Have Great Week After Week at Work: Proven Routines from Industry Leaders
Feeling like your workweeks blur into a cycle of stress and frustration? You’re not alone. But turning things around doesn’t require a total life overhaul—just a few intentional changes.
We’ve gathered proven strategies from industry leaders to help you have great week after week at work. These practical routines are designed for real people with busy lives, so you can make your workdays feel more productive and less exhausting.
Here are their tips for you to have great week after great week at work:
1. Start with a Plan
If you’ve ever rolled into Monday morning feeling behind before the day’s even begun, you’re not alone. A chaotic start can derail your whole week, but the good news is, there’s a simple fix: plan ahead.
A productive week doesn’t begin on Monday morning—it starts the day before. Planning ahead can help eliminate those chaotic, unproductive starts that leave you spinning your wheels.
Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO of Mavens & Moguls, knows the power of preparation:
Writing down your top priorities Sunday night helps you focus and hit the ground running Monday morning.
Instead of waking up to a flurry of emails or unexpected meetings, take a moment the night before to outline your most important tasks. Keep it simple: a sticky note, a digital calendar, or even a voice memo can do the trick.
By organizing your thoughts ahead of time, you’ll find it much easier to block distractions, tackle important tasks first, and build momentum. As Paige puts it, “When Monday starts strong, it sets the tone for the rest of your week.”
2. Put Yourself First
It might feel counterintuitive, but the secret to excelling at work often starts with taking care of yourself. When you make time for your physical and mental well-being, you’ll have the energy and focus to tackle even the busiest weeks.
Bronwen Sciortino, CEO & Founder of sheIQ Life, emphasizes the importance of self-care:
The best weeks always start with me as the non-negotiable focus every day. When I give myself what I need—whether that’s exercise, meditation, or nourishment—the rest of the day flows.
This isn’t about extravagant routines or hours of "me time." It’s about finding small, consistent habits that recharge you—whether it’s a quick morning stretch, five minutes of mindfulness, or a proper breakfast.
When you start each day by putting yourself first, you’re setting the stage for clarity, creativity, and resilience—key ingredients to having a great week at work, no matter what challenges or red flags arise.
3. Find What Works for You
Not all routines are created equal, and what works for one person might not work for you. The key to having a great week is finding a routine that fits your unique needs, energy levels, and priorities.
Corinna Nicol, Founder of Connect Women in Biz, shared how her routine reflects her personal challenges and strengths as an industry leader living with autism and ADHD:
Easing into my week is crucial. Mondays are my day for planning and reflecting to kick off the week stress-free.
Whether you need quiet time to get focused, a burst of energy from a morning workout, or a slower start to the day, take the time to experiment with what feels right. Your routine should serve you, not the other way around.
By tailoring your schedule to your life, you create an environment where it’s easier to stay grounded, focused, and ready to have great week after week.
4. Build Momentum with Small Wins
Ever feel like your to-do list is so overwhelming that you don’t know where to start? The trick is to pick one small task and get it done. That sense of accomplishment creates a ripple effect, helping you tackle the bigger challenges ahead.
Karen Borofsky, Director of Administration at Lando & Anastasi, LLP, explains how starting small sets her up for a productive week:
On Mondays, I tackle small tasks first to build momentum.
Whether it’s answering a quick email, organizing your workspace, or finishing an easy project, these small wins add up. They boost your confidence, build energy, and create the focus you need to handle tougher tasks later.
When you approach your week like this, it’s easier to stay motivated, keep distractions at bay, and have great week without feeling bogged down.
5. Recharge During the Day
Even the most productive people can’t keep going nonstop. Taking short breaks during the day isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Pausing to recharge helps you stay focused and prevents burnout.
Craig Smith, Partner at Lando & Anastasi, LLP, knows the value of stepping away:
Short breaks throughout the day help me stay present and focused. It’s easier to approach tasks with a fresh mind.
Try scheduling five-minute pauses between meetings or a quick walk around the block after finishing a big task. These moments of rest can make all the difference in maintaining your energy and mental clarity.
By making breaks a regular part of your routine, you’ll find it easier to keep up momentum, stay sharp, and have great week from start to finish.
6. Stay Connected
Work isn’t just about tasks—it’s also about the people you meet and the relationships you build. Staying connected with others can inspire creativity, boost morale, and make your days feel less stressful.
Briana Marie Riley, Founder of Major League Mommy, integrates community and balance into her week in order to stay connected:
I make time for a workout or an activity that helps me balance family, personal goals, and health. Staying connected with myself and loved ones keeps me motivated.
Whether it’s a supportive colleague, a mentor, or even a creative outlet that brings joy, prioritizing connection helps you feel more grounded and engaged at work.
7: End Each Day with Purpose
Finishing the day with intention doesn’t just mean wrapping up tasks—it’s about reflecting, recharging, and aligning yourself with your priorities.
Amos Moki, Founder and CEO of a business consultancy, shares how he ends his day with purpose:
I dedicate time to reflection and spiritual grounding, ensuring that I’m ready to approach the next day with focus and clarity.
Consider using the last moments of your workday to plan tomorrow’s top priorities or to reflect on what went well. Then, adopt an evening ritual—whether it’s journaling, prayer, or simply taking time to relax—that prepares your mind for rest and renewal.
