Best Laid Plans

In today's episode, Sarah kicks off with a planner peace segment from @lindyplans , who has been tracking financial data in a $2 notebook for 17 years, following in her parents' footsteps. She also shares a listener tip about clear sticky notes (like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XK8FCHC)Then, she answers several questions collected during the month of October, including:1) Recommending a monthly planner (without weekly or daily layouts)Options discussed: Leuchtturm 1917 (https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/products/monthly-planner-with-notebook-2027-16-months-english?variant=48586425139445), Hightide (https://www.atlasstationers.com/collections/hightide-planners/products/hightide-2027-monthly-square-diary-coton-a5?srsltid=AU7gw4WiuSMPcKhkvEEYE3wQeAHjPvjg8PdOjgWfoZpRXZT9gimrj0DK), Erin Condren (https://www.erincondren.com/monthly-planner), Ashley Shelly (https://ashleyshelly.com/product/2027-monthly-notebook-planner-amandas-favorites-collab ), Midori Double Schedule (https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Double-Schedule-Diary-2027-B6-To-Do-Green/pd/53104)2) How do avoid overplanning AND overtweaking your system?3) Screenshot follow ups! 3 listeners share how they effectively manage phone screenshots as capture tool.NOTES:Planning By Season 2027 registration will be in next week's newsletter! Ensure you are signed up at theshubox.com/newsletterBest Laid Plans: Planning 2027 is open -- you can check out the details on Sarah's courses page at theshubox.com/courses OCTOBER SPONSORS Boll & Branch: Amazingly comfortable bedding. Get 20% off your first order plus free shipping at ⁠⁠⁠bollandbranch.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ with code plans Factor: Healthy meals with ultimate convenience. Visit ⁠⁠⁠factormeals.com/plans50off⁠⁠⁠ and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Quince: Beautifully made classic pieces for your fall wardrobe, and more. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Explore Worldwide: Explore Worldwide’s trips are crafted, planned and facilitated by real human experts who know all those hidden local gems. Check out all of the wonderful options at ⁠⁠⁠exploreworldwide.com⁠⁠⁠IXL: Effective home learning for grades K-12! Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Warby Parker: Buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at ⁠⁠⁠WarbyParker.com/PLANS⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Strategic and healthy meal planning right in your inbox. Check out ⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ for 2 weeks, free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares her current daily layout (you can see a photo on today's show notes - theshubox.com) in the MD Notebooks she is currently using (Jetpens: https://www.jetpens.com/MD-Notebook-A5-Lined/pd/13606; Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4ds8jQL) as well as the prompt she uses to help with scheduling.Then, she discusses several planning tactics that help alleviate anxiety.NOTES:Sarah's annual planning course Best Laid Plans: Planning 2027 is open for registration at theshubox.com/coursesPlanning By Season 2027 will release via newsletter in early November - you can subscribe for more info and initial access at theshubox.com/newsletter OCTOBER SPONSORS Boll & Branch: Amazingly comfortable bedding. Get 20% off your first order plus free shipping at ⁠⁠bollandbranch.com/plans⁠⁠ with code plans Factor: Healthy meals with ultimate convenience. Visit ⁠⁠factormeals.com/plans50off⁠⁠ and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Quince: Beautifully made classic pieces for your fall wardrobe, and more. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Explore Worldwide: Explore Worldwide’s trips are crafted, planned and facilitated by real human experts who know all those hidden local gems. Check out all of the wonderful options at ⁠⁠exploreworldwide.com⁠⁠IXL: Effective home learning for grades K-12! Visit ⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠ to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Warby Parker: Buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at ⁠⁠WarbyParker.com/PLANS⁠⁠. PrepDish: Strategic and healthy meal planning right in your inbox. Check out ⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠ for 2 weeks, free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah starts off by sharing some answers to listener question! First comes a planning adjacent question around protein intake, as a listener wanted to know which planning tactics help for meeting nutritional goals. Then, Sarah discusses options for managing on-the-fly screenshots. Finally, a listener with a toddler asks for advice for this challenging era and Sarah shares her experiences and tips from that time!Then, Sarah shifts gears and talks about the idea of seasonality or periodicity -the idea that we can't push hard all the time but instead need different levels of effort + rest within a day, week, month, season, and even year.NOTES:Course info: theshubox.com/courses -- registration OPEN for Planning 2027, and Planning By Season will be available for signup on 11/2 first via the newsletter. OCTOBER SPONSORS Boll & Branch: Amazingly comfortable bedding. Get 20% off your first order plus free shipping at ⁠bollandbranch.com/plans⁠ with code plans Factor: Healthy meals with ultimate convenience. Visit ⁠factormeals.com/plans50off⁠ and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Quince: Beautifully made classic pieces for your fall wardrobe, and more. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Explore Worldwide: Explore Worldwide’s trips are crafted, planned and facilitated by real human experts who know all those hidden local gems. Check out all of the wonderful options at ⁠exploreworldwide.com⁠IXL: Effective home learning for grades K-12! Visit ⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠ to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Warby Parker: Buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at ⁠WarbyParker.com/PLANS⁠. PrepDish: Strategic and healthy meal planning right in your inbox. Check out ⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠ for 2 weeks, free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inspired by an episode of EMPowered Radio (https://macroswithem.com/pages/podcast) , Sarah is listing her top 10 Standard Operating Procedures or rules for planning and life management. The summary: Take your time to plan well, FIRST. No task left behind / Airtight Task ManagementEpisode mentioned: https://theshubox.com/2026/02/blp-ep-288-your-guide-to-airtight-task-management.html Planning goes in the planning container - once you have your list, you execute and focus on the task at hand One source of truth!!!! Control your inputs. Planning doesn’t occur in a vacuum - have a communication planLazy Genius Ep mentioned: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/familymeetings Use the tools that make you happy and fit your current life circumstances. Switch if you want, but you better have a really good reason. Watch your energy and remember you are a human — even during the planning phases. For the most part, TRY to remain faithful to your list. (goes hand in hand with making a realistic list!!!!) Be willing to iterate - don’t let planning box you in too tightly!!! ADDITIONAL INFO:Course info including Best Laid Plans: 2027 registration (now also CME option available!) - visit theshubox.com/coursesNewsletter: theshubox.com/newsletter OCTOBER SPONSORS Boll & Branch: Amazingly comfortable bedding. Get 20% off your first order plus free shipping at bollandbranch.com/plans with code plansFactor: Healthy meals with ultimate convenience. Visit factormeals.com/plans50off and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026.Quince: Beautifully made classic pieces for your fall wardrobe, and more. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.Explore Worldwide: Explore Worldwide’s trips are crafted, planned and facilitated by real human experts who know all those hidden local gems. Check out all of the wonderful options at exploreworldwide.comIXL: Effective home learning for grades K-12! Visit https://www.ixl.com/plans to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.Warby Parker: Buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at WarbyParker.com/PLANS.PrepDish: Strategic and healthy meal planning right in your inbox. Check out PrepDish.com/plans for 2 weeks, free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a planner-packed episode today!Sarah discusses:- Planner buying season - mindset + shopping tips! For fun, Sarah's 2027 stack can be viewed at youtube.com/@bestlaidplansvideo- Upcoming planning experiences, including Planning 2027 (registration opens 10/1, with details in the newsletter - theshubox.com/newsletter). Special bonus this year - participants also get the brand new Nested Goals workbook (pdf).- Reviews of two fantastic Tomoe River Paper options:1) Aura Estelle Magnet Planner (A5 vertical weekly - https://www.auraestelle.com/products/2027-weekly-vertical-magnet-planner?variant=48662624469224) - $54.95 (preorder)2) Faded Chronicle (A5 Collective - https://fadedchronicle.com/products/preorder-the-2027-chronicle-planner-tn-all-in-one?_pos=1&_fid=ae647e958&_ss=c) - $59If you'd like to be entered for a chance to win one of these, visit today's show notes at theshubox.com (winner drawn 9/30!). OUR SPONSORS: IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans with listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠. Factor: Head to ⁠⁠factormeals.com/plans⁠⁠ and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Boll & Branch: Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at ⁠⁠BollAndBranch.com/plans⁠⁠ with code plans. Quince: Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers or go to ⁠⁠quince.com/plans⁠⁠ PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's mixed bag episode, Sarah chats about:- Current life update, 1 month into Quintile 4 (Back to School)- Hobonichi drama with happy ending (eventual unboxing video will be at https://www.youtube.com/@BestLaidPlansVideo -- but likely not for a week or so!)- Upcoming course offerings (including 2027!) - brief overview, with first 2027 courses launching in October. (Best place to stay up to date about offerings is the newsletter - theshubox.com/newsletter !)- Great listener tips from M on weekend planning to balance intention + spontaneity (love his idea of last-minute performance tickets!)- FAQs -- the 5 things I get asked most often, with overview responses! The questions:1) Where should I capture this task? (Reference - Airtight Task Capture ep: https://theshubox.com/2026/02/blp-ep-288-your-guide-to-airtight-task-management.html)2) I have a lot going on- which planner should I use?3) What do I do if my partner resists planning?4) What happens if the month and season start at the time time (or if the season starts just before the month, or vice versa?)5) What do I do if my plans go up in flames every time I start my work day due to some emergency? OUR SPONSORS: IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans with listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠. Factor: Head to ⁠⁠factormeals.com/plans⁠⁠ and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Boll & Branch: Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at ⁠⁠BollAndBranch.com/plans⁠⁠ with code plans. Quince: Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers or go to ⁠⁠quince.com/plans⁠⁠ PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah interviews author and mother of 3 Gemma Hartley about her planning system, with a focus on the tools Gemma uses to plan (and enjoy life!) while she tackles bit projects like writing a book.Mentioned on the podcast:Standard Issue planner: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/2026-2027-black-standard-issue-weekly-desk-planner-designworks-ink/1148365276Google TasksNotionCourses page: theshubox.com/courses (find info on the free time management for heathcare providers webinar here!)Sarah's newsletter: theshubox.com/newsletter OUR SPONSORS: IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans with listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠. Factor: Head to ⁠factormeals.com/plans⁠ and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Boll & Branch: Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at ⁠BollAndBranch.com/plans⁠ with code plans. Quince: Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers or go to ⁠quince.com/plans⁠ PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is all about routines! First, Sarah addresses a listener question around weekend planning - how to avoid feeling like the time was wasted without locking yourself in to too many scheduled activities?Then, Sarah talks all about ROUTINES -- why they deserve attention, and a wide variety of routines you might not have thought about (from your "getting ready" routine to your shutdown ritual!). Note of a FREE 2-session seminar on time management for healthcare providers (Sarah is cohosting along with two Johns Hopkins physicians) - get the signup link on today's show notes post at theshubox.com. OUR SPONSORS:IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans with listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at https://www.ixl.com/plans.Factor: Head to factormeals.com/plans and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Boll & Branch: Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/plans with code