The 15 Minute Formula: How Busy Moms Can Ditch the Guilt, Say Yes to What Matters, and Conquer Their Goals

by Cara Harvey

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed, burnt out and like there is no time for you?

As a busy mom, it can feel nearly impossible to find time to work on your goals. Between the piles of laundry, dishes in the sink, taking care of your home and the day to day demands, your to-do list can feel never ending. You feel like you barely have time to make dinner, how are you going to find time for your goals?

This innovative book takes the approach of Priority Based Productivity to help busy moms learn how to create time for their goals without adding a million things to their already full to-do lists. Instead of relying on motivation, you’ll learn how to create a priority based path that makes sense for you and your life.

I know what it feels like to have these big dreams and goals but to feel like you’ll never achieve them. You may feel stuck in motherhood and like you’re losing yourself. You desperately want to work on your goals but you feel guilty about taking any time for yourself. And even if you push past those feelings of mom guilt, your ever growing to do list and kids’ needs seem to always jump in front of even just a few minutes for you.

Other productivity books out there will teach you to hustle. They’ll tell you that the only way to be successful is to get up at 5am or burn the midnight oil. That approach may work for some - but not for us moms.

We need a different approach. The 15 Minute Formula is that approach.

In just 15 minutes a day you’ll learn about the 5 Pillars of Priority Based Productivity

VisionTime ManagementGoalsHabitsRoutinesIn this book, you’ll learn how to customize your day so that you can sneak in some time for yourself, while still being there as a present mom. You’ll learn how to slow things down so you can actually get more done of what matters. You’ll learn a proven method for breaking down your big dreams and goals so that instead of feeling overwhelmed, you’re excited and ready to tackle the day.

The 15 Minute Formula will

How to use seasonality of life in your goal settingWhy your motivation isn’t going to help you succeedHow to use time blocking in a way that gives you flexibility and urgencyThe best way to break a bad habit for goodHow you can use 15 Minutes a day to chip away at the goals that matter to youWhat to do when your family isn’t on board with your big goalsHow to ditch the mom guilt when it comes to taking time for youAnd More!Stop putting yourself last and filling your days with everything for everyone else. It’s time to give yourself permission to dream, and create time for your goals – all while picking cheerios off the floor and tucking your kids into bed.

It is possible to manage motherhood and your goals, without the guilt and burnout. The 15 Minute Formula will get you there.

Scroll to the top and click the “buy now” button.

Genres: Nonfiction, Personal Development, Personal Growth, Productivity, Self Help

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2022

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book overall and have started to see some benefit from the author’s strategies to get more done in small pockets of time.

What I liked:
1. You write down your big activities/events over the next 12 months then you assign 1 of the 4 type of seasons (busy, productive, planning, or rest and fun) to each month or the length of season that fits best with your life (quarterly, semi-annual,etc). Next, you select a word to embody how want that season to look and create micro-priorities that support that season.
2. The author helps you to realize that while you might want to do something now, it might not be the right season to do it. For example, I will either burn myself out or set myself up for failure if I try to declutter my entire house while I am busy at work and taking a master class at night. Therefore, I should postpone that until a later season.
3.It helped me breakdown larger tasks into 15 minute segments so I could more easily fit them into my week and it was less overwhelming to start.
3. It made me realize that sometimes my goals were failing because I was trying to do them at the wrong time of day and helped me to find a better time to work on them.
4.It helped me map out what I wanted to accomplish week 1 and then what I wanted to add the consecutive weeks but I could repeat the current week before adding to it if i didn’t successfully meet that week’s goal.

What I didn’t like:
1. Sometimes it felt like you spent a lot of time creating schedules and writing down priorities, but I didn’t find much value in these exercises.
2. Some schedules and other examples were more geared towards stay-at-home moms or self employed individuals which was hard to apply to my job/life. I would have like to see more examples and more visualizations.
3. The flow felt a little clunky at times.

