The Weekly CEO Routine That Helps Me Stay Out of Panic Mode

You ever feel like Monday hits you like a semi-truck? You wake up already behind, overwhelmed, and instantly reactive- checking orders, responding to 19 DMs, and wondering how you’re going to survive the week… AGAIN?

I’ve been there. Truthfully, some weeks can STILL feel like this.

But I’ve built a system and a ROUTINE to help with this beginning-of-the-week doom-and-gloom. A routine that grounds me, guides me, and- et’s keep it real-keeps me from losing my mind. And today, I’m pulling back the curtain to show you exactly what a CEO level routine looks like. 👇

Why a Weekly CEO Routine Can Help You Avoid Burnout and Grow Faster

If you’re constantly saying:

“I never have enough time.”

“I’m always playing catch-up.”

“My business is running me.”

Then THIS right here is your answer.

You don’t need more time- you need a SYSTEM. A routine. A dedicated time each week where you MEET with yourself to slow down so you can speed up.

This isn’t about being aesthetic or perfectly organized. It’s about showing up for your business like the CEO you’re supposed to be before the never-ending to-do list demands all your attention.

My 6-Step Weekly CEO Routine for Small Business Success

This takes me 60–90 minutes. Tea in hand. No distractions. Just me, my notebook, calendar and my brain.

1. Review the Numbers

• Last week’s revenue- if you don’t know how much PROFIT your business made, then how do you even know if you’re making money? This is about the OVERALL health of your business.
• Best-selling items- by understanding what items ACTUALLY SELL in your business, you can make the BEST decisions on what to remove and what to add to your weekly rotation. You may have a favorite menu item, but if it’s not selling, it may be time to remove it.
• Any promo results (Did that Instagram post you spent HOURS on actually bring sales?)

This keeps me from guessing what’s working WELL in my business. So, I don’t post randomly. Everything I do in my business is done with INTENTION and PURPOSE. I look at the data and let that guide the week ahead. (Psst… I’m getting ready to LAUNCH a brand new business tool that is going to literally tell you the HEALTH of your business. And it’s JUICY! Get on the waitlist here to get a sneak peek: https://www.janellecopeland.com/costli-opt-in)

2. Inventory & Restock Priorities

• What are we low on?
• Do we have any new flavors, products, or HUGE orders that may require additional inventory or packaging?
• Do we need to place orders with vendors?
• Are there upcoming events that need prep?

This is HOW you avoid any unnecessary surprises at the end of the week that may disrupt your routine. Of course, THINGS will pop up unexpectedly, BUT by doing the grunt work at the beginning of the week, you can do your best to avoid this.

3. Check the Calendar

• Any holidays, pop-ups, launches, or special events this week or next?
• Any birthdays or client anniversaries I want to shout out? One way I implemented this idea in my business was by sending thank-you emails weekly for the previous week's orders. (Ask for a 5-star review and share a professional photo with each customer.) This is a GREAT way to get testimonials for your business while having your content shared online.

This helps me stop being reactive and actually get ahead, marketing-wise and mentally.

4. Set My Top 3 Goals

• What do I want to accomplish this week?
• What tasks will actually move the needle in my business? Think planning for an upcoming holiday, meeting with local community council members, dropping off samples or donations to local schools or hospitals.

One of the biggest mistakes I see small biz owners make is trying to do 47 things at once. No wonder you’re so damn overwhelmed all the time. Instead, pick 3 of your TOP priorities. Things that can simply NOT HAPPEN without you. And set a dedicated time to get them DONE and crossed off your to-do list.

5. Assign Tasks + Communicate with My Team

• What can I delegate? I LOVE to follow the red light, yellow light, green light delegation model. Prioritize tasks only you can do (RED TASKS), then assign based on your Red-Yellow-Green delegation system to scale with confidence.
• Who needs to know what this week?
• Are there tasks that are overdue or falling through the cracks?

If you don’t have a team, YOU are the team- but future you will thank you for creating systems now, especially when you start to hire and add members to your TEAM.

6. Personal Check-In

• How am I feeling? Remember, there is NO BUSINESS without you. Your health, mental and physical, is the most important.
• What support do I need this week? It’s OKAY to ask for HELP! Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to take the load off your plate.
• Where can I make space for rest? Your to-do list will STILL be there when you get back. Your business SUFFERS when you’re burnt out and overwhelmed because you have NO ROOM for creativity and fun. By taking necessary rest, you make ROOM for new ideas and opportunities to blossom.

Because burnout is not a badge of honor. And no one’s giving out medals for being the most exhausted, overworked entrepreneur.

I’m also a FIRM believer in that all business owners should be constantly learning and growing in order to advance and acquire new skills in leadership, sales, operations, and cash flow management. So, here are some suggestions on WHAT you can incorporate into your routine to make this a priority:

• Listen to industry and leadership podcasts
• Enroll in and complete online courses
• Attend and take notes during conferences/seminars/masterminds
• Participate in mastermind groups (for learning and networking)
• Schedule time to implement training takeaways
• Network with colleagues from training events
• Share/communicate new knowledge with team or department leads
• Reflect and re-align on leadership goals regularly

Why This Routine Works (Even When Life Is Messy)

Here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter if I’m running a big launch or just trying to survive a slow season. This routine gives me clarity and allows me to move through my business with PURPOSE and INTENTION*.* And it reminds me that I’m the freakin’ CEO- not just an order-filler, content-poster, or professional over-thinker.

Because when you lead your week with intention, you stop letting the business run YOU.

How to Start Your Own CEO Weekly Routine Today:

1. Block off 60–90 minutes every Monday morning.
2. Use my 6-step checklist above (or adapt it for your life).
3. Stick to it for 21 days and see how you feel.

And if you’re serious about becoming the kind of business owner who plans ahead, stays focused, and doesn’t crumble every time life throws you a curveball...👇

Join me inside my Power Hour Community where we map out strategies like this every month (in REAL time). You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Your business will only grow to the level of your discipline, not just your creativity and talent.

So if you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed all the damn time, the scrambling, and the exhaustion...

Build a routine and a system that works for you!