Why I Have a CEO Day Every Month as business owner

What are the things I actually do

When I started freelancing, I treated every day the same. Wake up, dive straight into client work, check emails, update a post or two, maybe squeeze in a reach out and somehow end the day still feeling behind. My schedule was always full, but my brain felt scattered. I was constantly reacting, not building.

It took me a while to realize: I wasn’t just a service provider. I was running a business. And every business needs a leader. Someone who steps back, looks at the bigger picture, and decides where things are going. No one else was going to do that for me.

That’s when I started the habit of taking a “CEO Day” every month. No client work, no delivery deadlines — just space to review, reset, and actually think. It’s now one of the most valuable things I do. Here’s what it looks like in practice, and how it helps me grow without burning out.

I start by checking in — with myself.

Running a business can feel like a race, but without regular check-ins, you don’t realize when you’re heading in the wrong direction. I look at my calendar for the month ahead. If my days feel too full or I feel a creeping sense of dread, I make changes. Maybe I reduce my call load or work load. Maybe I move a deadline. This is about being strategic with my energy.

Next, I review my income and set money goals.