plans. Quince: Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers or go to quince.com/plans PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Sarah discusses why autopilot (or always choosing the default, easiest choices) doesn't work. She starts with the example of health, and then compares the decline of our society's physical health (particularly metabolic health) to cognitive and emotional struggles many face today in our current digital landscape.She then moves on to 5 things she is loving now -- lightening the mood considerably!Mentioned on the ep:- Cal Newport's recent episode discussing cognitive KPIs: https://www.thedeeplife.com/podcasts/episodes/how-to-build-a-cognitive-training-plan-monday-advice/- Hobonichi launch site:https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/magazine/2027/y27/?srsltid=AfmBOopv4kxup7kx0tbdd2yl9WyyElZXI15WfwGg9l-az5ya6klfqXkX August Sponsors: Factor Meals: Head to factormeals.com/plans50off and and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box while supplies last until 10/31/2026 IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares some of the ways in which she benefitted from her own seasonal planning session, and then she pivots to a discussion of goal planners- what's out there, what's going away, and what can they help with. She also notes her plans to create a Nested Goals Workbook for 2027 - stay tuned! To stay the most up to date, be sure to subscribe to Sarah's newsletter at theshubox.com/newsletterPlanners Mentioned:Cultivate What Matters PowerSheets (being discontinued): https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/collections/plannersAmplify (being discontinued)https://www.amplifyplanner.com/Ink + Volthttps://inkandvolt.com/collections/planners/datedCommit30https://commit30.com/products/2027-weekly-goal-plannerMakseLifehttps://makselife.com/collections/all-plannersEC Monthlyhttps://www.erincondren.com/monthly-plannerFull Focushttps://fullfocusstore.com/collections/planners August Sponsors: Factor Meals: Head to factormeals.com/plans50off and and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box while supplies last until 10/31/2026 IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah confesses to her recent planner switchup, and then shares her love for Quintile 4, her "throwback" fall favorites, and 8 planning tactics for the back to school season.MD Notebook mentioned: https://amzn.to/4wWYhyM (affiliate link) August Sponsors: Factor Meals: Head to factormeals.com/plans50off and and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box while supplies last until 10/31/2026 IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah addresses listener questions sent for the month of August!Topics include:- Her current work schedule- Digital task management adventures thus far, plus a listener rec for Tick Tick- Sarah's current uncluttered phone setup- Addressing planner perfectionism- Annual vs Academic calendars- Planner news mentioned:Aura Estelle Magnet Planner: https://www.auraestelle.com/collections/2027-magnet-releaseHobonichi launch site: https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/magazine/2027/y27/?srsltid=AfmBOooovhvxPNwqs3QaGJ1sPfcv7mMp2W1A3OfaywUsenfnzUgUjzLi August Sponsors: Factor Meals: Head to factormeals.com/plans50off and and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box while supplies last until 10/31/2026 IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah opens with a planner peace vignette from Olga, who describes her various methods for planning in fun!Then, she discusses the topic of reading and focus, with emphasis on ideas around improving one's focus over time with intentional time spent building the skill and endurance around paying attention.Mentioned:Atlantic article (gift link):Substack with the 'training plan for reading' concept: https://naomialderman.substack.com/p/lets-do-a-couch-to-5k-for-readingAlso mentioned:Hemlock & Oak tariff news- https://www.hemlockandoak.com/blogs/theweeklyspread/where-we-stand-50-tariffs-on-us-orders-starting-august-19th?srsltid=AfmBOoomppnNJfzC4vjTsrYdNz5Eg0RobWbH1lYg3jaCBuUz4vFcMGMTHobonichi launch- https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/?srsltid=AfmBOorTU25X3TOOOAPmMywniMoK8OBswJXGVs56jrgUjk9TRpkYWpgmBLPA2.0: theshubox.com/courses August Sponsors:Factor Meals: Head to factormeals.com/plans50off and and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box while supplies last until 10/31/2026 IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah does a midyear goal setting chat with her friend Kae! They answer a series of questions together to troubleshoot and check in with how the year is going so far, providing encouragement and ideas along the way.You can use this episode as a template of sorts to conduct your own friend or partner check-in, at the end of a month, season, or year!Find more from Kae at gratefulkae.com (and check out the Google Tasks Widget she recommends!)Additional note: BLPA2.0 registration is OPEN for fall! Visit theshubox.com/courses for details! Our Sponsors IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some people feel like planning in fun takes away . . . well, some of the fun! Sarah counters some of the common arguments for planning in fun, and offers suggestions for adding fun to every time frame, from yearly to daily! July Sponsors IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah tackles questions sent during the month of July. Topics:- How did you help your kids through the disappointment of cancelled plans (in reference to the prior week's ep)?- Advice for planning at the start of new motherhood?- Follow up advice for the listener struggling with her "to buy" list- What to do when "New Year" momentum fizzles out in spring and summer?- How to manage your "to be read" / "to be watched" collections when they add up to wayyyyy more time than you actually have to read/watch? July Sponsors IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Very personal episode today! Sarah shares her own recent experiences dealing with a recent disappointment -- zero regrets about making the plans, but definitely some sadness about them not coming to fruition. July Sponsors IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at https://www.ixl.com/plans. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Woodruff is the founder of Organize 365 and author of multiple books, most recently Escaping Quicksand. Sarah always loves her ideas about planning and time, and in today's episode they chat overcoming overwhelm, but through the lens of planning. You can find more from Lisa at organize365.com in addition to @organize365 on Instagram.Resources Mentioned from Lisa: How I divide my year into thirds episode 143 https://organize365.com/podcast/my-three-new-years/The 10 filters I use to plan my week episode 704https://organize365.com/podcast/704-the-10-filters-i-use-to-plan-my-week/The 15-minute pivot from reactive to proactive planning https://organize365.com/pivot/Escaping Quicksandhttps://organize365.com/escapingquicksand/June Sponsors: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at https://www.ixl.com/plans.Green Chef: Healthy and convenient meal kits and more! Visit greenchef.com/50bestlaid and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for 2 months.PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah tracked her time for over 2 weeks (something she has struggled with in the past). What were her conclusions? Did she find 10 hours of free time that she didn't know she had? Will she continue for 10 years like her good friend and podcast cohost Laura Vanderkam? Listen to find out, and you can also visit the detailed show notes at theshubox.com! Episode Sponsors: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠. Green Chef: Healthy and convenient meal kits and more! Visit ⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid⁠ and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for 2 months. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is a podcast with optional video! Sarah goes through a detailed midyear status report on her 2026 Planner Stack, sharing the analog notebooks and planners she uses regularly.Items mentioned: Midori Hibino 2026Hobonichi 5-Year JournalAshley Shelly Monthly (Amanda's Favorites Collab)Hobonichi WeeksHobonichi Cousin A5Hobonichi Day-Free A5 (monthly pages then plank)Want more video? Let Sarah know what you'd like to see visually in future episodes!Episode Sponsors: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at https://www.ixl.com/plans.Green Chef: Healthy and convenient meal kits and more! Visit greenchef.com/50bestlaid and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for 2 months.PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah answers listener questions! Topics included are:- A wonderful planner peace submission from a recent retiree looking to keep meaning and structure in her life- A listener looking for help with "small task overwhelm" and a million open tabs- Routine tracking ideas- Family calendar source of truth + tools/ideas for getting a partner on board Sponsors: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Green Chef: Healthy and convenient meal kits and more! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for 2 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah reviews two planners for listeners looking for some fresh start energy this summer!First is the Taja: https://www.tajaacademic.com/product/fitness-workout-journal-for-women-men-a55-5-x-8-5-workout-log-book-planner-for-tracking-progress-and-achieving-your-wellness-goals-lavenderc-blue/ or https://amzn.to/4nRysfV (Amazon affiliate link)This A5 sized undated planner has a ton of features and space for up to 20 weeks of fitness tracking - for under $10!Then comes a review of the Dailee 2026-27 Mom Planner (though it could be for anyone in charge of family logistics). This planner is $55 and has over 500 pages (!) of content, from cleaning checklists to packing lists and more.https://the-dailee.com/products/2026-2027-mom-plannerSend Sarah ideas for what to review next, and visit the show notes page at theshubox.com to view photos + enter the giveaway! Sponsors: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠ Green Chef: Healthy and convenient meal kits and more! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for 2 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares step-by-step how she thinks through planning her summer (including her real-life plans and goals for this summer!). You can use this episode as your own summer planning guide by pausing it and answering the question for yourself!Looking for more episodes like this?Plan the Week Together: https://theshubox.com/2026/03/ep-294-lets-plan-the-week-together.htmlEmpty Your Inbox With Me: https://theshubox.com/2025/11/ep-278-empty-your-inbox-with-me-and-hemlock-oak-daily-weekly-monthly-planner-review.html Sponsors: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ Green Chef: Healthy and convenient meal kits and more! Visit ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for 2 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares some follow up listener comments to the prior discussion about the intersection between spending (or saving!) and planning, and then she delves into a (somewhat raw!) discussion of her feelings around AI, starting with a historical example -- her 2010s thoughts on the emerging iPhone!Feel free to share your thoughts on technology (sarah hart unger at gmail, or leave a comment in the show notes!).Blog mentioned in the first section: https://optimisticmusings.com Sponsors: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠ Green Chef: Healthy and convenient meal kits and more! Visit ⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid⁠⁠ and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for 2 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah provides a few life updates and then shares a wonderful planning tip from a listener.Then, topics discussed include:- Does planning help to save money?- How do you avoid rewriting daily lists when things don't get done?- What are some analog ways to track workouts?- Ideas for using monthly spreads of paper planners if you don't feel the need for an extra calendar- New pen in town: The Pilot Juice+ Link to task management ep mentioned:https://theshubox.com/2026/02/blp-ep-288-your-guide-to-airtight-task-management.html Sponsors: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠ Green Chef: Healthy and convenient meal kits and more! Visit ⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid⁠ and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for 2 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, author and Sarah's good friend Laura Vanderkam joins Sarah on the show to talk about ways -- planning and planning-adjacent! -- that we can manage our time so that it feels expansive and worthwhile. Sarah and Laura chat tracking (time + otherwise), tackling big project little by little, the challenge of "golden hours", and much more.Find Laura's book, Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance, out this week wherever books are sold. Sponsors:IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at https://www.ixl.com/plans.PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting prepdish.com/plansGreen Chef: Healthy and convenient meal kits and more! Visit greenchef.com/50bestlaid and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for 2 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah expresses gratitude to listeners for helping BLP reach the milestone of 300, and then shares two gratitude-themed lists.The first is 5 planning or planning-adjacent things (or people) she is incredibly grateful for, in terms of inspiration and ideas for the podcast they've provided over the years. The second is the top 5 things Sarah is grateful planning has done for her!Please celebrate with Sarah by leaving a review if you can!Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-laid-plans/id1525311647Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3GPjMOr1PxYfZCSLbS6sZ3Keep the questions + suggestions coming - email Sarah at sarah.hart.unger at gmail! OUR SPONSORS: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ Mint Mobile: Shop affordable cell phone plans at ⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠⁠ Green Chef: Healthy eating made easy. Visit ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid ⁠⁠⁠and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% your first month, then 20% off for two months. PrepDish: Healthy and strategic meal plans to fit your family's nutritional needs! Visit ⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ for your first two weeks free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emilie Schario is a mother of 3 (5 & under!) and an AI expert in the tech space, as VP of engineering at Kilo Code. She's also a BLPA alumnus who still loves to plan on paper! Emilie joins Sarah today to talk planning, productivity, and how she uses AI tools every day in her planning and life management systems. She shares her own simple (and very appealing!) use cases and ideas for how even the least tech-savvy can get started.Find more from Emilie at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilieschario or her substack, emlie.substack.com. OUR SPONSORS: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠ Mint Mobile: Shop affordable cell phone plans at ⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠ Green Chef: Healthy eating made easy. Visit ⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid ⁠⁠and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% your first month, then 20% off for two months. PrepDish: Healthy and strategic meal plans to fit your family's nutritional needs! Visit ⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠ for your first two weeks free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's ep, Sarah answers questions for the month of April! Topics include: Why no planner reviews lately + notes on spring releases Tips for reminding others of tasks you are attempting to delegate (with a listener tip as one possible answer!) To-be-read list management Struggles with planning vs execution Resources + Links: Simplified planners: emilyley.comHobonichi April start: https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/lineup/Episode with Cal Newport: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LejRmFRxXbY&t=3702sEpisode on The Gap Between Planning and Doing: https://theshubox.com/2025/04/ep-245-the-gap-between-planning-and-doing.htmlCourses: BLPA2.0 is almost full - details at theshubox.com/courses OUR SPONSORS: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠ Mint Mobile: Shop affordable cell phone plans at ⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠ Green Chef: Healthy eating made easy. Visit ⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid ⁠and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% your first month, then 20% off for two months. PrepDish: Healthy and strategic meal plans to fit your family's nutritional needs! Visit ⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠ for your first two weeks free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah answers a question about Disney planning and then delves into her own current planner peace, with 10 tactics working really well for her in 2026!You can find images of the tracking spreads she talks about on the show notes page at theshubox.com!Interested in BLPA2.0 this summer? Course info available at theshubox.com/coursesAPRIL SPONSORS: IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at https://www.ixl.com/plansMint Mobile: Shop affordable cell phone plans at mintmobile.com/BLPGreen Chef: Healthy eating made easy. Visit greenchef.com/50bestlaid and use code 50bestlaid to get 50% your first month, then 20% off for two months.PrepDish: Healthy and strategic meal plans to fit your family's nutritional needs! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first two weeks free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares 10 tips for getting through a particularly full season of life, inspired by a very travel-heavy spring schedule coming up for her.Interested in BLPA2.0? Be sure you are getting Sarah's newsletter, out in early April with signup details. Visit theshubox.com/newsletter! Episode Sponsors IXL:  Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans  listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Green Chef:  Healthy meals that fit your nutrition goals (and are delicious too!).  Head to Greenchef dot com/50bestlaid and use code 50bestlaid to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Mint Mobile:  Save money by changing your wireless plan to Mint Mobile!  Shop plans at ⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠⁠⁠.  PrepDish: Healthy meal plans straight to your inbox (and now with easy Instacart ordering!).  Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah answers a question from Nate (who heard Sarah on Cal Newport's Deep Questions Podcast), who asked where it makes sense to START in terms of implementing all of the planning systems she talks about on this podcast (and in her book!). How does one begin to build a system - all at once, or piece by piece?Useful references mentioned:Airtight Task Management Episode: https://theshubox.com/2026/02/blp-ep-288-your-guide-to-airtight-task-management.htmlAnnual Planning Episode: https://theshubox.com/2024/11/ep-226-your-mini-guide-to-2025-annual-planning.htmlSeasonal Planning Episode: https://theshubox.com/2024/03/blp-episode-189-diving-into-quintile-2.htmlMonthly Planning Episode: https://theshubox.com/2025/05/blp-ep-252-monthly-planning-rhythms-completist-mini-review.htmlWeekly Planning Episode: https://theshubox.com/2020/08/day-140-blp-ep-2-weekly-review.html (note: this is the SECOND EVER ep of BLP, so stay tuned for a renewed weekly planning episode coming soon!)Daily Planning Episode: https://theshubox.com/2021/02/blp-ep-28-daily-planning-routines-and-crowding-out-bad-habits.htmlThen, Sarah interviews September Gerety, an CEO in her empty nest phase who has found herself with a thriving community and social life -- and it all started with some planned. She shares her story (as well as a bit about her current systems!). If you have questions for September, you can find her via this episode's show notes at theshubox.com. Episode Sponsors IXL:  Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans  listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠.  Green Chef:  Healthy meals that fit your nutrition goals (and are delicious too!).  Head to Greenchef dot com/50bestlaid and use code 50bestlaid to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Mint Mobile:  Save money by changing your wireless plan to Mint Mobile!  Shop plans at ⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠⁠.  PrepDish: Healthy meal plans straight to your inbox (and now with easy Instacart ordering!).  Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah plans her week on-air! Well, it's a bit of a reenactment (mostly because she needed a quiet house to record), but she goes through all the steps and there are visual aids (please see the show notes @ theshubox.com for photos!).Steps in her weekly planning process: Looking back - reflection & review (including migration/review of any prior undone tasks, plus a look at the monthly list) Looking ahead - upcoming calendar integration Look around - ensure inboxes are up to date enough & check sneaky sources Look within - mood and energy assessment Generate weekly task list and record Add weekly ops that feel necessary (plus: FUN AUDIT) Remember the upcoming weekend - think it through Plan for communication Episode mentioned where Sarah clears her email on air: https://theshubox.com/2025/11/ep-278-empty-your-inbox-with-me-and-hemlock-oak-daily-weekly-monthly-planner-review.html Newsletter: theshubox.com/newsletter Episode Sponsors IXL:  Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans  listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠.  Green Chef:  Healthy meals that fit your nutrition goals (and are delicious too!).  Head to Greenchef dot com/50bestlaid and use code 50bestlaid to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Mint Mobile:  Save money by changing your wireless plan to Mint Mobile!  Shop plans at ⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠.  PrepDish: Healthy meal plans straight to your inbox (and now with easy Instacart ordering!).  Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana K. White is a decluttering expert -- NOT an organizing expert! She shares her mess-free 5-step method in today's podcast, with advice for those who struggle to get started. The 28-day plan she mentions on the episode can be found in her first book, How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind.You can find Dana at https://www.aslobcomesclean.com, her most recent organizing book is Organizing for the Rest of Us, and her children's book just came out called Winnie's Pile of Pillows!Prior organizing guests:Lisa Woodruff (Organize 365): https://theshubox.com/2021/03/episode-33-organizing-your-home-your-paper-and-your-life-with-organize-365s-lisa-woodruff.htmlTyler Moore (Tidy Dad): https://theshubox.com/2025/01/blp-ep-234-tidy-up-your-life-organizing-inspiration-for-2025-with-tyler-moore-aka-tidy-dad.htmlShira Gill (Minimalista): https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-best-of-both-worlds-podca-29945444/episode/organizing-your-home-and-beyond-with-shira-gill-ep-383-244524397 (This one is actually Best of Both Worlds!)BLP Live Info: theshubox.com/blpliveBe sure to sign up for the newsletter to be notified when the first (pilot) round of BLPA2.0 is open! Episode Sponsors IXL:  Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans  listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠.  Green Chef:  Healthy meals that fit your nutrition goals (and are delicious too!).  Head to Greenchef dot com/50bestlaid and use code 50bestlaid to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Mint Mobile:  Save money by changing your wireless plan to Mint Mobile!  Shop plans at ⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠.  PrepDish: Healthy meal plans straight to your inbox (and now with easy Instacart ordering!).  Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the March Q&A episode!Topics discussed include:- Do Nested Goals work in the work setting, and if so, would you do the planning for both at the same time, or separate things out?(Episode mentioned: https://theshubox.com/2026/01/ep-285-sextiles-morning-pages-goals-lists-and-more-listener-tips-qa.html)- How to plan your planning (very meta - but seriously!) - both at larger and smaller time scales- How to plan for community engagement or activism?- Seeking help on syncing Outlook and Google Calendar (listener wisdom requested!)- Suggestions for mood trackingPlus, listener Stephanie gives her take on Ramona & Ruth Planners: (https://www.ramonaandruth.com) Episode Sponsors IXL:  Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans  listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at https://www.ixl.com/plans.  Green Chef:  Healthy meals that fit your nutrition goals (and are delicious too!).  Head to Greenchef dot com/50bestlaid and use code 50bestlaid to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Mint Mobile:  Save money by changing your wireless plan to Mint Mobile!  Shop plans at mintmobile.com/BLP.  PrepDish: Healthy meal plans straight to your inbox (and now with easy Instacart ordering!).  Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica lives in California with her husband and is a mother of 6! In today's episode, she shares her own detailed planned peace, discussing how she keeps things organized in such a large and active household.Apps/topics mentioned: Apple's Reminders, Things (for task capture), Laurel Denise Anne layout (https://laureldenise.com/products/2026-the-anne-planner-pemberly-gardens), Essential Calendar (https://www.theessentialcalendar.com/ - if you'd like a coupon code, you can enter BESTLAIDPLANS for 10% off)You can find Jessica on Instagram at @stayathomeista Our Sponsors Mint Mobile:  Affordable wireless plans that let you keep your own number and phone.  To make the switch, visit ⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP ⁠⁠⁠ Green Chef:  Visit ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/bestlaidgraza⁠⁠⁠ and use code bestlaidgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef and FREE Graza Olive Oil set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes.   IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. BLP listeners get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Healthy meal plans straight to your inbox (and now with easy Instacart ordering!).  