How I Stopped Letting My Week Lead Me (And Took Back Control With Intention)

For years, I let my calendar — and my inbox — dictate my priorities.

Back-to-back meetings. Constant pings. A never-ending to-do list.

I was productive… but not purposeful.

Busy… but not impactful.

Then I made one small change — and it shifted everything.

I stopped reacting to my week and started leading it.

From Chaos to Clarity

For me, the shift came down to one word: intention.

Instead of diving headfirst into Monday with a flurry of Slack messages and Zoom calls, I created space to reset and refocus. I gave myself permission to slow down in order to speed up.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Sunday: Set the Stage

Every Sunday, I spend a little time preparing for the week ahead. I review my calendar, organize my tasks, and mentally gear up for what’s coming.

Nothing fancy. Just 30 quiet minutes to plan and prep.

Monday: Lead With Intention

Monday morning is sacred. I don’t jump into meetings or rush into email.

Instead, I carve out time to pause, reflect, and map out the week on purpose.

One tool that’s helped tremendously?

A simple weekly planning pad — the paper kind.

I write down one clear goal for each day. Not 17. Not a sprawling to-do list. Just one thing that, if completed, would move the needle.

(And yes, I’m still a paper-and-pen girl. I haven’t fully embraced digital, and honestly? I love it that way.)

Why Intention Matters

Leading with intention doesn’t mean you won’t have surprises or urgent tasks pop up. You will.

But when you start your week grounded and clear on what actually matters, you’re better equipped to navigate the noise.

Here’s why it works:

1. Clarity

You know what’s important — and what can wait.

You’re no longer at the mercy of the loudest Slack message or the most recent fire drill.

2. Focus

You spend time on work that creates real impact, not just work that checks boxes.

3. Confidence

When you’re proactive instead of reactive, you lead with purpose. That energy is contagious — and powerful.

Want to Lead With More Intention? Start Here.

You don’t need a total life overhaul. Just a few small shifts can make a huge difference. Here are three simple ways to start:

✅ Block time Monday morning.

Even 30 minutes of uninterrupted planning can change the tone of your week.

✅ Set 3–5 weekly outcomes.

Focus on big-picture goals — not just tasks. What will success look like by Friday?

✅ Share your plan.

Bring your team along. Align on priorities, talk through trade-offs, and empower everyone to focus on what matters most.

Final Thought

The best leaders don’t just do the work — they lead it.

And that starts not with hustle, but with intention.

Start your week with purpose.

Make space for clarity.

And remember: your calendar doesn’t control you — you do.