[Julia Reffner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Postpartum anxiety and the corresponding overwhelm led to this simple system Cara created to help other moms achieve their goals. The author lives out what she shares here and you can too because she has broken it down into simple steps for implementation. I've followed Cara for a while online and can personally say that even taking small steps is lifechanging. Cara shows how to eat the proverbial elephant one bite at a time and reach goals you never thought possible. Each chapter is filled with case studies, and personal stories in Cara's down-to-earth voice and ends with specific steps you can take. Highly recommended!

[Sharon Stovall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, easy to implement into everyday life, & it's not just for moms. I like how Cara has broken down each part of the program into small steps & gives you an action to do, after reading the chapter, to start using right away. You don't have to wait until you finish the book or for Monday to start. Start right now, today, your future you will thank you!!!

[Michelle Goldfinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, Amazing, Must Read...

While reading this introduction I felt I was reading about my own life just before my breakdown. I had all the same feelings as Cara, I was suffering from postpartum depression that went undiagnosed for nearly 2 years. I was sitting there sobbing with my baby while everything was continuing on around me and like Cara said, "I had tied my worth to accomplishing my day-to-day tasks."
If only the 15-minute formula was around when I needed it back then. I am so glad to have found it now though.
Reading this book is like having Cara sit next to you as she's telling you her special tips and tricks. The first 3 chapters I'd filled up 1/2 a notebook and wanted to read straight on through, but I took a break and started doing the steps Cara suggests at the end of each chapter. Game changer!
Cara's tips are easy to achieve, they make sense and I can see that I'm not going to become overwhelmed.
If you are a mum/mom, entrepreneur, or just an employee, this book will help you, all those jobs you do can come together for you.
I'm a mum of 3, one being differing needs. I work in a school with children of differing needs and I'm starting my own sensory aid business. The 15 Minute Formula is going to help me become a more relaxed person and I can't wait.

[Aline In Paris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been following Cara Harvey for a while now. She's a productivity coach for moms and helps you ditch the overwhelm.
I have stumbled upon her through a goal setting challenge two years ago, subscribed to her APDM Club and have had a year like never before (well at least not since I've had my kids). I have also met some wonderful people.
Long story short, Cara has written this book to help mom's like us get things done even with very little time. It is an easy read, I feel like she is talking to me while I read her words but she has not neglected the Action Steps one can take after each chapter. These are small tasks that help you implement her philosophy into your daily life and routines.
First the book helps you craft your vision and yearly goals (or 12 week yearly), you'll also learn about time blocks to be more productive.
After this you'll be able to work on your routines and habit stacks. Don't know what a habit stack is? You'll be so happy to hear about it and implement this technique into your life.
I love Cara, her Club, podcast, Facebook community and also her book! I can wholeheartedly recommend it!

Why only 4 stars instead of 5? This might not seem logical... Well it is her first book and I admire Cara for it. However, I am sure her next books will even be better!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across the author, Cara Harvey, as one of the speakers at this year's Get Organized HQ Conference and really enjoyed her video! When she said she had book out, I knew I had to check it out and I was super pumped to find it on KU!

This is one of the most comprehensive life organizing books I have come across, while not being especially redundant, as some tend to be. If anything, there is a bit too much information to process in a short period of time, so I would recommend doing the activities and taking notes along the way. In order to really benefit from this book, you do need to do the activities. But she supplies a really cutesy free PDF workbook you can print out and use alongside the book. It's fantastic and I love that it isn't just a part of the book but you can print out what you need and as many times as you need it. If it was just in the book I probably would have just browsed and not done it. 🙈 But if you are going on her site to see what it is, then by that point, might as well print it and fill it out.

While all brains are different and various methods work for each, Cara's thought process and methods really resonated with me. I especially love some of her little mental tricks for habits, as I have found in the past that I have to also utilize similar methods to see any progress for myself. She is personable and the book is an enjoyable read. I'm still surprised she managed to fit so much good stuff in a fairly short book and still make it engaging, but she did it!

