When you’re an entrepreneur, every week is different. Some are filled with client calls, meetings, and events, while others give me more space for creative work and behind-the-scenes planning. Either way, I’ve learned that how I start the week sets the tone for how it unfolds.
Here’s how I like to set myself up for success when I know it’s going to be a busy one:
1. Sunday Check-In: Every Sunday evening, I always take a little time to see what’s coming up. Sometimes this means scanning my Google calendar with an Aperol Spritz in hand, or jotting down key deadlines in my notebook. It prevents me from being overwhelmed on Monday morning and helps me feel grounded going into it.
2. Defining My Top Three: My to-do list may be a mile long, but I focus on the three most important things that absolutely need to get done that week. This ensures that I am putting my energy into the tasks that move my business forward, such as a client campaign, a blog post, or a pitch I am preparing, and helps me remain realistic about what I can accomplish.
3. Creating Space for Concentration: One advantage of working for yourself is that you can plan your day around how much energy you have. I schedule time early in the day for writing or strategy work because I know that I am most creative in the morning. Client calls, meetings, and content creation are frequently the activities of the afternoon. I can stay in the moment and avoid decision fatigue thanks to this rhythm.
4. Protecting Buffer Time: Even with the best planning, things come up—a client needs something urgently or a last-minute opportunity pops up. I try to avoid solid bookings because of this. I become more adaptable and less stressed when something unexpected happens when I leave some leeway.
5. Scheduling Wellness: Wellness is one thing I never compromise on. I’m more productive (and happier) when I take a walk on the beach, go to a workout class, or just get a coffee away from my desk. Building these breaks into my calendar is just as important as booking a meeting.
At the end of the week, I find I’m most proud not just of the boxes I’ve checked off, but of the balance I’ve created between getting things done and giving myself space to breathe.