

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

Jan 22, 2024 • 29min
January Update + Deep Dive into Nested Goal Setting EP 182
In this episode, the host discusses nested goal setting and her goal setting system. They also talk about using improved paper in their planner and different strategies for tracking and organizing daily activities. The hosts reflect on digital capture, a productive call week, and discuss a meal planning service. They also address the time needed for goal setting and planning, and emphasize the importance of setting goals.

24 snips
Jan 15, 2024 • 29min
January Q&A: Task Management, Project Management for Home Tasks, Negative Goals, and Building a Seasonal Reference Planner EP 181
The podcast discusses goal setting, task management, and project management for home tasks. Topics include the 'good, better, best' method, idea capture overload, the Eisenhower matrix, and organizing reference materials. Learn about a personalized task management system and effective filing of tasks. The episode also covers managing recurring tasks, handling small projects at home, and utilizing tools like Google Sheets for organization.

Jan 8, 2024 • 21min
Enjoying Media (The Non-Social Kind!) EP 180
The podcast discusses tips for enjoying and curating media, including note-taking, curating lists, and sharing with loved ones. Strategies for maximizing time, such as time tracking and utilizing wasted time, are also explored. The host invites listener feedback and announces a sponsor.

Jan 1, 2024 • 21min
Happy New Year! 2024 Goals EP 179
In this episode, the host discusses her goals for 2024, including training for the Boston Marathon and updating her wardrobe. She also explores different levels of planning, from daily to annual, and emphasizes the importance of estate planning. Additionally, she talks about reducing administrative tasks and providing treats for the office in the upcoming year. The episode concludes by discussing workload balance and strategies for embracing opportunities while maintaining balance.

Dec 25, 2023 • 22min
2023: Favorites, Hits & Misses EP 178
Host reflects on the holiday season and shares their favorite Christmas song. They discuss accomplishments and challenges of 2023. Reflections on attending conferences and missed goals. Setting goals for the upcoming year and improving organization. Gratitude for experiences in 2023 and excitement for the future with plans for exciting guests on the podcast.

10 snips
Dec 18, 2023 • 25min
2024 is Coming: Annual Goals + Resolutions EP 177
Explore the importance of annual goals over resolutions, and the different types of goals one might consider setting. Discover common goals and resolutions, and options for planning and reviewing annual goals. Learn about the importance of thinking, dreaming, and celebrating goals.

4 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 32min
December Q&A: Thought Capture Overload, Weekly/Monthly Planning, Work + Post-Baby Goal-setting, and Hobonichi Setup! EP 176
Listener submissions for Word of the Year, dealing with capture overload and organizing thoughts, goal-setting advice for a resident physician, finding joy in work, using a planner, planning by season course, and future plans.

Dec 4, 2023 • 29min
2024 Planner Stack & More! EP 175
The host shares their enthusiasm for planner stacks and goal-setting. Discussion about using different planners and journals, including a Hobonishi weeks for fitness tracking and a Hobonishi five year journal. The speaker discusses their preference for Hobanichi products and the benefits of using a monthly goals book. They recommend the meal planning system PrepTish. Discussion about their main planner, smaller planner, and use of yearly planning pages. They discuss their planner stack for the year 2024, including a monthly planner, Apple Notes for digital files, and You Need a Budget for budgeting. They announce upcoming giveaways and two new programs they have released.

Nov 27, 2023 • 22min
Digital Detox Lessons, Yearly Themes, Seasonal Planning + More EP 174
Lessons learned from Digital Detox, word for the year 2024, upcoming Seasonal Planning sessions, reducing screen time, promoting mindfulness, exploring the meaning of 'experience', experienced journal and career advancement, seasonal planning sessions, workbook and giveaways.

10 snips
Nov 20, 2023 • 37min
Meal Planning + More with Meghan Splawn from Didn't I Just Feed You EP 173
Meal planning expert Meghan Splawn discusses her peaceful meal planning ritual, handling busy weeknights, favorite kitchen gadgets, and more. They talk about the benefits of meal planning, using a whiteboard for coordination, favorite meals and hacks for easy and quick meals, overrated and underrated kitchen gadgets, and future plans.