I heard some serious grumbling this Sunday about the imminent arrival of Monday morning. The general description and feelings on display almost seemed to forewarn an end-of-world event.

Personally, I’ve never really seen Mondays as such a bad thing, but fully realize I’m probably more of an exception than the rule.

Why do people have such a tough time with Mondays? How do people manage their Monday Event?

After some research I found several very interesting pointers. If you need help to survive your Mondays, or if you just think you’d like to see some useful suggestions and perspectives, then read on.

Here are some interesting perspectives, thoughts and insights you might consider when managing the various aspects of that Monday Morning Thing:

1. Mondays Are More Depressing, Study Says. Interesting findings about Monday dislikes and their roots.
2. How To Beat Monday Morning Blues. Useful, extensive pointers how to set up your Monday for a much more positive experience.
3. Four ways to Make Monday like Friday.  Another approach: Simple ideas on how to change the nature of Mondays, making them more like Fridays and so improve your outlook. Assumes you love those Fridays!
4. Monday -Best day of the Week.  Brief, motivational thoughts on how to prime yourself and expectations by using Monday as a positive, jump-off platform to begin each week.
5. Six signs that Monday Blues May be Emotional Alarm. If you’re struggling to get up and then engage on Monday mornings you should check this out. Perhaps you’re experiencing symptoms of much bigger problems?

As for me, I find it better to treat all days in much the same way. Even if I’m scheduling downtime or family events (which I keep very separate), I find my best approach to be the following for Mondays and every other day:

• Write a short list of Action Items (AI’s) for the day

Itemize ongoing projects/immediate goals, quick to-do’s, meetings to set up, calls to make and simple errands, etc. Get them all written down. Plan on completing the more demanding tasks as best matches those changing energy levels throughout the day.

I like to prepare my list at the start of the day, when all candidate AI’s are in.

• Keep the list of AI’s Manageable

I typically find 5-to-10 To-Do’s enough for the day. Be sure to highlight the Must-Do’s on the list so they get essential priority and visibility.

Ensure the completion of the list within the day at least appears fully viable at the outset; if some things later clearly require more time, then schedule them for focused time-slots, accordingly.

• Start with an easy victory

If I’m running a little slow, I’ll sometimes look for easy wins to begin the day. It’s often a good idea to tackle a few simple AI’s that establish momentum and get you underway.

• Strike off what’s done as/when its accomplished

Seeing AI’s struck from a diminishing list can be a powerful incentive to keep on going. So, when the AI’s complete, cross it off your agenda.

• Keep notes for Tomorrow’s AI List

Never add to an AI list once you’re underway unless it’s truly an essential inclusion. If unavoidable, quickly reset your list (and expectations for the day), accordingly.

If you’re struggling with those Monday morning blues, then take heed of the pointers and information available above.

Do you struggle to get out of bed on Monday mornings? Find yourself disturbingly unproductive on that first day of the week?

Maybe it’s time to make some changes. Select an approach that resonates for your situation and behaviors. And above all, be sure it’s you who sets the expectation for your workday and workweek!

Ian R. Mackintosh is the author of Empower Your Inner Manager Twitter @ianrmackintosh