More Conversations with Mopey and Harry, or the "The Half-Fuller’s Guide to Surviving the First Work Week of the New Year"

The first work week (or semi-work week, since it was only 4 days) is now safely behind me, and it wasn’t an easy one. There’s always something especially mentally challenging about this week – right after a very “up” holiday season and some time off to relax a bit, with the added spectre of all the goals and objectives of a new business year looming ahead.

Somebody I work with called it “regaining the mojo”; Liz Strauss looked at it as trying “to lose that ‘I’ve been on a holiday’ feeling“. I call it the next round in the continuing battle for my psyche between my friends Mopey Murphy and Harry Halffull. Let’s listen in to some of the exchanges of the week:

Mopey: So, my friend, it’s a New Year with many new possibilities for failure. Just look at those huge mountains you need to climb. C’mon, just let it happen!

Harry: Are you kidding Mopey? This boy isn’t going to crumble any time soon – look at 2006; he not only kept at his day job, he successfully juggled a thriving personal life and a blog too!

Mopey: Yes, but where has that gotten him – right back to the starting line; that’s the beauty of Murphy’s law and the calendar – there’s always a fresh chance to have something bad happen.

Harry: And what’s so good about having things go bad – give me one example.

Mopey: OK wise man, consider this – look at all the big-company CEOs these days; they get more money for FAILING than they do for succeeding. Why just the other day the guy from Home Depot got $210 Million for taking the company into the gutter. See, Murphy’s Law can pay!

Harry: Uh, OK, but how can that guy sleep at night? Money can’t buy everything. My guy has a conscious – he’d never go to the dark side for money.

Mopey: But he wouldn’t have to work as hard; being a successful goody two-shoes is exhausting- look at the bags under his eyes this week.

Harry: Just the lull before the lion comes roaring back Mopey, I think he’s already listening to Liz’s advice to get control of 2007 :

a) Lay out things that still need to be done .
b) Plan what to do first on Monday and what three most important to pick for your focus.
c) Set up your command center.
d) Put the things you use most where you use them.
e) Make a plan for the weekend that gives your brain a break.
f) Walk out the door feeling in control again.

Mopey: Leave it to Liz to pump this guy up; she’s tough competition. OK, I’ll back off – for now. Let’s see if he can keep this up.

Harry: Another win for the good guys, and a handy “Half-Fuller’s Guide to Surviving the First Work Week of the New Year”! Liz, the check is in the mail

Yes, I made it through the week, and my first trip out west of the New Year awaits. Mountains! Snow! You bet I’m in control again!

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