Daily Habits of CEOs: My Real Daily Routine as a Multi Six-Figure Business Owner
A behind-the-scenes look at how I actually run CBFS—and why it works
Let’s get real: I’m not a 5 AM club kind of gal. I don’t do cold plunges before breakfast or romanticize hustle culture. I run a thriving, multi six-figure consulting business on my own terms—and my daily routine reflects that.
Spoiler: success isn’t about how early you wake up. It’s about knowing how you work best and building systems that help you show up as your sharpest, most focused self.
So let’s dive into key daily habits of CEOs (and how you can make them work for you). Here's what a typical day looks like for me at CBFS—plus some favorite mindset shifts and mantras that keep me grounded and in my zone.
Wake-Up Time: When My Body’s Ready (Not When Instagram Says I Should)
Somewhere between 7 and 8 AM, depending on how my brain (and inbox) behaved the night before.
"The point isn’t the time on the clock. It’s what you do with the hours you have."
I used to feel behind for not waking up earlier. But here's the truth: productivity isn’t a performance. It's effectiveness. And I do my best work after a solid night of sleep, not before the sun comes up.
Morning Movement: Non-Negotiable
I’m a better CEO when I’ve moved my body. Period. Whether it’s walking the dogs, riding my horse, or hitting a quick strength workout, this time is sacred.
"Clear head. Open calendar. No emails until I’ve moved my body."
This isn’t about burning calories. It’s about priming my brain for the decisions I need to make.
My CEO Cornerstone: The Master To-Do List
Every morning, I brain-dump everything—then I organize it by priority and time. What needs my full brain? What can be batched? What’s urgent vs. what’s just noise? I scratch this into my notebook or assign it in my Clickup list to keep me grounded & focused.
"I don’t do chaos. I do clarity."
This ritual saves me hours later. It also means my clients get my A-game, not just what’s left of me.
P.S. This also means when I’m done with this stuff, I’M DONE. No feeling guilty about not working late or being concerned I wont get it all done. If my tasks are all assigned & completed, I'm done for the day!
Deep Work: Focused Blocks Over Forced Grind
Once I’ve mapped my priorities, I dive in. I give myself permission to work until my brain says "we’re done here" instead of forcing arbitrary work blocks.
"It’s not about working nonstop. It’s about knowing when your brain is at its best—and using it wisely."
This is when I handle strategy, client calls, tax planning, and business development. No fluff. Just meaningful work.
Strategic Breaks: Hobbies Aren’t Lazy, They’re Fuel
Out of all the daily habits of CEOs, this one has got to be my favorite. When my brain clocks out, I don’t fight it. I pivot. Riding, reading, playing with my dogs—these moments aren’t indulgent. They’re how I recharge so I can go hard again later.
"Being well-rested is a power move."
You can’t pour strategy from an empty brain. I don’t glorify burnout. I optimize for clarity.
The Second Wind: Night Work Magic
Yep, I often work at night. It’s when my creative brain lights up. After dinner, I might revisit strategy, review numbers, or batch content that felt heavy earlier.
"I build systems that match my rhythm, not someone else’s playbook."
This evening space often holds my best work—because I’m not forcing it. I’m flowing with it.
The Secret Sauce: Systems > Willpower
My business works because I’ve built it around how I operate best. Not based on hustle culture. Not based on trends.
"Willpower fades. Systems stick."
You don’t need to be the most disciplined person on earth. You need workflows and tools that do the heavy lifting so you can stay focused on the big picture.
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Daily Habits of CEOs: Your Routine, Your Rules
Here’s your permission slip to build a routine that works for you. Not Pinterest. Not TikTok. You. Whether you thrive at 6 AM or 6 PM—your job is to create systems that help you show up for your clients, your business, and yourself.
"You don’t need a perfect routine. You need one that actually works."
If you’re ready to run your business like the CEO you are (on your terms), here’s where to start:
Need This → Visibility into your numbers?
Try This → ProfitWay Dashboard
Need This → Solid financial habits?
Try This → Financial Foundations Starter Kit
Need This → Full support & strategy
Try This → Apply for The Trendsetter
Whatever your rhythm, I hope this gave you a permission slip to stop fighting your nature and start building around it. Reading daily habits of CEOs should inspire you, not stress you out. So stop comparing, and just start doing what works for you.
Your dream business doesn’t require a 5 AM wakeup. It requires clarity, intention, and a system that actually fits your life.
What’s your routine look like? DM me @itschristybowie—I wanna hear it.
More Financial Resources for CEOs:
Why Your Bank Balance Doesn't Equal Your Business Profit (And What to Track Instead)
Estimated Tax Payments For Small Business: How To Calculate Your Quarterly Payments
How to Pay Yourself First (Even When Your Revenue Fluctuates)
Disclaimer: While this guide provides valuable insights, it's important to note that every business has unique circumstances. For personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult with a qualified financial professional. Our goal at CBFS is to empower you to make informed decisions that support your business growth and personal wealth-building objectives.
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