I broke my number one rule this week...

I read a newspaper first thing Monday morning.

Sheez!

In my opinion it really is the worst thing you can do to start your week.

From cell phones will kill you (a bit late for that)... to corrupt government officials (nothing new)... to the Spice Girls getting back together... (is this news? I mean, come on people!)...

It’s just distraction.

And a lot of it is depressing.

Look, I’m not saying you should be ignorant to current affairs. Heck no. But you’ve got to be careful not to let it rule you.

Here’s what I say...

Instead of catching up with THE world; catch up with YOUR world first

First thing on a Monday (once you’ve been through your morning routine), look at what you’re doing as a priority.

What goals do you have for the week, for the day?

If you don’t have any, take the time now to think about what it is you want to achieve.

Could be a business goal: By the end of this week I want to set up my homepage for my online business.

Or could be a personal development goal: Today I want to enrol myself in French classes.

Or it could just be a recreational goal: This week, I want to book a weekend away for my family.

The point is to tackle your priorities before external distractions consume your time and attention.

If you already know what your goal is, take some time now to work toward it. Do enough to at least tick off one step towards your goal.

There are two advantages to this approach...

First, you set in motion something that will, by the end of the day or week, have a positive effect on you.

But, more immediately, you’ll start the day in a much better way.

Having already ticked at least one thing off your ‘to do’ list, you’ll be much better placed to tackle the week ahead.

Personally I think you should do this every morning – but especially Mondays...

Spend the time you would have given to the headlines doing something that will have a direct benefit on your business, your personal development or your family and friends.

Leave reading the paper for when you have a spare moment in the day...

In the name of happiness and success,
 

Pascale Barrow
Managing Editor of Personal & Finance Confidential