Visit ⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first part of this episode, Sarah shares some listener follow up to the Task Management episode from 2 weeks ago, including use of Apple Reminders voice entry feature, a simple Notes strategy, Teux Deux, and one listener's analog solution.Then, Sarah delves into her current thoughts on tracking, which have shifted a bit since her initial episode on the topic. She shares ways in which tracking various metrics has been helpful in recent months and presents a unique use case submitted by listener also named Sarah (a martial artist who blogs at sarahbadatrichardson.com). Our Sponsors Mint Mobile:  Affordable wireless plans that let you keep your own number and phone.  To make the switch, visit ⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP ⁠⁠ Green Chef:  Visit ⁠⁠greenchef.com/bestlaidgraza⁠⁠ and use code bestlaidgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef and FREE Graza Olive Oil set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes.   IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. BLP listeners get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠. PrepDish: Healthy meal plans straight to your inbox (and now with easy Instacart ordering!).  Visit ⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠ for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This can be a HARD time of year for many! In today's episode, Sarah shares her own February struggles and provides a pep talk for all of us who might be stuck in winter doldrums or feeling less excited about our 2026 goals.Books recommended: Meditations for Mortals or 4000 Weeks By Oliver BurkemanReminder: BLP Live will be Nov 5-7 2026 - be one of the first to be notified by signing up for Sarah's newsletter. Our Sponsors Mint Mobile:  Affordable wireless plans that let you keep your own number and phone.  To make the switch, visit ⁠mintmobile.com/BLP ⁠ Green Chef:  Visit ⁠greenchef.com/bestlaidgraza⁠ and use code bestlaidgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef and FREE Graza Olive Oil set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes.   IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. BLP listeners get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠ixl.com/plans⁠. PrepDish: Healthy meal plans straight to your inbox (and now with easy Instacart ordering!).  Visit ⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠ for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah opens up with a little update on how 2026 is going so far (as we head into February!), and then dedicates the rest of today's episode to airtight task management! She talks inboxes (collecting tasks) and creating a strategy for processing all of the to-do items that tend to come our way in all sorts of forms and timelines. Our Sponsors Mint Mobile:  Affordable wireless plans that let you keep your own number and phone.  To make the switch, visit mintmobile.com/BLP Green Chef:  Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidgraza and use code bestlaidgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef and FREE Graza Olive Oil set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes.   IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. BLP listeners get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com/plans. PrepDish: Healthy meal plans straight to your inbox (and now with easy Instacart ordering!).  Visit prepdish.com/plans for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Analog is definitely trending, and Sarah is here for it! In today's episode, she discusses the trend, her take on choosing analog when possible, and the unexpected effects on the planner world (!). She also addresses a listener who would like to use more tangible paper tools in her planning system, but struggles with a work system that is all digital. Link to the WBEZ article: https://www.wbez.org/business/2026/01/15/shoppers-chicago-stationary-shops-atlas-paper-pencil-hobonichi-social-media-analog Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Start the year off with healthy meal plans from prep dish! Get your free two-week trial at ⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ IXL: Visit ⁠⁠⁠www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price (20% off!) Organize 365: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠organize365.com/sunday-basket⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check out the Sunday Basket® today Green Chef: Visit ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/bestlaidgraza⁠⁠⁠ and use code bestlaidgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah chats about the evolution of her own fitness goals and interviews Meg Olander, personal trainer and certified group fitness coach. Meg has years of experience helping people with their fitness goals, and in today's episode, she shares her favorite strategies for success in fitness goals, from planning and prioritizing to avoiding optimization to accountability. You can find more from Meg at https://fitfedfeelinggood.com and her podcast, Redesigning Health & Home Disclaimer: This episode is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before starting or changing any exercise program, especially with any health conditions or concerns. Your safety comes first! Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Start the year off with healthy meal plans from prep dish! Get your free two-week trial at ⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠ IXL: Visit ⁠⁠www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠ to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price (20% off!) Organize 365: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠organize365.com/sunday-basket⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check out the Sunday Basket® today Green Chef: Visit ⁠⁠greenchef.com/bestlaidgraza⁠⁠ and use code bestlaidgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares listener tips and answers questions!Topics & references include:- Stationery Store Spotlight: Wonder Fair in Lawrence, KS- Alyce's alternative to January 1- Sextiles: A listener creates her own seasons that work for her- An A-to-Z 26 in 2026 list- Feedback on the Friends Spreadsheet: A Notion Friends CRM (Customer Relationships Management) Tool- Corporate uses for the Nested Goals framework- Morning pages: is Sarah completing the entire Artist's Way course?- Where do you find other people's goals lists?- How to develop goals in the thick of little kid/baby life?THANK YOU to everyone who has supported Sarah in her book launch journey! If you enjoyed Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living a Life That You Love, please leave a review anywhere (Amazon, goodreads, B&N, Bookshop)! Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Start the year off with healthy meal plans from prep dish! Get your free two-week trial at ⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠ IXL: Visit ⁠www.ixl.com/plans⁠ to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price (20% off!) Organize 365: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠organize365.com/sunday-basket⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check out the Sunday Basket® today Green Chef: Visit ⁠greenchef.com/bestlaidgraza⁠ and use code bestlaidgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah welcomes listeners to 2026 and shares 10 tips for making the most of your annual goal setting efforts! Link to mentioned episode on Nested Goals:https://theshubox.com/2024/01/episode-182-nested-goals-explained.html YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@BestLaidPlansVideo Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Start the year off with healthy meal plans from prep dish! Get your free two-week trial at prepdish.com/plans IXL: Visit www.ixl.com/plans to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price (20% off!) Organize 365: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠organize365.com/sunday-basket⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check out the Sunday Basket® today Green Chef: Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidgraza and use code bestlaidgraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares her own 2026 goals list, set in 5 domains (Self, Relationships, Family/Home, Work, and Fun)! She goes into detail about each of the items on her list and the strategies she hopes to employ to help some of them come to fruition.Additional info:- Sarah's email - sarah hart unger at gmail - feel free to send your goals lists along, or message 305-697-7189- Sarah's BOOK IS OUT - Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living A Life that You Love is out wherever books are sold. Find all of her methods in one place -- a complete system in a fun readable format.- 2026 Courses are still open with sessions of Best Laid Plans at Home: Planning 2026 held in January! Visit theshubox.com/courses to register! Episode Sponsors: Organize 365: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠organize365.com/sunday-basket⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check out the Sunday Basket® today Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠mint mobile.com/BLP.⁠⁠⁠⁠ PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first half of this episode, Sarah talks METAPLANNING - intentional dissection of one's systems and planning tactics. Then she shares some of her own potential systems upgrades for 2026, from seasonal planning with her husband to digital organization and a possible new screen time tracker.Then, Sarah dissects her own Big Gnarly Goal for 2026! She answers the questions she posed in her own episode 197, Those Projects That Won't Go Away (link: https://theshubox.com/2024/05/blp-ep-197-those-projects-that-wont-go-away.html) Episode Sponsors: Organize 365: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠organize365.com/sunday-basket⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check out the Sunday Basket® today Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠⁠⁠mint mobile.com/BLP.⁠⁠⁠ PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares a listener tip, a store spotlight, and some great Q&A centered around morning routines and actually USING one's planner on a daily basis!Keep your questions coming - Sarah can be reached via email (sarah hart unger at gmail) or via 305-697-7189!PS: Sarah's book, Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living A Life That You Love is out tomorrow! Visit theshubox.com/preorders for your last chance at preorder bonuses!! Episode Sponsors: Organize 365: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠organize365.com/sunday-basket⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check out the Sunday Basket® today Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠⁠mint mobile.com/BLP.⁠⁠ PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah opens by reminding listeners of her upcoming book launch (T-8 days and counting - you can still get the preorder bonuses by visiting theshubox.com/preorders). And, she shares the happy news that Best Laid Plans was named by Amazon as one of 9 nonfiction editor's picks for December!(See the full list here: https://www.amazon.com/b?ref=r_ess_dp_epicks&node=17276799011)Then, Sarah interviews Ronna Belinky - productivity and time management expert, the creator and head of Workflows by Ronna! Learn about Ronna's innovative monthly planning techniques, the workbooks she created, and the key rituals and supports that help them work so well for people.Find more from Ronna at workflowsbyronna.com. Episode Sponsors: Organize 365: Visit ⁠⁠⁠organize365.com/sunday-basket⁠⁠⁠ to check out the Sunday Basket® today Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠mint mobile.com/BLP.⁠ PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah goes through the physical tools she used in 2025 and shares her 2026 Planner Stack!This episode has a video component if you'd like to see the planners -- visit https://youtu.be/Bf5G8_pSr2s to get a visual! Products mentioned:- Hobonichi Cousin Avec- Hobonichi Weeks- Hobonichi Day Free- Ashley Shelley x Amanda's Favorites collab- Erin Condren 18 month Monthly Planner (Japanese-Style softcover)- Moleskine Cherry Blossom series- Hobonichi 5-year Journal- Sarah's own Planning by Season + BLP Live Planners Episode Sponsors: Organize 365: Visit ⁠⁠organize365.com/sunday-basket⁠⁠ to check out the Sunday Basket® today Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/50bestlaid and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at mint mobile.com/BLP. PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at prepdish.com/plans! