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

by Sarah Hart-Unger

Stop running on auto-pilot and make the most of every day with intentional planning!

Every moment matters when you have big goals for your family, career, and the community you're committed to. Between kids' schedules, work meetings, anniversary trips, the occasional date night, and squeezing in a quick gym session, it's easy to get overwhelmed! The constant barrage of obligations and to-dos is exhausting—especially for women who are also managing the mental load in most areas of family life. We end up stuck in routines and habits that don't serve us, as our dreams seem to slip further and further away.

What if, instead of greeting each day in a scramble to keep up, there was a clearly laid out plan, complete with breathing room for rest and fun? InBest Laid Plans, Dr. Sarah Hart-Unger offers an intuitive planning method for setting audacious goals, working with the natural rhythms of your life in every season, and bringing a sense of peace and joy back to every day.

With Best Laid Plans, you'll learn:

How to create and accomplish nested goals for every year, month, week, and day

The magic of planning in seasonalquintiles, or five seasons instead of four

The airtight task management method for handling all of those pesky to-dos

How to fill each day with meaningful moments of connection and delight

Discover a simple way to make the most of every day and live your best life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Productivity, Book Club

240 pages, Paperback

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Stars
As someone with a good decent digital planning system, I was interested in learning how I could enhance my system to help anything from falling through the gaps.

I found this to be a concise self-improvement book with some clear advice to help connect goals to every day tasks without missing anything along the way.

I found this book very interesting and have been rereading sections as I work to implement the system. As a result of this book, I ended up getting a weekly planner along with a daily task journal.

My only criticism is that I wish this book dived deeper in places. At times, the advice felt too surface level and focused on aspects of planning that I felt less meaningful. I wish the author had drilled further into the examples of troubleshooting planning because it felt a bit incomplete in the nuances.

All that being said, I learned a lot from this book and would recommend it to anyone looking to get into planning or improve their current systems.

[R.F. Gammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed Sarah’s podcast for a long time and this book was a very helpful collection of all her thoughts in place!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always a sucker for time optimization! And this gave me a lot of great tips and examples of tools I could consider. I got a smidge sick of her shilling her retreats and conferences but I pushed through!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely enjoyed this book. It’s so nice to have Sarah‘s ideas in one concise place for a nice reference. I enjoy her weekly podcast and I’m so glad that she took the time to write a book about her simple planning system. I’ve been using her system to some degree but this book really helped me make sense of some loops that I was wasn’t closing. It is a very simple system if you’re a planner. And it’s also quite flexible. I think structure of yearly planning,seasonal planning, monthly planning, weekly planning, and daily planning are key. It may seem like a lot but when you have this framework in place, you can from time to time miss some of these planning times and still have a very well oiled machine. Sara emphasizes that it is not a perfect plan and she is not perfect in carrying out the plan and doesn’t expect us to be. I love the structure and the flexibility within the structure.

[Molly]

I can't wait for this release. I love Sarah's podcast and I'm starting my midyear planning (new planner).

[Meghan Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS TO KICK START 2026!
I’ve been a big fan of the author for years, as I listen to her two podcasts (Best of Both Worlds and Best Laid Plans). Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I would get much out of her book, because I’ve been following her planning work for so long! But the book did a fantastic job of laying out Sarah’s approach to nested goals and “airtight task management.” I read it the week leading up to the new year, and it was really helpful for me to DO the work associated with each of the chapters as I read the book.

While I enjoy the process of planning, I appreciate that it’s a chore for many (most?). But Sarah is all about continual changes to find what works for YOU, at THIS moment in time.

💜💜💜Last paragraph of the book is a perfect summary:
“The end product of all this isn’t an artfully completed masterpiece of a planner, an empty inbox, or a series of checked-off boxes. It’s a life well lived and truly enjoyed, as all of this together enables you to do more of what truly matters to you during your precious time on this earth.”

[Amandalynn S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

As a longtime listener of the Best Laid Plans podcast, I already knew Sarah was a strong voice in the plannersphere, and this book did not disappoint. She pulls back the curtain on how she plans for the inevitable and organizes her time to get the best return on investment.

From her quintile approach to timelines to working through real-life curveballs, Sarah walks you through the why behind every system with plenty of relatable examples. As a physician, her thinking can feel a bit clinic-forward at times, with some corporate-style language mixed in, but the lessons still translate beautifully to everyday life.

Some concepts will feel familiar if you have been in the planning world for a while, but her fresh take on time organization keeps things interesting. Honestly, this approach could fill a whole book… and it does. A solid, thoughtful read for anyone looking to be more intentional with their time.