I will definitely be coming back to my highlighted notes frequently and using the workbook regularly, probably will even reread the book again when it isn't as fresh in mind. I also subscribed to her podcast for some motivating inspiration while working on cooking/cleaning/decluttering.

I would recommend this book for anyone who feels like they need to get back on track with goals or getting their life and/or home in better order or even someone who feels like it is but wants some fresh ways to maintain it while continuing to grow as a person. So basically, this book is for everyone!

[Danielle Nathanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Cara through a blog when searching for podcasts to help moms live with intentionality. I really love Cara's podcast, but I don't often have time to binge a bunch of episodes, so I would pick up techniques here and there, but never really implement them due to a busy time in life and a lack of focus. So I was thrilled when she said she was writing a book, as I'm a bookworm and it's easier for me to absorb when I read than when I hear something. This book does not disappoint, especially if you download the matching workbook and have a notebook with you. Even after the first few chapters, I had many lightbulb moments about why I was feeling all over the place, stuck, and unable to progress on my goals. Cara's method really simplifies prioritization according to the natural ebbs and flows of life. While she speaks to mothers, this book can really be applicable to anyone, so definitely consider it as a book club read that isn't just for moms with younger kids. As a religious Jewish woman, I also appreciate that Cara shares about her faith and spiritual goals, but that this book isn't full of Christian quotes and things that could alienate women of other faiths and backgrounds, which is sometimes common in this arena.

I have read A LOT of self help books, but this one really is different in two ways:
1) Cara has a knack for breaking down time-management skills into digestible pieces that can be done in short periods of time but still create effective change and allow for flexibility
2) Cara's writing style is friendly and makes the reader feel connected to her, but it isn't annoying.

I should also mention something that has helped me, in case anyone reads my review lol, but as women who want to achieve much, we often get sucked into EVERYONE'S methods and EVERYONE'S goal challenges, and 30-day this and two-week that. A really important step in actually making progress is to forget everything else you've signed up for or follow on Instagram or Facebook or whatever, and quiet your mind, and read/implement this book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conquer Your Life in a Small Amount of Time!

I just finished reading this book for the first time. (This will definitely be a reread!) This book is amazing. I know it’s geared towards moms but as a girl who’s only kids have fur or feathers, I’ll say this book is for anyone struggling to find time to reach for something more from life. This book can help many people from the stay at home mom to the full time working single who trying to stretch their days. Cara Harvey shows you how to take what seems impossible or just too big to even start and give you the road map to break it down, make it possible and make it happen. Her methods make things doable and give you permission to give yourself grace. She encourages you to ask yourself why you haven’t done what you want or why you haven’t found time and then helps reason out when will be a good time to work on you. This book tells you that you are worth working on yourself and towards your goals. Plus it gives you the steps to makes those goals happen. Whatever your goal is, no matter how big and scary it may seem at this moment, the steps in this book can help you make them a reality and in a much more realistic way than you might have imagined. There is a beautiful workbook that you can download to go with this book and it’s free. She did a great job writing this book and relating to the reader. Some self development books leaving you feeling like ‘yea that’s great you are so positive it work out for you but what if you’re me and you’re starting here’. This is not that kind of book. The author is real and writes the struggles she’s had and how she pushed through. She shows that everything is a journey and this just encourages you to keep showing up each day and keep pushing. Can’t wait to read this again. This is a keeper to read each time you maybe start a new big project or new goal or heck, just trying to remember to add that thing into your routine. Seriously, if you feel stuck, read this book!