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah empties her email inbox (and some other life inboxes) in real time! Find out how much time it took her to get from ~140 messages (half a week's worth of accumulation) in her primary gmail inbox to 0, what she did with all of those little pieces of information, and some takeaways for you if you struggle with task management or collecting all of your inputs. She then takes listeners through other digital inboxes, including WhatsApp and her texts.Then, she shares her review of Hemlock & Oak's new 70gsm daily / weekly / monthly planner offering!Link to the H&O planner she discusses is here: https://www.hemlockandoak.com/products/2026-weekly-daily-12-month-cloth-flex Episode Sponsors: Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Organize 365: Visit ⁠organize365.com/sunday-basket⁠ to check out the Sunday Basket® today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares some life updates coming off of a tough week! Then she delves into an overview of BLP Live and some of her own key planning takeaways from the event. Finally, she responds to a listener request for a "DIY Planning Primer", providing a list of 15 episodes that cover essential planning topics -- from building a system from scratch to daily planning, seasonal planning, monthly planning, and more. Full links to each episode can be found on the show notes posted at theshubox.com! Ep #6: Building a System from ScratchEp #28: Daily Planning Routines and Crowding Out Bad HabitsEp #36: Planning in Quarters and QuintilesEp #88: Tracking - The Good, The Bad, and The UglyEp #110: How Sarah Organizes Her LifeEp #145: Efficiency Tips for Healthcare ProvidersEp #168: Inputs, Interruptions & ReactivityEp #177: Annual Goal SettingEp #182: Nested Goals ExplainedEp #190: Your Ideal WeekEp #214: How to Build More Intentionality Into Your LifeEp #218: Your New Month GuideEp #233: January Energy + 3 Essential SystemsEp #245: The Gap Between Planning and DoingEp #269: 10 Things to Consider if You Are Feeling Scattered Episode Sponsors: Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Organize 365: Visit organize365.com/sunday-basket to check out the Sunday Basket® today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah interviews Jodi Wellman, author of You Only Die Once: How to Make it to the End with No Regrets. This is Jodi's second visit to the podcast, and this conversation is all about the planning rituals that Jodi herself uses to ensure the (finite) life she is living has all of the elements that make it feel truly well-lived. They get into the weeds about her monthly vision boards, planning brunch dates, and how one might actually PLAN IN some spontaneity (yes, such a thing is possible!). This episode will help you get excited and inspired to gear up to plan 2026.Jodi can be found at her website https://fourthousandmondays.com and on instagram at @fourthousandmondays -- her (free) newsletter comes out each Mondy and is a wonderful way to start the week.Sarah also mentions Best Laid Plans at Home: Planning 2026 in this episode; details can be found at theshubox.com/courses Sponsor Notes: IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Ludwig loves holiday planning -specifically, she loves planning around her traditions of Christmas. However, this episode is for you no matter what you love to celebrate at the end of the year! In today's episode, Jen shares her tips for creating a celebratory season that is filled with fun and not overwhelm. She also has some fantastic gift tips + hacks!Find Jen's book, Embracing Advent: Rediscovering Christmas in the Chaos (A Daily Devotional) on amazon, and more from jen at @jenludwigwrites on IG or substack. Sponsor Notes: IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠ Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid ⁠⁠⁠⁠and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares an update for the listener seeking high-contrast planner options, with products mentioned including the Marjolein Delhaas Planner from Wms&Co, Rad & Happy, and Passion Planner. Then, she shares a listener's story of ordering the Personal Planner from Sweden -- and being extremely surprised by fees (over 4x the value of the planner!). Following, Sarah gets into the concept of an Analog Fall (or an Analog 2026?) inspired by Julianna Salguero's Keepsake substack post: https://juliannasalguero.substack.com/p/how-to-have-an-analog-fall She adds to Julianna's ideas with several fun analog activities of her own, and also ponders: if we were adding tech back to our lives from scratch, what would we actually choose to partake in? Sponsor Notes: IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid ⁠⁠⁠and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode (and inspired by her recent girls' trip!), Sarah shares 6 practices to help you think through your big picture goals and dreams as we gear up for Reflection Season and starting to think about annual planning for 2026! These include:- Inspiring reading (or audio)- 100 Dreams List- 10, 5, or 1-year Visioning Exercises- The gift of a notebook just for dreaming and scheming- Deep conversion with a partner or friend- Clean up! A few specific items mentioned: Laura's 100 Dreams List: https://lauravanderkam.com/2015/06/2015-list-100-dreams/Nuuna Notebook: https://nuuna.com/notebooks36 Questions: https://36questionsinlove.comCourse notes:Visit theshubox.com/courses to learn more about guided annual and seasonal planning experiences for 2026! Sponsor Notes: IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠ Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid ⁠⁠and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠. PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is a very planner-centric Q&A episode (since it's that time of year!). First, Cynthia opens with her planner peace - a mashup of prior BLP mentions, from the Passionate Pennypincher Planner to Planner Pad and a Stalogy notebook! Then, Kristin shares a pro tip for melding her digital planning (via Google calendar) with a paper system that allows for daily notes jotted in pen and a physical representation of the weeks and months. Susie shares a common planning conundrum - she has a life with LOTS of moving parts, but no one system to contain them all. Finally, a listener wonders how to handle events being tentatively booked in advance, while another gives a shout-out to Midori's unique Double Scheduler options (https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Double-Schedule-Diary-2026-B6-To-Do-Blue) Notes: Yes, you can text your questions to Sarah -- just text (305) 697-71892026 courses are open for registration at theshubox.com/courses. Planning By Season is almost full, so don't wait to register if you are interested! Sponsor Notes: IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠ Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠greenchef.com/50bestlaid ⁠and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at ⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠. PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at ⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah interviews Skye Waterson, ADHD strategist, host of a podcast in the ADHD space, and an expert in building systems that help entrepreneurs and execs with ADHD (or suspected ADHD) scale their businesses. Skye shares the strategies that she's currently using herself, as well as some great tips for prioritizing when everything feels urgent. She also shares ideas for procrastination and offers advice for others trying to support friends or family with ADHD. Skye lives in New Zealand, and you can find her at unconventionalorganisation.com Note: Best Laid Plans Live: Planning 2026 and Planning By Season: 2026 Edition are both open for registration for a limited time!Visit theshubox.com/courses to learn more. Sponsor Notes: IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at https://www.ixl.com/plans Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/50bestlaid and use code 50BESTLAID to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Ready to save on your wireless? Make the switch at mintmobile.com/BLP. PrepDish: Meal plans ready to go, in your inbox each week. You can try 2 weeks free at prepdish.com/plans! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah opens with news about upcoming courses - both Best Laid Plans at Home: Planning 2026 AND Planning By Season will be back for next calendar year! Get details about the courses at theshubox.com/courses and be sure to sign up for her newsletter for registration info (newsletter drops 10/1).Newsletter: theshubox.com/newsletterThen, she talks all about FUN - the case for ensuring we plan in fun, ways to figure out what kind of fun we need, and inspiration for planning in fun at every time horizon, from daily to yearly and beyond. Episode Sponsors: IXL: Make an impact on your child's learning this school year with IXL! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE. Mint Mobile: Affordable unlimited wireless! Get your new customer offer and your 3-month unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inspired by her own recent period of feeling a bit overwhelmed and all over the place, Sarah shares 10 tips for those feeling scattered.Please be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you'd like to receive October's edition:theshubox.com/newsletterEmail Sarah with questions or comments at sarah hart unger @ gmail or text (305) 697-7189 Episode Sponsors: IXL: Make an impact on your child's learning this school year with IXL! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE. Mint Mobile: Affordable unlimited wireless! Get your new customer offer and your 3-month unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares a Planner Peace submission from R, a lover of paper planners with a vision issue that makes small print and light colors difficult to work with. Please send Sarah any ideas for bright and bold planner brands to share with our listener!Then, Sarah shares her notes on Wirecutter's picks for next year's planners!The article can be found here:https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-paper-planners/Send Sarah your own thoughts on the reviews, or submit your planning questions via email - sarah hart unger at gmail! Episode Sponsors: IXL: Make an impact on your child's learning this school year with IXL! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE. Mint Mobile: Affordable unlimited wireless! Get your new customer offer and your 3-month unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares some recent planner news. She discusses price changes at Hobonichi (she compares her recent order to years prior), and then shares about the new Minimalist option available from Full Focus.Then, she goes through Q&A, tips & planner peace submissions for September! Topics include:- Feedback from a teacher about separating work + life into different planner systems- Tip from Sara about using ToDoist as a way to remind her future self about upcoming tasks- Planner Peace (mostly digital!) from SAHM Ashley- Suggestions for compact planners designed to be used for just one month at at a time?- Advice for rebuilding one's system after a life-changing medical eventTo submit your questions, email sarah hart unger at gmail or visit theshubox.com! Episode Sponsors: IXL: Make an impact on your child's learning this school year with IXL! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠. Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE. Mint Mobile: Affordable unlimited wireless! Get your new customer offer and your 3-month unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah goes through a techo kaigi -- her own assessment of how her current tools are working for her, along with some musing about what's up ahead for 2026! Products mentioned:Hobonichi Cousin AvecErin Condren B6 18 Month SoftboundHobonichi 5-Year JournalErin Condren WhiteboardEssential Calendar (affiliate link: https://www.theessentialcalendar.com/BESTLAIDPLANS + use code BESTLAIDPLANS for 10% off)Digital: Apple Notes, YNAB, Google SheetsSticker printer: Canon Selphy X20 Episode Sponsors:IXL: Make an impact on your child's learning this school year with IXL! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠.Green Chef: Make this season your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner! Visit ⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE.Mint Mobile: Affordable unlimited wireless! Get your new customer offer and your 3-month unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares two things that made her (tough) week, and then answers 6 questions from the August Q&A collection!Topics include:- Can you use Apple Notes to include attachments + graphics- Big projects: fewer longer sessions, or consistent shorter ones?- Ideal week during the newborn phase: yay or nay, and suggestions for an alternative if not?- Are there circumstances where a 'work specific' planner can make sense?- Work & rest-of-life planning sessions: separate or together?- How long does it take to implement the routines of the nested planning sessions?Get your questions to Sarah and you may hear the answers on a future episode! Email at sarah hart unger @ gmail or leave a comment on the show notes at theshubox.com.Remember the newsletter comes out at the start of each month -- we're close to September, so sign up at theshubox.com/newsletter to receive it! Episode Sponsors IXL: Learning doesn't have to stop in the summer!  Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Green Chef: Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner!   Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE.   Mint Mobile:  Affordable unlimited wireless!  Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever been curious about how you can leverage your planning and organizing skills to help you save money, this episode is for you, especially if yo love to travel. Kathleen Paley is a litigator, mother of 2, and podcast host who loves saving and having fun with her family. She joins Sarah today to share her top 5 strategies for traveling on credit card points -- everything from which cards to start with, how to maximize point earnings, and how to spend most cost-effectively.Please note: neither Sarah nor Kathleen are affiliated with any of the companies mentioned on the episode, and these strategies should only be employed if you are paying credit card balances off in full every month -- otherwise they will cost you money rather than offer savings!Kathleen can be found at the Reframe Podcast and The Minimalish Mom on IG. Episode Sponsors IXL: Learning doesn't have to stop in the summer!  Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Green Chef: Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner!   Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE.   Mint Mobile:  Affordable unlimited wireless!  Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares her thoughts on 5 aspects of life to reflect on (other than planners!) as you head into the back-to-school season, whatever that means for you. She provides a detailed overview of routines to think through / audit / consider tweaking, and then discusses sleep, communication strategies, mood management, and fun. Share your favorite planners for kids/teens or best communication strategies with Sarah - email sarah.hart.unger@gmail.com or leave a comment at the show notes on theshubox.com! Episode Sponsors IXL: Learning doesn't have to stop in the summer!  Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Green Chef: Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner!   Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE.   Mint Mobile:  Affordable unlimited wireless!  Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah reviews two planners specifically designed to help those with different planning needs. First, she discusses the Order Out of Chaos Planner, designed by ADHD parent and ADDItude Magazine columnist Leslie Josel. This planner is designed for students and might be particularly helpful for those with ADHD, though it could definitely serve other students well, too! Link to the planners: https://ooocplanner.com/collections/academic-planners Second, she reviews the Fast Brain Friend Daily Productivity Planner, described as "an intentional design for the neurodivergent mind" by creator Alanah Purtell. These are Australian monthly planners with varying (and somewhat unusual!) daily layouts as well as monthly + weekly planning tools. Link to the planners: https://www.creatorsfriend.com.au/products/fast-brain-daily-productivity-planner-single For some visuals, visit the show notes at theshubox.com. Episode Sponsors IXL: Learning doesn't have to stop in the summer!  Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠.  Green Chef: Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner!   Visit ⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE.   Mint Mobile:  Affordable unlimited wireless!  Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not QUITE back to school season, but depending on where you live, it may be closer than you think! In today's episode, Sarah interviews Sarah McConnell, a professor of anatomy and histology for undergrads, graduate students and med students. Professor Sarah McConnell shares own current planner peace lineup and functional system, and then provides some fantastic tips for others in academic, from using templates to leaving helpful breadcrumbs so that each year builds on past experience without friction. Planner Sarah mentions: Proaction Planner https://www.alifemadesimple.com/proaction-planner/ BLP Review of Proaction Planner:https://theshubox.com/2022/01/blp-ep-79-qa-proaction-planner-review.html Newsletter: theshubox.com/newsletterCourses: theshubox.com/courses Episode Sponsors IXL: Learning doesn't have to stop in the summer!  Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Green Chef: Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner!   Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE.   Mint:  Affordable unlimited wireless!  Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, sociology professor Allison Daminger joins Sarah for a fascinating discussion about mental load, division of labor, and the role of planning! She answers three great questions from listeners, tackling challenging questions about a partner not interested in long-range planning, a partner with little predictability to his job, and a partner with ADHD. Find more from Allison and her book, The Mental Workload of Family Life, at her website: https://www.allisondaminger.com/book, and she can also be found on substack at https://allisondaminger.substack.com. Submit your questions for Allison on the show notes page at theshubox.com! Episode Sponsors IXL: Learning doesn't have to stop in the summer!  Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠.  Green Chef: Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner!   Visit ⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE.   Mint:  Affordable unlimited wireless!  Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares some real behind-the-scenes podcast talk with listeners. She chats about how Best Laid Plans came to be, how she chooses guests, how she tracks podcast logistics, what she outsources, how she handles listener emails, and much more! Visit her website, theshubox.com, if you haven't been for links to all of her prior episodes. Newsletter: theshubox.com/newsletterCourses: theshubox.com/coursesBooks Read in 2025: theshubox.com/2025-books Episode Sponsors IXL: Learning doesn't have to stop in the summer!  Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠.  Green Chef: Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner!   Visit ⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE.   Mint:  Affordable unlimited wireless!  Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah answers accumulated questions for July! Topics include: Laurel Denise + Full Focus is too much -- what do use instead? Task management (2 questions on various angles of this common challenge!) and how not to lose all of those great ideas that come to you that you want to see at the right time Discussion of the Alistair Method for the listener struggling to fit tasks into an unpredictable schedule (details on this method here: https://bulletjournal.com/blogs/bulletjournalist/projects-the-alastair-method Ways to structure/plan out a period of lighter work (sabbatical of sorts) As mentioned early in the episode, Sarah's Mid-Year Check In is available for viewing -- great for those looking for a mid-year boost! This 1-hour guided mid-year planning session is available for instant viewing for anyone who purchases access to Planning 2026 (Sarah's 4 hour annual planning course, held in December/January). Visit theshubox.com/courses for details! Episode Sponsors IXL: Learning doesn't have to stop in the summer!  Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠ixl.com/plans⁠.  Green Chef: Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner!   Visit ⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE.   Mint:  Affordable unlimited wireless!  Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares rationale and ideas for completing your own mid-year check in session, where you take stock of where things are, look at annual goals, and decide how you'd like to move forward. She provides ideas for the setting/scope of this session, and then shares her very own mid-year check in - processing her own progress on the air! If you are interested in a guided mid-year check in video that takes you through the process step by step, Sarah is offering this as part of BLP at Home: Planning 2026 this year! You can get access to this video by preordering BLP at Home for next year (4 hour guided planning experience divided into two sessions, taking place in Dec 2025/Jan 2026). All details will be shared via newsletter (July edition out 7/1), so visit theshubox.com/newsletter to sign up! Episode Sponsors IXL: Learning doesn't have to stop in the summer!  Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com/plans.  Green Chef: Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to greenchef.com/50BESTLAID and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner!   Visit PrepDish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE.   Mint:  Affordable unlimited wireless!  Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a Q&A podcast! Topics include: - Ways to plan/manage tasks when your time is unpredictably chopped up (gig worker)?- How to move into a new planner midyear?- How to talk with a partner who feels your planning systems are over the top (and you feel like they are absolutely necessary for a functional family life)?- How to handle a close friend or relative who refuses to make firm plans?- Planner recs for a child with ADHD entering middle school Keep your questions coming! Email sarah.hart.unger at gmail, leave a message on the show notes (theshubox.com) or reply to the newsletter! Newsletter signups: theshubox.com/newsletter EPISODE SPONSORS IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now.  BLP listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠. Green Chef:  Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Save this summer with a Mint Mobile Wireless plan!  Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at ⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠⁠ PrepDish:  Delicious and healthy plans to take the mental load out of planning dinner!  Visit ⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ for two weeks free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode centers around strategies for travel planning, from super-long range (5-10+ years) to daily planning while on vacation! Sarah shares her favorite strategies at each time horizon to craft travel plans that reflect your values and highest priorities, while meeting your actual real-life needs (budget, kids' ages, etc!). Mentioned:Kelsey's "The Years Are Short" sheet:https://www.risingshining.com/2022/10/the-years-are-short-family-spreadsheet.html Cameras (idea from Sarah Jedd, prior guest who blogs at harrytimes.com):https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/hybrid/camp-snap-screen-free-digital-camera EPISODE SPONSORS IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now.  BLP listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠. Green Chef:  Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Save this summer with a Mint Mobile Wireless plan!  Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at ⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠ PrepDish:  Delicious and healthy plans to take the mental load out of planning dinner!  Visit ⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠ for two weeks free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lizzie Post is the great-great-grandaughter of famed etiquette expert Emily Post and serves as co-president at the Emily Post Institute along with her cousin Daniel Post Senning. In today's episode Sarah interviews her on all things planning AND etiquette adjacent! First, Sarah inquires about Lizzie's current favorite planning tools and rituals, and then she asks questions that get at some of the stickier parts of planning: how to manage making plans in a group, how to handle planner fatigue, how to deal with managing forms of communication, and how to get past barriers to planning social things. Lizzie and Dan's new book is the the newly-updated Emily Post’s Business Etiquette - find out more at https://emilypost.com! She and Dan also cohost Awesome Etiquette, a podcast where they discuss all things modern day etiquette and answer listener questions. EPISODE SPONSORS IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now.  BLP listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠ixl.com/plans⁠. Green Chef:  Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit ⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Save this summer with a Mint Mobile Wireless plan!  Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at ⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠ PrepDish:  Delicious and healthy plans to take the mental load out of planning dinner!  Visit ⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠ for two weeks free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah welcomes listeners into summer (and southern hemisphere listeners into winter!). Then, she shares 10 less common (possibly quirky!) planning habits that work for her, from her tracking methods to her use of "defaults" and strategic use of break times, and more. She also shares a listener follow up to the new mom wondering how to deal with tasks that come to mind when she isn't with her planner! EPISODE SPONSORS IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now.  BLP listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com/plans. Green Chef:  Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/50BESTLAID and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. Mint Mobile: Save this summer with a Mint Mobile Wireless plan!  Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/BLP PrepDish:  Delicious and healthy plans to take the mental load out of planning dinner!  Visit prepdish.com/plans for two weeks free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is dedicated to monthly planning rhythms! Sarah discusses why the monthly planning level can be a challenging one, but then provides reasons to try giving it some attention! Elements Discussed: - Ways to add to the "fresh start" energy - screen backgrounds + monthly tracking- Monthly work plan (new element for Sarah!)