[Angel Keiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd recommend Best Laid Plans to both unorganized people and planner-loving people. I'm already considered a well-organized person by family and friends, and I got SO much out of this book. I love the author's warm tone, foolproof methods, and the structure when explaining each system.
I liked seeing many references to other books for further self-improvement on topics that were briefly mentioned. It maintained focus and a smooth pace.

Thank you Sourcebooks & NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to her podcast for a year, I excitedly preordered Sarah Hart-Unger's book, and I reveled in it! She writes in the coherent voice of that friend you have who always seems to have her life together but is humble about how much effort goes into it. Optimistic but not in a fake, cheery way, honest without coming across as self-deprecating, this reflection offers advice on how to exercise agency in your life rather than spend your days reacting to things.

[Hallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sarah’s work! I’ve been following her blog and podcasts for years, so I greatly looked forward to her book. It did not disappoint and came at the perfect time for 2026 planning. Her systems are logical, intuitive, and help decrease overwhelm to free up space (literally and metaphorically) for living a meaningful life. Highly recommend!

[Tiffany Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there was nothing earth shattering about the content of this book, it felt nice to hear it from another prospective and realize I do a lot of these things already.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read even for seasoned planners

Sarah provides a thorough overview of life planning from days to weeks to goal setting for a year. Even if you have a good system in place, you’re guaranteed to pick up some new tips and tricks to use in your own life planning process.

[Kate Puleo Unger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book outlines the author’s method of planning using “nested goals” as she calls them. It walks through setting annual goals and then using them to guide your seasonal, monthly, weekly, and daily goals. The weekly and daily goals are really more tasks. I was inspired while reading this book. I don’t think I’ll implement all of the techniques she recommended, but I loved that the last chapter was about adapting the system to work for you. My only complaint is that there weren’t more examples of how an annual goal could be broken down into seasonal, monthly, etc. goals/tasks. Otherwise, I liked the book, found it helpful, and will likely read it again in the future.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love her and I love her planning system! It’s a great book but I think next she really needs to make a planning book that goes along with it with space to do all the exercises. I would buy it in a second!

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the practical strategies, real life examples and having a time management book from a women’s perspective.
Quick and actionable with great checklists to help you get started or fine tune or think thru holes in your system. Love that she is tool agnostic and focused on the system. As James Clear said “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems”

This is “Getting Things Done” for the 21st century. Well done

[Laura Jevtich · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a listener of both of her podcasts, I was pleasantly surprised when she announced she was writing a book on planning. Best Laid Plans is the first nonfiction book I will read this year, and I finished it today. Like other reviewers, I can hear her voice as I read it, although, to be honest, I listen to her podcasts in 1.25 or 1.5 speeds, so it is not exactly the same.

Like another reviewer, I wish she had shown examples of the master yearly calendar. That part of nested goals still confuses me. However, I do plan yearly goals, six-months and quarterly projects, and monthly, weekly, and daily tasks all in a paper planner. I have a digital calendar I share with my husband, but I forget to use it, only putting events, goals, and tasks in the paper one first.

One little dislike, which did not warrant losing a star, was all the child references. I do not have children myself, nor do I take care of any children, and this book referenced them often. While I have not read David Allen or Cal Newport, I bet they do not reference children as much. And then the case studies did not have even one person without children! I thought that was a shame, but, understandable if surrounded by people with children.

Most of all, I enjoyed her insights into her life. In a sense, it was part memoir and part self-help / time management system. Her discussion on moving away from social media, estate planning, and financial planning were enlightening. I figured she had these adult things under control.

I bought this book when on pre-order and loved every aspect of the marketing and buying of the book. She and Laura Vanderkam have a great relationship and I am impressed by both of them to get so much done every year.

I could have read it faster, and it could be a one session read, but I wanted to absorb the information and I think I have. A new goal for me is to read 12 nonfiction books this year, and maybe 12 fiction too. Thank you Sarah for sharing your methodology with us.

[Rahdika K · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

“The seemingly mundane moments make up our days, and our days make up our lives.”

This is a guide on planning and how to approach it with clarity and purpose. It is written by a board-certified paediatric endocrinologist who is also a mother and a podcaster, bringing both professional experience and real-life practicality into the subject.

I found this to be a concise and straightforward read, and that is exactly what I appreciated about it. There are no unnecessary detours; the information is clear, focused, and delivered in a way that feels intentional and effective.

