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Monday, 1/22/24: Talking about a few book recommendations

Happy Monday!

It’s a new week, which means it’s time for your next Monday motivation newsletter.

Read on below for some steps to a happier Monday and some positive thoughts to get your week started.

Three Steps to a Happier Monday

Each newsletter starts with three prompts to inspire gratitude and simple intention setting. Take a moment and jot down answers to these three questions. To give an example, I share my answers below.  

Step 1: What are three things I appreciated from the weekend? 

Step 2: What is one thing I can be excited about today?

Step 3: What is my intention for this week? 

GRATITUDE: I’m thankful for a great weekend in Indianapolis, the sun being out yesterday and sleeping in both Saturday and Sunday!

TODAY: I’m most excited to start a new book after work today. 

INTENTION: My intention this week is to get outside every day. 

Okay, your turn! And if you want to share your three steps, I am all ears. 🙂

On My Monday Radar

New year, new newsletter format! For the past 4.5 years (!), I’ve followed a pattern of featuring an essay about a wide-ranging number of topics (Monthly goals! Big topics! Small topics!), followed by a roundup of fun links to get your Monday morning started on a positive note. I love writing both, but often wish I had more time to dedicate to each one.

So, starting this year, I’m switching things up and featuring an essay one week and a roundup of links the next. Last week I featured an essay and this week is the roundup of links. Despite this change, the rest of the newsletter (sending it every Monday at 6 AM EST, Three Things to a Happier Monday and Picture of the Week) will stay the same! Hope you enjoy!

  • Don’t you love when one book leads to another? I recently read The 4% Fix, and in it, the author included a quote from Dan Pink’s When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing. The When quote intrigued me and it was available at my library, so I downloaded to read next. SO glad I did – I loved it!! When was my first five-star book of 2024. It’s packed with surprising insights and so many practical takeaways about ways to structure your day.
  • If the book When piques your interest too, this podcast interview with the author is a great starting point to get a taste of the premise.
  • I did also like The 4% Fix! The book centers around the idea of using one hour (4% of your day) for something creative or energizing for you. The author – probably to no surprise – uses the hour (at 5 a.m.) to write. It was exactly the kind of book I wanted to read at the top of year. If you are look for some motivation to start an early morning habit, I would consider reading this book!
  • While my January reading typically gravitates toward more nonfiction, I did also finish an enjoyable fiction book – This Time Next Year – last week. The book was sweet and easy to read about missed connections and fate. Loved the New Year’s theme.

I guess I have a book-theme going today…

In finally some NON-READING NEWS… 

Picture of the Week

(January 20, 2024)
At Matt’s happy place – Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. With a win this weekend, my undefeated record still stands! Seen Butler play (and win) three times. 

That’s all for today! I hope you found something in today’s newsletter that sparked motivation, made you smile or inspired a positive Monday thought. Don’t underestimate the power of starting small… a fulfilling week starts with just one fulfilling day. You’ve got this! 

Let’s make it a great Monday!
Megan

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