- Monthly goal setting (middle piece of the Nested Goals method - great way to break up big seasonal projects), including a look back / forward / within, and a calendar landscape review- Monthly "extras" - might include budget, household supply maintenance, fitness ideas, library holds, adding in fun, and more! Prior episodes mentioning Monthly Planning:#17 - https://theshubox.com/2024/09/episode-218-your-new-month-guide.html#218 - https://theshubox.com/2020/11/blp-ep-17-monthly-review.html Completist Products Mentioned (no affiliation):Weekly Planning Pad: https://www.the-completist.com/collections/planner-pads/products/andalucia-weekly-planner-padDaily Planner: https://www.the-completist.com/collections/daily-plannersMonthly Planner: https://www.the-completist.com/collections/month-plannersNewsletter signup: theshubox.com/newsletterBLP Live in Nov (ONE slot as of posting this!): theshubox.com/blplive Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit ⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠⁠ IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at⁠⁠⁠ IXL.com/PLANS⁠⁠⁠. Green Chef: The best meal kit for eating well. Visit ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/bestlaidfree⁠⁠⁠ and use code bestlaidfree to get started with FREE salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares a detailed Planner Peace submission (from a listener who listened to all 250 episodes of the BLP back catalog!) and provides a mini-review of Kendra Adachi's The Playbook, designed to be planner companions for each season, rather than planners themselves! Find The Playbook here: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/merch/p/the-playbooks-bundle or here for a page by page overview: https://otterpine.com/the-playbooks/ Next, a listener with a new baby wonders whether it makes sense to carry her paper planner up and down the stairs vs make the switch to digital. Finally, this is Sarah's birthday week! If you'd like to celebrate, leave a review on your favorite podcast app, or preorder Best Laid Plans: A Simple System for Living a Life That You Love (available at major retailers - just search for Sarah Hart-Unger!). BLP Live is almost full - last chance if you'd like to plan 2026 with Sarah and Laura Vanderkam in person this November! Visit theshubox.com/blplive for details Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit ⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at ⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠⁠ IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at⁠⁠ IXL.com/PLANS⁠⁠. Green Chef: The best meal kit for eating well. Visit ⁠⁠greenchef.com/bestlaidfree⁠⁠ and use code bestlaidfree to get started with FREE salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah share the strategies that got her feeling much less "in the weeds", including airtight task capture and inbox cleaning, plus monthly work planning! Then, she shares a Planner Peace segment from Ross in NZ, who uses mostly digital tools plus a paper daily and has an incredibly well-thought-out and organized overall ecosystem! Topics for the Q&A: - Finding planners with affordable shipping to AUS and NZ- Handling incoming papers without letting them overcrowd your desk- Planner suggestions for a daily with decent-sized hour markings that go from 5a - 9p- Suggestions for getting back into planning for someone with more limited use of her writing hand- Ideas for visualizing the summer as a whole Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit ⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at ⁠mintmobile.com/BLP⁠ IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at⁠ IXL.com/PLANS⁠. Green Chef: The best meal kit for eating well. Visit ⁠greenchef.com/bestlaidfree⁠ and use code bestlaidfree to get started with FREE salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah gets real: she shares her current feelings of being "in the weeds", how she got there, and the strategies she hopes to employ to climb out. Additional Notes:Best Laid Plans LIVE in Florida: Planning 2026 has very few remaining slots - grab yours now at theshubox.com/blplive Sign up for the newsletter at theshubox.com/newsletter Share your own tactics for getting out of the weeks - send Sarah an email or text at sarah.hart.unger at gmail or (305) 697-7189 Episode Sponsors: Mint Mobile:  Save money on your wireless plan! Visit mintmobile.com/BLP PrepDish:  Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit ⁠prepdish.com/plans⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE Green Chef: Make this spring your most delicious yet with Green Chef!  Visit greenchef.com/50BESTLAID and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping! IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning with IXL!  For 20% off IXL membership, visit IXL.com/PLANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison Schaaf is the creator and owner of PrepDish (longtime BLP sponsor!) and her business is based on planning, specifically around meals! But she also has plenty of wisdom to share around planning the rest of life, from long term goals to handling emails and managing a team. She is also highly interested in streamlining tasks as she is a mother of 4 (including a baby!). Shared by Allison: - Clever Fox planner - Superhuman email - Traction - Die with Zero PrepDish trial mentioned: prepdish.com/plans (two weeks free - and now with Instacart shopping links!) Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Green Chef: The best meal kit for eating well. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree to get started with FREE salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah reflects on routines, noting that her recent episode on morning routines is already obsolete (as it applies to her own morning routine, anyway!). She shares thoughts about being flexible as you set your routines, and the need to continually re-evaluate, as well as her new morning routine. Then, she pivots to all things weekend planning, as inspired by her friend noting that weekends were feeling . . . unsatisfying at times (Kae blogs at gratefulkae.com). Sarah shares her rationale for why you should dedicate time to plan your weekends (at least as much as the week!) and shares some ideas to keep in mind as you think about those hours. Below, her suggestions: TAKE THE TIME TO THINK THROUGH THESE DAYS! BE REALISTIC don’t forget transition time, drive time, etc IF YOU DO HAVE TO WORK, BE VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT WHAT YOUR END GOALS ARE and TIME FRAME SLOT IN RELAXATION AND GET ENOUGH REST CONSIDER WEEKENDS TIME TO DO INSTALLMENTS OF A BIGGER PROJECT TALK TO OTHERS BEFORE SETTING YOUR SCHEDULE - GET THEIR INPUT/BUY-IN TRY TO BALANCE ACTIVE/MORE SOCIAL PERIODS WITH SOME DOWN TIME MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SOMETHING FUN FOR YOU! FIGURE OUT THE TIME YOU’RE WILLING TO SPEND ON CHORES (figure out what is really a priority for those times) Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Prose: Truly custom skincare and haircare. Visit prose.com/plans for 50% off your first haircare subscription order! Green Chef: The best meal kit for eating well. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree to get started with FREE salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah reflects on where we are in the year and offers encouragement and ideas to help you start thinking through summer. She also provides an overview of some fun planner releases for spring, including new editions from Erin Condren, Simplified, and Laurel Denise. Episode of Amanda's Favorites where she describes designing a planner with Laurel Denise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZnWjf0qdWM Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Prose: Truly custom skincare and haircare. Visit prose.com/plans for 50% off your first haircare subscription order! Green Chef: The best meal kit for eating well. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree to get started with FREE salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes there is vast space (and struggle) between planning and executing on our plans. In this episode, Sarah delves into why that might be an offers some solutions. She also mentions Lisa Woodruff's Medical Binder and Carolyn Cohen's Wellness While Walking podcast. Episode where Carolyn was a guest: https://theshubox.com/2025/01/blp-ep-232-planning-and-goal-setting-for-health-with-carolyn-cohen.html Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Prose: Truly custom skincare and haircare. Visit prose.com/plans for 50% off your first haircare subscription order! Green Chef: The best meal kit for eating well. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree to get started with FREE salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some might think the purpose of planning is to get more done. That may be true in some cases, but there is so much more to the story than that. In this episode, Sarah shares 10 benefits of planning that have nothing to do from productivity, from stress reduction to anticipation to creativity to having more fun. Other news: BLP Live is open for registration!! Join Sarah and Laura Vanderkam in South Florida this November for 3 days of planning, reflection, relaxation, community, and fun. Visit theshubox.com/blplive for details! Episode Sponsors: PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Prose: Truly custom skincare and haircare. Visit prose.com/plans for 50% off your first haircare subscription order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares an update on how her recovery is going in addition to some great wisdom on the idea of a "recovery routine" from a listener. Then, she shares a planner mini-review and new additions to her 2025 Stack: - Full Focus Spiral-Bound - Excello Essential Weekly + Monthly (https://excellobrands.com/calendar-year/essential-monthly-weekly-planner-7-x-9-cy-2025-frosted/ or via Amazon (search for ESSENTIAL 2025 Monthly & Weekly Planner with Tabs, 7"x9": 14 Months) Then, she shares some fantastic listener-sent solutions for M, the listener stressed out by her many open browser tabs and "to be read later" intentions. BLP Live: Planning 2026 (held in November 2025) is now open for registration - visit theshubox.com/blplive for details!! Episode Sponsors: Green Chef: Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree for free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah checks in + introduces the show. Then, the main part of the episode is a re-air from 2024. Sarah hopes it is helpful as we approach the spring season! Sarah opens with a discussion of the idea of planner page as "outside observer" and how seeing her day laid out in physical form can help alleviate stress and provide some helpful objectivity. (She is curious if this is a familiar feeing for anyone else!). In the main portion of the show, she provides a step by step planning guide for your Quintile 2, or spring season (fall for our Southern Hemisphere listeners!). From end-of-the-academic year activities to spring cleaning energy, she provides many useful prompts to think about and then encourages a thorough review of your annual and Season 1 goals. Happy spring planning!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A common question sent into BLP is about planning in the face of hard things or uncertainty. This episode is a raw/current one about some challenges Sarah is going through now and how she is going to try to handle them. Please note: this episode was recorded from a hospital room with no special mic so the sound quality might be a little different. Episode Sponsors: Green Chef: Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree for free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Sarah has a really fun and conversational chat with Azizi Williams and Malika Amandi, otherwise known as the Happier Ladies! These sister started a podcast inspired by the work of Gretchen Rubin and Elizabeth Craft, and share a love for planning, experiments, goal setting, and accountability (to each other, as well as their listeners). Azizi and Malika share their favorite tools, planning rituals, and more. Their podcast can be found here; https://happierladies.wixsite.com/mysite Episode 60 + 61 (Festival of Planning!) is here: https://happierladies.wixsite.com/mysite/episodes/episode/6b09e00f/festival-of-planning-60 and https://happierladies.wixsite.com/mysite/episodes/episode/20b7dee1/festival-of-planning-part-2-61 Episode Sponsors: Green Chef: Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree for free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah answers questions accumulated in the month of February! Topics include: - How do you deal with planning events for family members (ie camp, bday parties, etc!) - How do I integrate goals lists into my planning when I feel like I have endless detailed lists dedicated to complicated projects? (Nested Goals ep: https://theshubox.com/2024/01/episode-182-nested-goals-explained.html) - Advice for planning in pregnancy + the postpartum period? - How does Sarah use the calendar pages in the Hobonichi Weeks? - How do you organize things "to be read" later that aren't books? (Magazine articles, journal articles, browser tabs, etc)? - Where can I fit in my morning planning routine (working mom with a baby!) - Notion Template mentioned by Malika: https://shop.muchelleb.com.au/collections/notion-templates SPONSORS: Prose: Custom skin and haircare that works! For an exclusive trial offer of 50% off your first haircare subscription order, visit prose.com/plans. Green Chef: Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree for free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares her top 10 (plus maybe a bonus!) Planning + Planning Adjacent Tools! For specific links, visit https://theshubox.com/organize! 1) Kokuyo Campus Notebooks 2) Uniball Jetstream Pens (0.5 and 0.38 size) 3) Zebra Mildliners in pastel colors - especially used to create little squares for checkboxes! 