
Best Laid Plans
Welcome to Best Laid Plans -- a podcast all about planning and the planning tools we love. From planning techniques and organizing philosophies to planners and notebooks, we cover it all. Host Sarah Hart-Unger is a mother of 3, physician, podcasting pro, and a lover of lists and all things paper! Listen in weekly for conversations about planning and productivity as well as product reviews and interviews with planning experts!
Latest episodes

4 snips
Nov 11, 2024 • 25min
Planning Changes for Next Year, Just Scribbles Planner Mini-Review, and Nested Goals Example EP 224
Discover effective planning strategies for the upcoming year, featuring a review of the versatile Just Scribble Plans Vertical Weekly Planner. Hear insights on setting personal goals and streamlining family planning by breaking down larger objectives into actionable tasks. A listener's question sparks a creative discussion about organizing a neighborhood holiday party, showcasing the Nested Goals system. Plus, get a glimpse of luxurious gifts that could inspire your planning journey!

18 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 24min
Welcome to Q5: Reflection Season! EP 223
Explore the unique spirit of the last two months of the year as the hosts delve into reflection and celebration. They emphasize proactive planning to navigate holiday chaos smoothly. Discover strategies for goal setting and personal organization while enjoying the festive season. Hear tips on balancing holiday tasks with well-deserved enjoyment, and learn the importance of budgeting for gift purchases. The reflective period between years serves as a perfect time to recharge and prepare for the upcoming year.

Oct 28, 2024 • 30min
Planner Mini-Reviews: Full Focus Wellness, Ashley Shelly Daily, and Organize 365 EP 222
Dive into a review of the Full Focus Wellness Planner, focusing on its design and usability for goal setting. Explore Ashley Shelly's compact daily planner, perfect for varied organizing needs. Discover the colorful rainbow planning products from Organize 365 and how they serve different tasks and meal planning. Plus, learn when to involve your partner in the planning process. Don't miss early pricing updates for 2025 planning courses—space is limited!

6 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 32min
October Q&A: 99% Paper Planner Peace, Hot Tips, and Can Chat GPT Pick Your Planner? EP 221
A listener shares her near-perfect paper planner system using six-ring binders for total organization. Tips abound for managing digital distractions, including useful apps like One Sec and Forest. The discussion takes a turn towards children’s education with personalized tools like IXL for standout math learning. The hosts explore the Twines and Paper Weekbook for innovative planning, while also addressing how AI, like ChatGPT, could revolutionize our organizational approaches. Plus, cozy fall fashion suggestions spice up the planning conversation!

Oct 14, 2024 • 34min
How a Full Time Academic + Mother of 5 Gets it Done (with Joy!), Featuring Sarah Jedd EP 220
Join Sarah Jedd, a full-time faculty member at UW-Madison and mother of five, as she shares her secrets to thriving in a chaotic life. She discusses her daily planning rituals and family management techniques, like using laminated calendars and involving older kids in organization. Sarah also highlights the importance of budgeting and goal-setting while navigating the intense schedules of middle schoolers. With a lively approach, she reminds us that joy and structure can coexist beautifully in a busy household.

4 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 32min
Top 10 Ideas for Your Paper Planner, Digital Displays, Screen Time Consciousness + more EP 219
Get ready to revolutionize your planning for 2025 with innovative tips and tricks! Discover a listener's creative use of Google Calendar displays that impact family life. Dive into screen time awareness with the gamified Aro app, designed to help you put down your phone. Plus, explore the best features of paper planners, including unique spreads and trackers that can elevate your organizing game. Don't miss the ideas that can help you balance life while looking stylish this fall!

10 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 25min
Your New Month Guide EP 218
Join Sarah, a passionate advocate for monthly goal setting, as she explores the magic of marking the start of a new month. She passionately discusses the 12 natural touchpoints of the year and how each serves as a fresh opportunity for personal growth. Sarah shares her effective monthly goal-setting strategies, highlights the joy of incorporating fun into planning, and reveals practical rituals that keep her organized and motivated. Dive into the art of embracing a fresh start and the importance of proactive monthly planning!

6 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 27min
Sept Q&A: Quintiles Idea, Annual Planning, Family Communication Tools, Extra-long Term Goals, and Studying for a Big Test (MCAT) EP 217
Emily, a contributor with insights into the Quintiles framework, shares a unique use case that can enhance personal planning. The discussion covers practical tips for annual planning and the best family communication tools to keep everyone aligned. Listeners learn about effective strategies for mapping out long-term goals, as well as how to manage the challenging balance of studying for the MCAT while juggling work and life. The episode is packed with actionable advice and thoughtful recommendations for a productive year ahead.

Sep 16, 2024 • 46min
The Plan (and Planning!) with Kendra Adachi EP 216
In this discussion, Kendra Adachi, a NYT bestselling author and the voice behind The Lazy Genius, shares her fresh perspectives on planning and time management. She dives into the importance of compassionate goal setting, especially for women navigating hormonal cycles. The conversation highlights how to redefine productivity away from constant optimization, emphasizing adaptability during transitions like back-to-school. Kendra also introduces her 'plan pyramid' concept, encouraging a flexible approach to family and personal life.

Sep 9, 2024 • 22min
Mixed Bag Ep: Planner Peace, Planner News, and Dealing with Stressful / Uncertain Times EP 215
Meredith, a planning enthusiast, dives into the world of personal and family organization. She shares insights on achieving Planner Peace, emphasizing tools like Laurel Denise and the Family Teams wall calendar. Trends in planner minimalism spark exciting discussions, alongside innovative products like Wild Strides Paper Co's Running Log. The podcast also delves into stress management strategies, stressing the importance of self-care and manageable tasks during uncertain times. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their planning game while navigating life’s challenges!