The book covers planning across different aspects of life, giving it a sense of holistic approach. Whether it’s personal responsibilities, work goals, household management, or long-term vision, the guidance feels applicable to many stages and situations.

The practical insights and tips scattered throughout are genuinely useful and easily adaptable to one’s own routine.

One element I particularly liked was the checklist-style summaries at the end of every chapter. They make reviewing key points simple, and they offer a quick reference when you need reminders later. It’s a small detail, but one that enhances the reading experience and supports real implementation.

The discussion on the challenges of being a planner also was fascinating to me. Instead of painting planning as a perfect system, the book acknowledges the obstacles, mindset shifts, and personal habits that can get in the way, and offers suggestions to navigate them. This made the guidance feel realistic.

Overall, whether you are completely new to planning or trying to refine how you organise your life, this book is a helpful and encouraging resource. With the new year approaching, it could also make a thoughtful gift for anyone hoping to approach the months ahead with clarity and intention.

E-arc gifted by Sourcebooks, Netgalley.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Sarah’s growth into a true planning guru for years, so I was thrilled to hear she had a book in the works. I’ll admit... I didn’t expect to learn a whole lot. I thought I already knew her techniques (from her wonderful podcast and blog) and that the book would mostly serve as a helpful refresher.

I was wrong.

This book is beautifully organized and guided me seamlessly from high-level planning (long-range thinking and annual goals) all the way down to the daily minutiae of everyday life. It’s practical without being overwhelming, and thoughtful without being abstract.

Sarah’s writing is approachable and grounded in real life. Her reflections on juggling a demanding career (she's a doctor and has developed her own broadly applicable planning system), raising children, investing in her marriage and other relationships, and handling the everyday responsibilities of adulthood are deeply relatable.

I wasn’t planning to set goals for 2026, but about two chapters in, I had a list of 26 goals for the year, four personal mantras, and—for the first time in my life—my year divided into quintiles!

Read this book with a pen, a highlighter, and a planner in hand. I can guarantee you’ll walk away inspired.

[Chapter.whispers.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

You said:

Best laid plans book review It is al about planning and scheduling How important is plan in a busy schedule. Planning at different levels. Yearly, monthly , weekly ,daily. Allocating time for all the tasks. Definitely a must read for someone you is trying to be more productive with schedule

ChatGPT said:

Here’s a polished book review based on your points, written clearly and smoothly:

Book Review: Best Laid Plans

Best Laid Plans is a practical and motivating book that focuses on the importance of planning and scheduling in today’s busy lifestyle. The book clearly explains how having a well-structured plan can reduce stress, improve focus, and increase overall productivity.

One of the key strengths of the book is its emphasis on planning at different levels—yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily. It shows how long-term goals become achievable when they are broken down into smaller, manageable tasks. The author highlights the importance of allocating time for all responsibilities, including work, personal growth, and rest, making the approach realistic and balanced.

The book also helps readers understand that planning is not about rigidity, but about clarity and control over time. By organizing tasks and setting priorities, readers can make better use of their schedules instead of feeling overwhelmed.

Overall, Best Laid Plans is a must-read for anyone trying to become more productive and disciplined with their time. It is especially helpful for students and busy individuals who want to manage their schedules more effectively and work toward their goals with confidence

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming, entertaining, and useful volume lays out a simple and versatile planning system that addresses long-term goals as well as short-term task management. The author's approach is thoughtful and realistic (she's a doctor, married to a doctor, with three children, and these are tools that work for her busy life) while still being firm and direct, and reading the book is like talking to your friend who has it just a little bit more together.

I've long been familiar with the author's work (she has a planning podcast, also called Best Laid Plans, cohosts a podcast about life management called Best of Both Worlds, and writes a blog) and her blog/pod style and voice definitely come through in this book. I didn't find too much new information, but it was nice reading everything together in one place, and in addition to its value for planning newbies, this book would be a great reference for experienced planners looking to refine their systems.

[I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Opinions are my own.]

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **

A super practical guide to planning in 2025. SHU starts off by identifying the building blocks for planning, and then provides structure on how to plan for different time horizons. She teaches her nested goals system as well which can help break down long term goals into actions that actually move things forward. SHU includes and adapts planning information from many others in the field, but brings a fresh voice and the step-by-step how-to so often lacking. As a busy mom and physician, the author also shares how to adapt to challenges and pivot as life changes and is an advocate for the unique concerns of the modern woman.

I'm looking forward to seeing the final copy - it was a bit hard to get the sense of the checklists and similar material in the ARC. (For this reason alone, rating 4 stars for now).

[Leslie Cernosek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the Best Laid Plans podcast a few months ago and quickly became hooked. I am a pen and paper planner and I love goals and habit tracking, etc. That said, life happens and rigid planning with no room for errors or pivots isn't in the cards for me. Enter Best Laid Plans. Sarah's approach to planning is achievable and flexible. If you are new to planning, I don't think you will find this overwhelming and you don't need to overhaul your life to get started. If you're a long time planner and goal setter, I think you'll still find some helpful take aways.

If you are a long time listener to the podcast, a lot of the information won't be new to you, but for me it was certainly worth having it written out and in one spot. I read this over many weeks as I wanted some info and ideas fresh in my mind for that new year, fresh start vibe.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy and a chance to read this early. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been listening to Sarah Hart Unger on Best Laid Plans and Best of Both Worlds podcasts for a really long time and I was so excited to hear about her book deal! I love all things planning (and planning-adjascent, as Sarah would say!), so this is right up my alley. This is a really nice introduction to a planning process that Sarah has been talking about for a long time, and it's great to have everything all in one place. I can see this being a handy reference guide for someone who may struggle with those skills.

With that said, as an avid-listening of her podcast and reader of her blog, while I enjoyed this book and her voice definitely shone through, I didn't find much in here that I haven't already heard on her other platforms.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

[PJ Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are in good hands with Sarah Hart-Unger if you want to know how to get your life organized. She has an optimistic outlook and a realistic view of life. In her well written and easy-to-understand book, you are provided with a structure that lets you develop life goals and then systematically make them happen. Goals are developed and revisited throughout the year in a "nested" system so that your yearly, seasonal, monthly, weekly, and daily goals are integrated seamlessly. She is a physician, a mother and a partner and she weaves her planning methods to create a purposeful satisfying life. In this book, she teaches you how you can do this, too. Best Laid Plans is full of solid, actionable ideas that, if put to use, will help you harness and enjoy the time you have to live a good life.

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **
This is a refreshing, practical guide to goal setting and time management that actually feels achievable. The chapters are organized around real-life scenarios, from planning for big projects to carving out personal time in a busy week. I liked the mix of structured advice and personal anecdotes—it makes the strategies feel more relatable. The tone is warm but not preachy, which made me more likely to apply what I read. By the end, I felt like I had a realistic toolkit I could use right away. A smart, motivating read for anyone who wants more intention in their days.

[Bharati Challa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Sarah's podcast and am oddly obsessed with planning systems and life systems (that I may or may not execute successfully each time). Her mental models for these are lucid and helpful, and appeal to and align quite closely, with what works for me. Last year I would not admit to having read a book like this and putting it up publicly on my GR but really sue me for wanting to have it all and trying lol.

Sarah is a doctor, a successful podcast host (and author, now), blogger, mom of several children and has run marathon(s?) - I think I'm quite okay with taking planning advice from a lady like that. Thanks for writing this book, Sarah!

[Katherine Kutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been listening to Sarah Hart-Unger for years on her podcasts, so was anxious to read her book. It did not disappoint! Sarah gives super practical tips for planning that are not overly rigid, so it gives the reader ideas and flexibility to adapt to their own lives. This book is great for anyone who already has their own planning routine setup, but would also be good for those getting started. If anyone is focusing on “getting their life in order” as a New Year goal, I can’t recommend this book enough!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Sarah’s podcasts since she began them, it’s so fun to see this book come from idea to fruition over the course of several years. While devoted listeners of the podcast might not find any revelations in this book, it’s incredibly valuable to have Sarah’s ideas all collected in one place - and the checklists to follow her planning process are gold. Though I read it cover-to-cover, I can see this easily becoming a reference book—because of those very checklists—each time I’m doing a big planning session.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great process!

Dr. Hart-Unger outlines wonderfully basic and easy-to-follow ways to get our tasks & calendars wrangled into some kind of system that works for you …

I love that she’s not saying there’s only *one way to manage calendar events and plan out tasks — she does give great reminders, though, about why a good system starts with “one master calendar” and “airtight task capture” if we want to reach our goals this year or month, or even today.

[Kara Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I read this in one sitting and I never do that! I just absolutely love her take on planning. It's so relatable. Even as someone who doesn't have a big career or family, I found it incredibly helpful to learn new ways of approaching planning. I get bored with planning sometimes but I feel rejuvenated. I am going to get out my highlighters and get to work. Thanks Sarah!