From Overwhelm to Organized: How to Build an Imperfect Planning Routine
Sarah Shadid Sarah Shadid

From Overwhelm to Organized: How to Build an Imperfect Planning Routine

Planning overwhelm is real, and it's one of the biggest reasons people give up on planning altogether. But here's the thing: the problem isn't you. It's that most planning systems weren't built for real life—especially not for the beautifully chaotic, constantly shifting reality we all actually live in.

So let's flip the script. Instead of chasing the perfect planning routine that leaves you feeling like you're failing, what if you built an imperfect one that actually worked?

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Why Done Beats Perfect in Planning: The Ultimate Guide
Sarah Shadid Sarah Shadid

Why Done Beats Perfect in Planning: The Ultimate Guide

Perfectionism keeps so many of us stuck—especially when it comes to planning. In this guide, you’ll learn why “done beats perfect” matters, how small wins fuel momentum, and which simple tools can help moms stay organized without the overwhelm.

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Brain Dump Magic: How a Catch-All Corner Clears Mental Clutter
Sarah Shadid Sarah Shadid

Brain Dump Magic: How a Catch-All Corner Clears Mental Clutter

Mental clutter is exhausting—and honestly, trying to hold it all in your head doesn’t work.

That’s where I’ve found the magic of a brain dump comes in. It’s as simple as grabbing a notebook (or your planner, or even the back of an envelope) and letting it all spill out. No organizing, no editing, no pressure. Just take a moment to clear space in your head so you can actually think again.

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How To Actually Use Your Planner When Life Gets Busy
Sarah Shadid Sarah Shadid

How To Actually Use Your Planner When Life Gets Busy

If you’ve ever bought a planner with the best of intentions, only to have it collect dust after a week or two… you’re not alone. Honestly, most of us in the “wannabe planner” club have been there. We start off strong, but then life happens—kids get sick, work explodes, routines get thrown off—and suddenly the planner feels more like a guilt trip than a tool.

But here’s the thing: your planner can work for you (without making you feel like you have to be a totally different person to use it).

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How to Reset Your Week When Working from Home Feels Overwhelming (Quick & Realistic Reset for WFH Moms)
Sarah Shadid Sarah Shadid

How to Reset Your Week When Working from Home Feels Overwhelming (Quick & Realistic Reset for WFH Moms)

Here’s the scenario: You planned your week. You had your top 3 priorities laid out at the top of the page. And then: sick kids (and you know you’ll be sick soon enough), unexpected meetings, a leaky ceiling - your carefully set schedule got derailed.

Now you’re flustered, behind on your day, and feeling defeated. You feel torn between being productive and taking care of yourself and your family. It’s rough.

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5 Work-From-Home Mom Tips That Help Me Stay Sane.
Sarah Shadid Sarah Shadid

5 Work-From-Home Mom Tips That Help Me Stay Sane.

Working from home with a baby, toddler, or both is not easier than going into the office—it’s just different. We’re constantly switching focuses all day, juggling naptime, stopping to play with a kiddo, meetings, and more.

We’re doing two jobs, and our priorities will shift. That’s okay.

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How I Relearned to Plan My Life After Becoming a Mom
Sarah Shadid Sarah Shadid

How I Relearned to Plan My Life After Becoming a Mom

I didn’t create these tools because I have it all figured out. I created them because I don’t. I’m just a mom trying to manage what’s on my plate in a way that feels doable. I needed planning tools that didn’t make me feel guilty or overwhelmed. And now, I get to share them with you!!

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The Imperfect Toolbox
Sarah Shadid Sarah Shadid

The Imperfect Toolbox

So I’m coining a new term for us: The Imperfect Toolbox.

It’s not about having the “right” tool. It’s about knowing you have tools. Whether it’s a mental reset, a planning page, a system you once loved, or something brand new you’re trying out—your Imperfect Toolbox holds whatever helps you feel a little more grounded, calm, or just… capable.

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On the Blog

This is where I chat about planning tools that are working (or not working) for me. It’ll be your go-to space for planning tools that actually fit your life—not feel like another to-do. Created for moms who are juggling a lot (and sometimes dropping a few things too), Imperfectly Planned offers simple, flexible tools that support you on the messy, meaningful journey of motherhood. We’re figuring it out together. No pressure. No perfect plans. Just what’s working now.

From imperfect rhythms to planning tools that make life lighter, check out the latest posts on motherhood, planning, and figuring it all out as we go.