It’s Monday. It’s also the Monday after I got back from a few days away. A few very relaxing days. 

I don’t want to work today. Because it’s Monday and I’d rather be on the beach. Doing nothing.

I’m all too aware that I still have to get stuff done.

I have to force myself to get into work mode. I should be happy because I am getting stuff done. But, I’m sulking because I want to wallow in “Poor me. I didn’t have enough time off.”

Sulking or not, being productive is the name of the game. If you’re interested in getting things done when you get back from a nice, relaxing vacay (sulk, sulk, sulk…), check out these four things you can do to kick your arse in gear and knock off that to do list.

1. Take your time. Don’t rush around because you might give your brain cells a fright. Don’t you know? Scared brain cells don’t function well. You don’t have to move about like molasses…just take a few minutes to gather your thoughts.

What are two or three things you want to focus on? Which ONE must you get done today? Do you need help to get it done?

Just have a sit down with yourself, cup of coffee (or water or your favorite beverage) in hand, and simply talk to yourself…figure out what you need to do.

2. Capture the important stuff. Now that your pow wow is over, put your “must get done” ideas/thoughts/to do’s on paper. Or, grab your camera phone and snap a picture of the things/spaces you want to work on. Or, enter it in your notes app on your smart phone.

Do whatever works and don’t keep everything in your head. Your brain will fool you and make you believe that it will help you remember, but it won’t. Stuff will come up and eat up your time and memory banks. Brains are tricky that way. Yes, I speak from experience.

3. Put your feet up. Don’t try to do everything all at once. You might think that your brain likes to do a gazillion things at the same time and at a constant, non-stop pace.

It doesn’t.

And, then it rebels by offing itself, a few cells at a time. This means that you’ll have less in your arsenal to get your important stuff done. Instead, take a break when you need to. Hydrate. Re-fuel. Sing a song. Do a dance. Then, get back to it.

4. Talk to yourself. Basically, you’re repeating step #1 but for the next day. What’s on tap for Tuesday? Wednesday? The rest of the week? Anything coming up that has a strict deadline?

Before you go to bed, talk it through with yourself. Jot down the super important things (this is step #2) and refine your list when you wake up. Then, go off and have yourself a productive day.