The 9am Monday Meeting I Didn't Know I Needed
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I do most of my coaching on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. And like many of you, I often feel that Monday morning dread. You know the feeling—your calendar is full, your to-do list is long, and your brain is swirling with everything that needs to happen between now and Friday.
Even when I’ve done my planning. Even when I feel relatively prepared. There’s just something about Monday morning that feels big.
So here’s what I’ve learned (and re-learned) the hard way: The worst part is before I start.
This past academic term, my first client call wasn’t until 10:30 AM on Mondays. I figured, “Perfect! That gives me a nice, slow start to ease into the week.” I imagined myself sipping coffee, clearing out emails, maybe even getting in a walk. Except… that’s not what happened.
Instead, I spent those early hours feeling edgy. I’d open my inbox and immediately get overwhelmed. I’d try to get into the groove, but my brain wasn’t cooperating. It was all noise, no flow. The quiet start I thought I wanted didn’t feel peaceful. It just gave me more time to worry about everything I hadn’t done yet.
Getting Started
Contrast that with when I have a 9:00 AM coaching call.
It’s early. It’s a bit of a scramble to get there. But once I’m in the session—fully present, fully engaged—I feel like myself again. I stop spinning. I get grounded. It’s like the act of doing pulls me out of my head and back into the moment. And that one call? It sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Suddenly the emails don’t feel so overwhelming. The to-do list looks more doable. My brain… calms down.
There’s this great quote I think about a lot:
“Action breeds confidence and clarity; inaction breeds doubt and fear.” —Dale Carnegie. And wow, do I feel that on Monday mornings.
So if you’re feeling stuck at the beginning of your week, or your day, maybe the kindest thing you can do for yourself isn’t more planning or more coffee. Maybe it’s just starting. Taking the first step. Doing the first thing. Even imperfectly.
Because once you’re in motion, everything gets better.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.