4) Apple's Screen Time App + Widget 5) Stalogy Short Sticky Notes (plus bonus mention: Midori Sticky Notes Monthly Block) 6) The Essential Calendar (Sarah is an affiliate, so you can use code BESTLAIDPLANS or visit https://www.theessentialcalendar.com/BESTLAIDPLANS for 10% off) 7) Apple Notes, especially for tracking travel docs and kid-related frequent reference 8) Strava to track running 9) Feedly for blog reading 10) Creating podcast playlists 11) Erin Condren Whiteboard (Custom Color Weekly Schedule Wall Organization Center) SPONSORS: Prose: Custom skin and haircare that works! For an exclusive trial offer of 50% off your first haircare subscription order, visit prose.com/plans. Green Chef: Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree for free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP IXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is dedicated to all things morning routine! Sarah shares her own (in detail) and discusses all of the questions to ask yourself if you're looking to add a bit more to your mornings (or not!). And, she shares some exciting book news -- Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living a Live That You Love will be out in January 2026!! Episode Sponsors: Prose: Custom skin and haircare that works! For an exclusive trial offer of 50% off your first haircare subscription order, visit prose.com/plans. Green Chef: Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree for free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service - a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have to get dressed, right? This is just one more area rife for planning an organizing strategies, and stylist Gab Saper (aka The Wardrobe Editor) is here to deliver! She chats with Sarah about all things wardrobe curation and organization, and Sarah also gives a brief update on recent organizing wins in her closet! Ways to find and connect with Gab: Website: https://wardrobeeditor.com Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wardrobeeditor/ Free guide: https://wardrobeeditor.myflodesk.com/hotagain Episode Sponsors: Prose: Custom skin and haircare that works! For an exclusive trial offer of 50% off your first haircare subscription order, visit prose.com/plans. Green Chef: Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree for free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE Mint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service - a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's monthly Q&A ep, Sarah shares a Planner Peace vignette, 2 stationery shop recs, and answers 4 listener questions: Planner Peace comes from a healthcare provider who has cut her documentation time in half after reflecting and listening to Sarah's Efficiency Tips ep. She uses Google products for almost everything, plus a daily paper planner (filled out fresh each day, referring to her digital lists!) for her schedule and tasks. Stationery shop recs: Both in Chicago: Atlas Stationers and Paper and Pencil. Question topics: 1) Recommendations for Commonplace Books? 2) Where should I keep my annual goals (from a Full Focus user)? 3) Planner wall storage ideas for messy areas (kitchen!)? (She ended up going with this one: https://www.containerstore.com/s/office/message-boards-accessories/perch-wally-wall-plate/12d?productId=11001724 ) 4) Have you ever intentionally stepped away from planning for a time or season? (And if so - how does it work within the Nested Goals framework)? Episode Sponsors: Green Chef: The #1 Meal Kit for Eating Well! Visit greenchef.com/plansfree and use code plansfree to get started with free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! IXL: Make an impact on your child's learning with IXL. Visit IXL.com/PLANS to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Mint Mobile: Amazingly affordable wireless service! Check out their new customer offer with 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just 15 dollars a month by visiting mintmobile.com/blp PrepDish: Convenient, healthy, and delicious meal plans sent directly to your inbox! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first two weeks FREE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have any kind of organizing or decluttering goals on your 2025 goals list, today's episode is for you. Sarah interviews Tyler Moore (known as Tidy Dad), a teacher and author with a passion for organizing and curating spaces to meet the needs of life as they ebb and flow through the seasons - and his current season is 3 young kids in a small NYC apartment! This interview offers plenty of inspiration and great ideas from Tyler, including the idea of an annual decluttering calendar, thoughts on building household routines, and what to start with FIRST if you've struggle with decluttering in the past. Tyler can be found at @tidydad on social media, thetidydad.com, and is the author of Tidy Up Your Life: Rethinking How to Organize, Declutter, and Make Space for What Matters Most, available wherever books are sold. Episode Sponsors: Green Chef: The #1 Meal Kit for Eating Well! Visit greenchef.com/plansfree and use code plansfree to get started with free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! IXL: Make an impact on your child's learning with IXL. Visit IXL.com/PLANS to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Mint Mobile: Amazingly affordable wireless service! Check out their new customer offer with 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just 15 dollars a month by visiting mintmobile.com/blp PrepDish: Convenient, healthy, and delicious meal plans sent directly to your inbox! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first two weeks FREE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah checks in with a January energy report and provides some words of caution about this high-motivation time -- it's fun and you should enjoy it, but be prepared for it to be transient! She shares her thoughts on 3 essential systems for life management: a comprehensive and accurate Master Calendar, Airtight Task Management, and her Nested Goals framework. Resources/other episodes mentioned: 1) Seasonal Planning Example: https://theshubox.com/2024/03/blp-episode-189-diving-into-quintile-2.html 2) All About Nested Goals: https://theshubox.com/2024/01/episode-182-nested-goals-explained.html 3) Second Brain concept (credit to Tiago Forte): https://theshubox.com/2024/01/second-brain-ing-my-apple-notes.html https://theshubox.com/2022/08/blp-episode-108-back-to-school-scrolling-habits-planner-matchups-apple-notes.html Send in your questions, Planner Peace submissions, and favorite shop recs - comment on theshubox.com, text to 305-697-7189, or email sarah.hart.unger at gmail! Episode Sponsors: Green Chef: The #1 Meal Kit for Eating Well! Visit greenchef.com/plansfree and use code plansfree to get started with free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! IXL: Make an impact on your child's learning with IXL. Visit IXL.com/PLANS to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Mint Mobile: Amazingly affordable wireless service! Check out their new customer offer with 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just 15 dollars a month by visiting mintmobile.com/blp PrepDish: Convenient, healthy, and delicious meal plans sent directly to your inbox! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first two weeks FREE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carolyn Cohen is a health coach passionate about helping others reach their wellness goals, and she chats with Sarah today about how planning and goal-setting intersect with health and wellness. She discusses the pros and cons of having a separate wellness planner, effective habit tracking, the benefits of data from wearables, and more. She also introduced the idea of a health planning retreat! Find more from Carolyn at wellnesswhilewalking.com, or check out the Wellness While Walking podcast in your favorite player! Sponsors: Green Chef: The #1 Meal Kit for Eating Well! Visit greenchef.com/plansfree and use code plansfree to get started with free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box! IXL: Make an impact on your child's learning with IXL. Visit IXL.com/PLANS to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.  Mint Mobile: Amazingly affordable wireless service! Check out their new customer offer with 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just 15 dollars a month by visiting mintmobile.com/blp PrepDish: Convenient, healthy, and delicious meal plans sent directly to your inbox! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first two weeks FREE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares her goals for 2025 in 4 domains: personal, work, relationships, and household! If you love listening to others share their plans and dreams for the year, this episode is for you :) Topics include fitness and health goals, goals related to kids, work goals, organizing aspirations, and more. Thank you for listening this year, and wishing you a wonderful start to 2025! Episode Sponsors: Jenni Kayne: Check out their amazing gifts, from candles to their iconic sweaters . Visit jennikayne.com; listeners get 15% off your first order when you use code PLANS at checkout. PrepDish: Visit PrepDish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE. MasterClass: Give the gift of learning this season! Visit masterclass.com/bestlaidplans to learn more and find active discounts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah goes through her setup of her 2025 Goals/Lists planner, a Hobonichi Weeks she will use for tracking and various collections. Then, she answers additional questions sent in the past month. Topics discussed: - Request for planner shop recs around the world + recommendation of Good Postage in Charlotte, NC - Ways to track continuing education data + resources - Sarah recommends going digital for this using a tool like Apple Notes, OneNote, or Notion - Listener tip: a Taylor Swift-inspired planner!? Meet the Mastermind! https://www.etsy.com/listing/1798413186/the-weekly-mastermind-planner-2025 - Another listener's take on Quintiles - the Sextile system! (6 seasons of the year!) - Planner matchmaking request for a small dated daily planner. Ideas included the Hobonichi A6, Take A Note, Sterling Ink 2025 Daily, Midori Hibino (small but CHUNKY), Leuchtturm Daily in Pocket A6, or dating a Stalogy 365 notebook Episode Sponsors: Jenni Kayne: Check out their amazing gifts, from candles to their iconic sweaters . Visit jennikayne.com; listeners get 15% off your first order when you use code PLANS at checkout. PrepDish: Visit PrepDish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE. MasterClass: Give the gift of learning this season! Visit masterclass.com/bestlaidplans to learn more and find active discounts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shunta Grant is the creator of the Best Today Guide and associated communities, and is passionate about helping people find the best version of "today" that they can, and the intentional stewardship of time. She is also vocal and honest about her journey with social media, which is what especially Sarah to her work! In this conversation, Sarah chats with Shunta about what cultivating your "Best Today" means, overcoming challenges, as well as Shunta's social media experiments, challenges, and current practices. Find Shunta at: https://besttoday.co Additional Notes: Planning By Season: almost full! Visit theshubox.com/courses for details; this is a year-long experience that opens for registration just once yearly for continuity in your seasonal planning all year long. Newsletter: Subscribe for monthly notes and highlights in your inbox (and never more than every month)! Visit theshubox.com/newsletter Episode Sponsors: Jenni Kayne: Check out their amazing gifts, from candles to their iconic sweaters . Visit jennikayne.com; listeners get 15% off your first order when you use code PLANS at checkout. PrepDish: Visit PrepDish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE. MasterClass: Give the gift of learning this season! Visit masterclass.com/bestlaidplans to learn more and find active discounts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Sarah shares her Planner Stack (all of her physical planning tools) for 2025! She's going more streamlined this year with a couple of changes and many old favorites. She would love to hear about the tools you have decided on for 2025! Share via theshubox.com or email sarah.hart.unger@gmail.com. She also discusses a bit more about Planning By Season 2025, which just opened for registration! Learn more about this year-long experience at theshubox.com/courses TOOLS MENTIONED * BLP Live/Home Workbook * BLP Planning By Season Workbook (trying printing at doxzoo) * Hobonichi HON A5 English, Paysanne Blossom Liberty Cover * Hobonchi Weeks Mega, Lemon Water * Hobonichi 5-Year (2021-2025) * Ashley Shelly Monthly (Amanda's Favorites version) * Essential Calendar (affiliate link gets you 10% off: https://www.theessentialcalendar.com/BESTLAIDPLANS or use code BESTLAIDPLANS at checkout) Episode Sponsors: Jenni Kayne: Check out their amazing gifts, from candles to their iconic sweaters . Visit jennikayne.com; listeners get 15% off your first order when you use code PLANS at checkout. PrepDish: Visit PrepDish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREE. MasterClass: Give the gift of learning this season! Visit masterclass.com/bestlaidplans to learn more and find active discounts! Cozy Earth: Sheets, pajamas and more in the most amazing fabric. Visit cozyearth.com/plans and use exclusive 40%+ off code PLANS to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices