone, the likelihood that you will achieve your goal increases to as much as 95%.”
Find that person. Today.
Final Thoughts
Here’s my promise to you: Follow these steps, and you’ll never waste another Monday.
It’s that simple.
But simple doesn’t mean easy.
It’ll take work.
It’ll take consistency.
Not someday.
Not Monday.
Now.
This Post Was Just a Tip of The Iceberg
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