3 Tiny Habit Shifts That Transformed My Energy, Focus, and CEO Mindset
Let’s be honest: there are seasons in business where your to-do list feels like a never-ending scroll, your calendar looks more like a cautionary tale than a carefully curated life plan, and your energy? Well… that’s on backorder.
If you’re a business owner, creative entrepreneur, or a fellow wedding pro juggling all the roles — CEO, CMO, COO, snack provider, emotional support human — then you know how real the mental load can get.
I’m Megan Gillikin — former luxury wedding planner turned business coach, podcast host, and founder of The Planner’s Vault, an education hub for wedding professionals. After 15+ years in the industry (and a few personal burnout stories of my own), I’ve learned a thing or two about what it really takes to show up as a grounded, energized, and intentional leader — especially when the world feels like a lot.
And let’s be real — it is a lot.
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to feel better. You don’t need a new planner, a 4-hour morning routine, or a tech detox on a mountain retreat. What you do need are a few small shifts that actually make a big difference.
Below, I’m sharing three small but powerful habit shifts that helped me get out of that loop — and back into clarity, energy, and momentum. These shifts cost zero dollars and don’t require you to overhaul your life. They’re simple, doable, and designed to help you feel more like you again.
Habit Shift #1: Break One Draining Habit with a 30-Day Challenge
When life feels heavy or stuck, my go-to strategy is simple:
Instead of trying to change everything at once, I choose one small habit that’s draining my energy — and commit to shifting it for 30 days.
In the past, I’ve reset by:
Saying “no” more often (instead of giving automatic people-pleasing yeses)
Tackling financial tasks I’d been avoiding
Creating phone boundaries (like not starting and ending my day scrolling)
These weren’t dramatic changes... but they completely shifted my energy, my mindset, and even my leadership style.
Some ideas to inspire your own 30-day challenge:
Check your bank account each morning
Say no to one thing a day
Journal for 10 minutes before opening your inbox
No screens after 9 PM
Move your body for 10 intentional minutes
Recently, I committed to a daily 10-minute strength workout — nothing extreme, just consistent movement that strengthens my body and my discipline.
🔁 The framework you can use:
Pick one habit you’re ready to shift
Set a clear goal (daily? 5x/week?)
Tell someone who will help you stay accountable
Choose a reward that feels exciting and motivating
Because here’s the thing:
As entrepreneurs, we don’t get quarterly bonuses or performance reviews. We have to become our own hype squad. Little wins (and little rewards) build real momentum.
Habit Shift #2: Make the Hard Stuff Feel Less... Hard
Every business owner has those “ugh” tasks:
Reviewing numbers
Updating systems
Paying invoices
Planning next quarter’s goals
The trick? Shift how you experience those tasks.
Instead of seeing them as a grind, turn them into a ritual or an environment you genuinely enjoy:
Plan a CEO coffee shop date to knock out your planning session
Light a candle, make your favorite drink, and put on a playlist that makes you feel like a boss
Host a virtual co-working session with a business friend for accountability (and laughs)
When you pair necessary tasks with positive energy, you start to procrastinate less... and lead with more intention.
Habit Shift #3: Build Mini White Space Breaks Into Your Day
This one has been quietly life-changing.
For years, I ran my business like a never-ending marathon — meetings, emails, tasks, repeat. No breaks. No breathing room.
The result? Burnout, brain fog, and a constant feeling of being behind.
Now, I intentionally build in white space breaks every few hours. Nothing fancy — just 5-10 minute resets sprinkled throughout the day.
A few of my favorite resets:
Tossing a ball for my dog, Gracie
A quick walk around the block
Sitting on the porch and letting my brain... just be
☀️ Science backs this up too:
Just 10 minutes of sunlight can naturally boost Vitamin D, serotonin, focus, and mood. Little outdoor moments = a healthier, more energized you.
By creating small windows of recovery, I show up more focused, creative, and grounded — instead of running on empty.
Here’s the truth:
You’re the boss.
You have permission to build a business — and a life — that supports you, not the other way around.
And if you know a hardworking entrepreneur who’s stuck in hustle mode right now?
Send this post their way.
Small shifts create big momentum — and sometimes, that’s exactly what someone needs to hear.
Need More Inspiration?
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