The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Dream Schedule with CEO Week
Jul 16, 2024
If you're new around here, let me introduce you to something that has been a game-changer for me and countless others: our CEO Week Framework. This business growth strategy framework is how I managed to build a 7-figure business model in just 8 hours a week while working full-time. We first launched it as a 5-day challenge back in 2021, and to date, over 3,000 people have taken it! If you haven't experienced the original version yet, head on over to www.hollymariehaynes.com/ceoweek, but keep reading because we’re dedicating the next few blog posts to designing your dream schedule.
In each blog post in this series, I'm going to walk you through three pivotal shifts you can make to bring your dream to life. By making these shifts when it comes to strategy and entrepreneurship, you'll be able to:
- Know exactly what to work on in your business to move the needle forward and make a real impact and income.
- Attract the right customers through channels that make sense for you (hint: posting on IG is not a business strategy).
- Have a schedule that allows you to prioritize what's most important, whether it's business, family, or life.
The goal here is to create a long-term plan that supports your vision so you aren't burning out at the end of every day and have the energy to grow and scale the way you’ve always dreamed of. Sound good? Let’s dig into Shift #1: "FIND YOUR FOCUS."
Shift #1: Find Your Focus
Here's what most of us typically do:
- Set aside time to work but never have a bigger strategy, just doing the work and wondering why we aren’t seeing results.
- Juggle 1,000 projects at once but never finish anything—classic shiny object syndrome. You're working but aren't giving your projects long enough to be successful.
- Look externally for the next step, suffering from comparisonitis. Sally just launched an epic new thing, so we feel like we need to do it too. Does this sound familiar?
The solution to my first shift is my favorite. So much so that as a small business strategist for female entrepreneurs, I have a whole program on it.
STOP THINKING THAT YOU HAVE TO WORK IN THE WEEDS EVERY SINGLE DAY
Success is not about more hustle. It’s about strategic planning. Pick one day where you step back and look at the bigger picture. This is your CEO Day. What does it look like? Your day. Do it your way. Here’s what it looks like:
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Dream and Plan: Use this time to dream, plan, and even focus on yourself. It’s not about getting into the weeds but looking at your business from a high level.
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Create a Weekly Task List: Think about tasks you can accomplish ahead of time. Examples include podcast pitches, creating graphics, Pinterest pinning, contracts, etc. These are any tasks that are NOT time-sensitive but you would like to accomplish this week.
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Eliminate, Outsource, and Reflect: What can you eliminate? What can you work on ahead of time? What can you outsource? Use this time to reflect on the week and focus on what needs to be done.
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Personalize Your CEO Day: Your CEO Day is yours. Make it work for you. For instance, I do this on Monday. I spend an hour planning on Sunday, but Monday is my get-it-done day. This takes the stress off the weekend and sets the tone for the week.
Why CEO Days Matter
Does anyone else get the Sunday Scaries? Implementing a CEO Day can fix this instantly. By dedicating time to strategic planning, you can escape the hustle trap and start building a business that works for you, not the other way around.
When you are strategic about your business, you can actually grow faster in less time. You have to slow down to go fast. Slowing down is the new "hustle."
Things to Focus on During Your CEO Day
- Extra Whitespace: Aim for zero to no meetings.
- Work on "Work Ahead" Tasks: Identify tasks you can complete in advance so the rest of your week runs on autopilot.
- Strategic Planning Time: Brainstorm, organize, catch up, and plan.
- Accountability: Check in with your coach, community, or accountability partner.
Introducing a new private podcast series that’s just for you if you’re sick of all the Instagram BS! (or insert social channel of your choice). You can build a business without being a slave to the social engine. Grab the free series.
Not Every Week is the Same
Each week in your business can look different. Ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish. Here are some areas to focus on during your CEO Day:
- Attract and Engage: Drive new traffic to lead magnets, deliver value, and build relationships with potential clients.
- Convert (AKA Sales): Launch new products, courses, or services.
- Nurture Relationships: Focus on building trust and long-term relationships with current clients and continue to build new relationships.
- Capacity: Create space to grow. How are you continuing to make room for growth?
Integrating CEO Days into Your Routine
Many people treat CEO Days as a time for self-care, like getting a massage, which is fantastic. However, the goal here is to dedicate at least one hour a week to your business. This strategic planning time allows you to move the needle and make significant progress without feeling overwhelmed.
By implementing a dedicated CEO Day for strategic planning, you can escape the hustle trap and start building a business that works for you, not the other way around.
Imagine This...
Imagine waking up on Monday with a clear plan, knowing exactly what to work on to move the needle in your business, all while prioritizing family and personal time. That's the power of CEO Week.
Implementing a new framework can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. That’s why I created the Crush the Rush Club—a supportive community where we don’t just talk about CEO Week; we actually do it together. We share struggles, celebrate wins, and hold each other accountable. Plus, you get access to me and my team to answer your questions every step of the way.
This is your chance to design your dream schedule and build a business that fits your life, not the other way around.
Don’t miss out—head over to www.hollymariehaynes.com/club to join us. It’s the perfect season to prioritize both your CEO goals and your family.
See you inside! And make sure to tune into the blog next week for Part 2 of our CEO Week Series.
About the author
Holly Haynes is a business strategist who loves a good plan and flow chart. She is crazy passionate about teaching women like you how to build your dream job and scale to 6-figures without sacrificing your weekends or priorities.
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