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first year I started using Cara’s 15 minute formula was 2020. I went into the year with goals and hopes and plans for the first time, cautiously hopeful that I’d make some progress with my life. Of course, then the pandemic hit and everything fell apart but, when I went back and reflected on the year in December, I realized something - even though everything had gone to hell in a hand basket, I’d still made a huge amount of progress. I hadn’t even noticed it at the time because all of it was in her signature tiny chunks, so small that I barely noticed myself doing the work, but over the course of the year, they’d made all the difference. And they’ve continued to make all the difference since then, just building on that progress one step at a time. It’s amazing what you can do with Cara’s mindset!

This book is that mindset, distilled down into an easy-to-access framework. Her passion shines through, as does her unique voice - I don’t even have to listen to the audiobook to hear her reading it in my head, it sounds so much like her! I can’t recommend this book enough for anyone who wants to feel more in control of their life, their time, and their productivity. And I mean it when I say “anyone” - as a nonbinary pagan who isn’t a parent yet, I don’t match Cara’s ideal demographic of Christian moms. I’ve never felt like that held me back or made her advice any less helpful or made me any less welcome. Cara is a lovely, welcoming, inclusive person and this shines through in her advice and her book. This book may be marketed for moms, but it really is for everyone!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara really makes goals, routines, and habits achievable – even if you feel like you spend all day putting out fires and have no time. Not only does this book break everything down into manageable steps, she also offers a free downloadable workbook to help you apply what you’re learning as you go. I often read books and then struggle to remember everything I wanted to implement. That didn’t happen with The 15 Minute Formula because the action steps at the end of each chapter and the accompanying workbook helped me stop and apply as I went. The chapters build on each other and when you do the work as you go, by the end of the book you’ll find yourself miles from where you started and wondering how you got so far in “only” 15 minute chunks. I highly recommend this book for every mom who finds herself standing in the gap between what she wants and reality and crying “there must be a better way!” There is – and Cara has laid it out in simple steps written in bite-size pieces that can be consumed in mere minutes but will have a lifetime of impact.

P. S. Even if you're not a mom, I'd still recommend this book - Cara's formula will work for anyone who needs help breaking down goals and building habits in a way that gets things done consistently over the long haul.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book works and is extremely relatable! Cara even has a web page that contains everything you need to get going. Cara writes about the 5 pillars: vision, time management, goal setting, routines and habits.

She suggests naming at least 8 of my roles. She explains time blocking For example 7-9am Personal time 9-1 work 1-3 Reset the house/Run errands for all of the above 3-5 Personal time 5-8 Mom stuff/feeding kids, baths, homework, riding bikes, playing games 8-9 family TV show 9-11 quiet time reading.

Next would he to set goals and break them up into seasons and into 15 minutes chunks to get them done. For example: School starts for my kids in the fall. If my goal is to keep us organized and the kids get home at 4:30, we will spend 15 focused minutes getting them to put their shoes away, take the lunch boxes out and put them in the sink. Have them empty their bag and lay out their homework on the table.

Or using Fall to declutter a room but breaking it into 15 minute duties. Writing it all down will hold me accountable to finish the job.

This book was just what I needed. It takes effort to fill out all the worksheets but my world became much more clear once I broke it all down into pieces.

[Annabel Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am definitely a To-Do List over loader and over scheduler. I always have goals, schedules and projects that make me feel like I am barely staying afloat. Add that to being a wife and mom and it can be overwhelming for sure. I have read so many books and taken so many online classes to try to help. But I have never come across a book like this. The 15 Minute Formula breaks everything down without having you loose sight of the bigger picture. Each chapter is a step by step explanation that continues to build off the previous chapter.
Things I loved about the book:
1. Clear step by step guidance
2. A workbook download that helps walk you through each of the chapters and steps.
3. Actual examples in each chapter from customers who have used that method. This helped to see how it was implemented in someone's schedule/goals/life.
4. Action steps at the end of each chapter so that you actually know the next steps without having to go back through the chapter and highlight every part of the chapter.
I would recommend this book to all, regardless of the level of overload you have. We all go through seasons where this book will definitely be a blessing and bring clarity.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara has hit on a great formula for success with the Five Minute Formula. While reading through the book is very similar to listening to her witty conversations on her podcast, the book is in many ways better. She has done an excellent job walking you through the process of determining your priorities, laying them out in a manner that works for your own life and family, all the while removing the Mom guilt and the overwhelm that so many of us feel. She gives you practical steps to figure out and accomplish your goals, as a busy Mom, all in fifteen minutes at a time. I have found her advice applies to me, a 53 year old mom, with 6 adult children and one teenager, as well as to the new mom trying raise young children. Cara has a practical approach to helping Moms articulate and accomplish their life dreams and goals

