How I Relearned to Plan My Life After Becoming a Mom
And the 3 simple tools I use now
If you’ve ever tried to get “back on track” after having a baby, you know the kind of planning it takes… and how often none of it actually goes to plan.
I’ve always liked planning. It helped me feel grounded, organized, productive. But after becoming a mom? That structure I used to love suddenly felt a little out of reach—and honestly, kind of irrelevant. Not because I didn’t want to plan anymore, but because I didn’t have the same kind of time, energy, or clarity to do it like I used to.
So, I had to relearn how to plan for this version of life.
From “I’ve got this” to “wait, what is happening?”
Since becoming a mom, I’ve had to think about life completely differently. You might say “well, duh,” but I really mean it.
Thanks to social media, when I was pregnant for the first time, I spent so much time imagining what life would look like once baby arrived. I pictured cozy mornings, flexible routines, maybe some kind of work-from-home magic. But I didn’t account for the little things. Like how long it actually takes to get out the door, order groceries, or even feed the baby.
I didn’t realize just how much I’d need to build in space—for the interruptions, the feelings, the chaos, the recovery, and all the in-between moments that don’t show up in your Google Cal.
My old planning system didn’t work anymore
Before I had my first baby, I could spend 30 minutes on a Sunday mapping out my entire week—color-coded and all. I had time to reflect, set goals, break them down, and plan accordingly. Now? I have to plan when to plan.
And even then, I can’t count on having a consistent system every week. Some days I need to scribble something fast in the Notes or Reminders app. Other days, I’m in the mood to map it all out in Notion with pretty widgets and routines. Most days it’s somewhere in between.
What I really needed was something flexible enough to change with me—not something that made me feel overwhelmed and unproductive.
So I created my own imperfect system
I built Imperfectly Planned because I couldn’t find anything that truly met me where I was. I wasn’t looking for a planner that would “fix everything” or just be an aesthetic piece for my desk. I was just looking for something that helped me feel on top of what I have on my plate.
And now we’re here.
I use three simple tools, depending on my mood, season, and what kind of capacity I have in that moment. Sometimes I rotate between them. Sometimes I use them all in the same week. Sometimes I use other’s planners and tools—I’ll share those favorites soon—but that’s kind of the point!
The 3 Tools That Help Me Plan My Life
1. The Imperfect Life Hub
A Notion-based planning space for moms juggling all the things. I solo parent a lot thanks to my husband’s job, so this is where I brain-dump, organize my thoughts, plan meals, keep track of routines, and write down cute things my toddler says before I forget. If you want one digital place to store your life, this is it.
Think of it like a command center—but with room for real life, not just the productive parts.
2. The Imperfect Rhythm
This is the one I reach for when I feel off-track or want to ease back into a flow. It’s a hyperlinked monthly + weekly dashboard set that gives me structure without the pressure or overwhelm. I can map out my top priorities, block out time, and still leave plenty of room for the unexpected stuff.
3. The Imperfect Weekly Planner
If I had to pick one low-lift, always-ready option, it’s this. A one-pager that helps me see my week at a glance without doing too much. It’s just enough room for the top three priorities, dinner ideas, and any scattered to-dos. I print it, scribble on it, throw it on the fridge or use my iPad when I' know I’ll be on the go. It’s my go-to for “let’s just get through this week” kind of weeks. Plus the colors make me so happy and don’t make me feel like I’m missing out on decorating with alllll the planner stickers!
I don’t use any system consistently. And that’s the point.
Yep. That might sound odd coming from someone who creates and loves planning tools. But I don’t use any one system every single week. Sometimes it’s a to-do list in the Weekly Planner. Other times it’s a fully color-coded week in The Imperfect Rhythm. Sometimes I don’t plan at all—and just come back to the Mental Load in my Notion template when I need to brain-dump and regroup.
Because life isn’t predictable. Especially with little kids. So why should our systems be?
What I am consistent about is coming back to myself. And using these tools as support, not obligation. They’re built to flex with my mood, not control it.
Which Tool is Right for You?
✨ Need an all-in-one system for life, family, and work? Try the Imperfect Life Hub.
🌿 Craving more rhythm and structure? Start with The Imperfect Rhythm.
📝 Just want a simple weekly plan? Grab the Imperfect Weekly Planner.
Or if everything feels like too much, try The Imperfect Reset Kit for a soft place to start again. It’s totally free and designed to help you take one small step forward—even if the rest is messy.
Final Thoughts
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!! I’m learning and growing and so full of ideas that I can’t wait to make happen soon.
So if you’ve been looking for tools that give you permission to plan imperfectly, you’re in the right place. <3
