220 // Prepare for 2026 with Simple Planning Systems That Work for Real Mom Life - with Sarah Hart Unger from Best Laid Plans

If you have a love-hate relationship with planning (like I do) or think planning sessions are unattainable for a busy, overwhelmed mom - today’s episode is for you.

I’m joined by Sarah Hart-Unger - practicing pediatric endocrinologist, mom of 3, writer, and co-host of the Best Laid Plans and Best of Both Worlds podcasts - for a refreshing, grace-filled conversation about planning that actually works in real life.

Sarah shares the core ideas behind her book, Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living a Life That You Love , including her flexible approach to nested goals, why “being perfect has no place in planning,” and how a solid master calendar and task management system can dramatically reduce mental load.

We also talk about why moms of school-aged kids may benefit from seasonal (quintile) planning instead of quarterly planning, how to use an “ideal week” as a helpful reality check (not a source of guilt), and why making space for fun is a critical — not optional — part of any planning system.

This episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement for anyone who feels overwhelmed, behind, or convinced they “don’t have time” to plan.

Sarah Hart-Unger is a practicing pediatric endocrinologist, writer, and podcaster with a passion for planning. She loves to share her systems and techniques with others through courses and live planning retreats. She lives with her husband and three children in South Florida. She has been writing most days for over 20 years at theshubox.com.

Resources Mentioned:

Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living a Life That You Love

Best Laid Plans podcast

Best of Both Worlds podcast

Learn more about Sarah’s planning courses

Related Episodes:

Episode 78: Intentional Planning to Combat Overwhelm with Sarah Horgan From Simple + Intentional

Episode 120: Intentional Weekend Routines for a Great Week Ahead with Lauren White from the Intentional Edit Podcast

Episode 166: Why Compassionate Time Management Matters - with Kendra Adachi from The Lazy Genius

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