

Best Laid Plans
Sarah Hart-Unger
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2024 • 24min
Quintile 4 + Q&A Deep Dive: Sticking to Your Plan EP 211
Discover the transition into fall as the podcast discusses the significance of the fourth quintile in planning. Delve into balancing the busy school season with joy by scheduling enjoyable activities while maintaining productivity. Learn effective strategies to stick to your Plan amidst life's unpredictable challenges. The hosts reflect on annual goals, advising on how to prioritize tasks and manage expectations. Plus, they introduce a special course aimed at enhancing personal planning systems for greater success.

Aug 5, 2024 • 43min
You Only Die Once: Mortality, Planning, and So Much More with Jodi Wellman EP 210
Jodi Wellman, a Master's degree holder in Applied Positive Psychology, delves into the profound themes of mortality and the quest for meaning in life. She explores how contemplating our finite existence can inspire a more vibrant, intentional life. Jodi shares personal anecdotes about embracing life's fragility, emphasizes the importance of living authentically, and uses a stapler as a metaphor for change. Through her work, she encourages listeners to reflect, prioritize meaningful activities, and infuse spontaneity into their routines.

Jul 29, 2024 • 24min
Best Laid Plans Academy: Honing Your Planning Systems at Every Level EP 209
Discover insights on a flagship planning course designed to elevate your organization skills. The speaker shares past successes and participant testimonials that showcase the transformative impact on productivity. Learn about flexible systems that complement existing planners, and how community support enhances the experience. Check out exciting sponsorships that offer personalized products to streamline your lifestyle. Embark on a journey to refinement in planning and reignite your strategies!

Jul 22, 2024 • 36min
July Q&A: Planner Peace x 2, Task Management on Paper, Notetaking, and More! EP 208
In this podcast, the host discusses planner peace submissions, task management on paper, email management tips, handling schedule changes, and effective note-taking. Listeners can learn about using different planner layouts, managing emails efficiently, and balancing work-life challenges.

Jul 15, 2024 • 43min
Planners, Goals, and Fun with MakseLife Founder Sierra Friend EP 207
Sierra Friend, founder of MakseLife, shares insights on planner innovation, goal-setting, and future projects. They discuss tactile planners, flexible goal-setting, and upcoming planner formats. The episode also features sponsors, planner variety, teen goal-setting, and planning tips for travel.

Jul 8, 2024 • 26min
Summer Reading: Reading Habits, TBR Lists, Paper vs Digital, and Favorites of 2024 (so far!) EP206
Host discusses reading habits, TBR lists, paper vs digital, abandoning books, and shares top 10 books of 2024 so far.

Jul 1, 2024 • 22min
July 1 is the New January 1? Your Virtual Midyear Retreat EP 205
Explore the idea of July 1st as a fresh start for mid-year reflections and goal reassessment. Get tips on styling versatile outfits and receive exclusive offers. Reflect on the past year, plan for the future, and indulge in self-care activities for personal growth.

Jun 24, 2024 • 25min
Thoughts on Time Block Planning EP 204
Sarah discusses Time Block planning inspired by Cal Newport. She shares pros, cons, and her approach. Also, she talks about quitting Reddit due to negative influence on daily activities.

Jun 17, 2024 • 27min
June Q + A: Working in Distracting Environments, Budget Planning, Mental Health and More EP 203
Interesting topics covered include tips for working in distracting conditions, budget planning using YNAB, coping with morning planning setbacks, kids cooking dinner rotation idea, feedback on mental health and burnout, strategies for abnormal weeks, and balancing work and life responsibilities amidst distractions.

Jun 10, 2024 • 26min
Summer Ideas + Inspiration EP 202
Get inspired with summer ideas and inspiration like sharing the load of planning, summer checklists, fun ideas for bad weather, habit changes, and one big project. Also, why not start summer cleaning and think ahead to the next season? Plus, learn about sponsors like Jenni Kayne and Earth Breeze for discounts on summer essentials.