Monday mornings are the most critical time of the work-week — they set the stage for the day and week ahead. Your start to Monday morning influence your mindset in a positive or negative way, depending on what actions you take.

Gain control and stay upbeat, a productive Monday morning can be your secret weapon on success. 16 things successful people do on Monday mornings are as easy as:

1. They wake up early. Go to bed at a sensible time.

2. They exercise. Get moving run, walk, yoga, what ever fits you.

3. They have breakfast. If you can’t eat consider a shake, it is quick and got what you need.

4. They arrive early. Be the first.

5. They clear their desk and desktop, be organised and don’t let someone surprise you.

6. They carve out time for unexpected projects and tasks. Never book yourself solid.

7. They greet their team and boss. Include everyone be positive and never be rushed.

8. They update their to-do list and goals. Success is about how you respond, not what happens.

9. They visualise the week’s successes. By envisioning the positive outcomes and make a plan towards those results.

10. They screen emails for urgent requests.

11. They tackle the tough challenges first.

12. They make an extra effort to smile.

13. They add a “blanket of humanity” to their emails.

14. They’re able to say no.

15. They stay focused. Successful people don’t dwell on any challenging events.

16. They remember that there is Tuesday. The world will not cave in if you don’t solve all Monday’s problems.