The Home-Based CEO's Weekly Reset: A 60-Minute System To Avoid Business Chaos
When working from home, it takes discipline to run a successful business. Without a plan and structure, projects get backed up, messages remain unread, and priorities become unclear. Using a weekly reset will allow you to take back control and prevent chaos before it's too late. This weekly reset will take 60 minutes and ensure that your calendar, workspace, and all your responsibilities are clearly defined and up-to-date.
Step 1: Calendar Review & Changes
To begin, pull up your digital calendar. Delete any old events and move any unfinished tasks. Create blocks of time for work sessions, meetings, errands, and downtime. Be sure to schedule time for deep work so you do not overbook yourself. Once you've created these blocks of time, make sure your business priorities align with your commitment for the week. And be sure to confirm any outside appointments you may have.
Step 2: Inbox and Communication Sweep
After reviewing your calendar, create a 15-minute timer and process all of your inboxes, email, messages, DMs, and voicemail. Process each message and either archive or delete any messages that are low value. If there are any urgent or high-priority messages, respond to those immediately. If possible, use canned responses so you can respond quickly. After responding to any messages that require immediate attention, flag any additional messages that require more time to complete and move those to your task manager. Do not respond to messages during the reset if it will distract you from completing the reset.
Step 3: Finances and Receipts
Review the previous week's income and expenses to stay on top of your budget. Reconcile any transactions in your accounting software. Upload receipts and categorize them. Look for any discrepancies in income and expenses, as well as any overdue payments. Also, make sure all outgoing invoices have been sent and review any pending payments. Set reminders for any unpaid balances that you want to follow up on.
Step 4: Workspace and Tool Refresh
Clean and organize your physical workspace. Get rid of paper clutter and wipe down all surfaces. Restock any supplies that you used or ran out of. Digitally, close all tabs and save or download any files you were working on. Restart your main devices. Check your most frequently used tools, such as project tracking or CRM, and remove any inactive items. Your goal at the end of this step should be to have no distractions or visual clutter when you begin your week.
Step 5: Household and Family Logistics
Update your family and household calendar. Sync school pickup times, partner schedules, etc., and update your calendar accordingly. Update any home-based commitments you have. Confirm any deliveries or home maintenance appointments. If you are responsible for managing any of your home services, cleaning, or lawn care, verify that they are scheduled for this upcoming week. Working with a pool service is just an example of how you can utilize "outsourcing" to eliminate tasks from your list completely.
Step 6: Checklist and Consistency
Create a checklist to help you perform the same steps every week. A checklist will reinforce good habits and reduce skipped steps. Keep it somewhere easily accessible or pin it to your digital dashboard. Below is a sample weekly reset checklist.
Calendar Review and Updates
Process Inboxes and Mark Tasks
Financial Transactions and Send Invoices
Organize Workspace and Close Tabs
Update Family Calendar and Services
By performing a consistent weekly reset, you will keep the disorganization of your business at bay. Don't strive for perfection; simply continue to keep track of your key areas of responsibility throughout the week. With your systems and workspace organized weekly, you will greatly reduce interruptions and increase clarity in both your personal and professional life. Stick to your checklist, be consistent, and your organization will be self-sustaining.