7 Things I Do Every Week to Set Up a Productive Week (Without Burning Out)

You’ve probably heard the term “Sunday Scaries.” For years, that was my reality.

Back when I was working full-time and trying to build a business on the side, Sunday nights weren’t just about dreading Monday. They were the only time I had to get my life together – plan my week, prep for work, make space for my goals, and try (desperately) not to forget a permission slip or dinner.

Even now that I run my business full-time, Sundays still carry that same pressure: get organized or feel behind all week. And when I skip it? Those anxious, overwhelmed feelings sneak right back in.

But here’s the difference now: I don’t just “wing it” with a to-do list and good intentions.

I use my Weekly Planning Checklist – and this is your BONUS real-life version of how I use it every week to reset. 

It’s not about perfection. It’s about having a reliable rhythm that keeps my head clear, my priorities front and center, and my week running smoothly even when life is full.

These 7 steps are exactly what I come back to, week after week, to start strong – and they’re a great place to start if you’re ready to feel more grounded, focused, and productive.

ONE || Review + Write Out Your Schedule

Don’t skip this step. When you know what’s on your plate – appointments, meetings, practices, launches – you can make better choices with your time instead of just reacting all week.

I use a hybrid system with both Google Calendar (for time blocking and appointments) and my paper planner (for priorities and tasks). You don’t need both – but you do need a clear, realistic view of what’s coming.

Without this, you’ll almost always underestimate your capacity.

TWO || Brain Dump + Organize Your Tasks

I’m not a fan of carrying mental clutter into a new week.

Every Sunday, I get everything out of my head – business tasks, home stuff, kid stuff, ideas, follow-ups – and get it onto paper. Then I filter that list through my system to prioritize what’s urgent, what’s important, and what can wait.

Spoiler: Not everything gets done. But the right things do.

THREE || Revisit Your Goals

This one is easy to skip. But if you don’t reconnect with your goals, it’s way too easy to stay busy instead of making real progress.

I take a few minutes to look at my monthly or 90-day goals, and then I choose 1–3 things I can do this week to move the needle. It doesn’t need to be a full action plan – just intentional steps that keep me aligned.

FOUR || Meal Plan (Yes, Really)

This isn’t about becoming a meal prep queen. But I’ve found that if I don’t have dinners planned, I make more last-minute decisions (read: takeout or cereal for dinner).

I keep breakfast and lunch simple. Dinner is where I focus my planning: 3–5 meals for the week, quick grocery list, done.

It saves time, energy, and money. And it prevents a 5PM panic.

FIVE || Review Your Budget

Not my favorite habit. But a necessary one.

Every week, I glance at our spending, check any upcoming bills, and see if we’re tracking toward our goals. It’s rarely perfect, but it gives me awareness – and with awareness, I can adjust instead of ignore.

SIX || Clean Out Your Inbox

I don’t let my inbox run my week.

Each Sunday, I either take action on saved emails, snooze what I don’t need yet, or archive it. Then I start Monday with a clean slate – no guilt-inducing digital clutter staring at me first thing.

SEVEN || Reset Your Workspace

Before I shut down on Friday (or sometimes Sunday night), I take 10 minutes to reset my desk. I toss papers, clear out downloads, and shut down my computer completely.

It’s simple, but it makes a huge difference when I sit down to work Monday morning.

These 7 things help me walk into Monday with clarity, not chaos. But let me be clear:

You can do ALL of this and still fall behind by Wednesday if you don’t have a system.

That’s why the Slay Your Schedule™ System exists – to take routines like this and anchor them inside a repeatable, flexible method that actually works in real life.

This isn’t about a “perfect week.” It’s about having a real strategy to make space for what matters – even when things don’t go to plan.

And that’s exactly what I’ll show you in the next step, which should be popping up in your inbox right about now!