[Lisa Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book for so many reasons. My favorite is that this book is not just a book. It is a tool, a workbook, a life changer. Cara Harvey, created a system that helps make your goals achievable, your life feels less chaotic and balanced. The fun part is that when you read the book you are reading it as if you are sitting with Cara and she is just holding a conversation with you, telling you how to complete the plan that she created to help with productivity, with being intentional, with living with a purpose.

This book really pushes you, helps you move from just having a to-do list or a goals list to having a done list and accomplishments. There are times when you will be moved to tears by how you can relate to the examples that she has written, so make sure to have tissue on standby.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Practical Way to Get Things Done

Do you think that there are not enough hours in a day to get things done?

The 15 Minute Formula is here to help!

Cara Harvey works you through a method to make things happen. The technique was born out of the concept, that anyone can find 15 minutes in the day. She tells the story of how she was a tired, overwhelmed mother who needed to find a way to get everything done. After trying many systems, the 15 Minute Formula was developed. Cara Harvey shows you how to make it your own as you read.

The book even has a workbook that you can download to help you work through the action steps throughout the book and adapt the 15 Minute Formula for your life.

This book will help you become less overwhelmed and enjoy your family more!

[Jessica Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful step-by-step

Cara takes you by the hand a gently guides you to a better way. This book is so helpful in breaking down large, daunting goals into doable, bite-sized actions that can actually be done. It may seem a little overwhelming at first to follow all of her systems but if you follow her steps you’ll see they actually work and get you big results over time! I love the grace she offers moms to not have to be perfect, to not have to do everything all the time, and to make room for a little “mom time” doing something I actually want to do too for a change. This will def be a book I read over again. I love the workbook it came with and all the helpful tools she gives to set you up for success. Thank you, Cara!

[Erin Ballinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily a 4.5/5 stars for me!
I listen to Cara's podcast and have attended 3 of her Purpose Driven Mom Summits now, so its no shock to me that I really enjoy her book. What I loved about this is how structured it is to moms: so many productivity books are written by men who just have no concept of how to run a family. I love that it bites everything off into small chunks and makes productivity seem really manageable. I also particularly like that she focuses on seasons: I really hadn't thought about this before taking some of sessions and she is COMPLETELY right. Back to school season is not the same for me as the dulldrums of February, and my goals shouldn't be either.
Lots of fun, very actionable, and an easy read.

[Rebecca Widdows · Rating 5 out of 5]

decided to buy this book to help myself reach some goals for this year. I tend to get overwhelmed with all the things I want to do, then give up and do nothing. Cara’s step by step method, from setting a vision for the season you’re in, to breaking down goals into real life size achievable pieces, really works for me.
I’ve been reading Cara’s stuff for a while, and I love her warm, bubbly style… but I also love that she is unafraid to show herself to be less than perfect - human like me, in fact! Much easier to relate to as a working mum than so much of the male businessman-oriented productivity coaching out there.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book by Cara! As a follower of Cara for many years I know that her 15 Minute Formula and her other productivity tips have transformed the way I fill my days in so many ways! This book is excellent for moms of any age! She gives you practical steps and tools to help you be productive without the overwhelm! As a mom of older college age kids, I have learned so many helpful ways to structure my days for getting the things done that are important to me. I would have loved to have this system when my kids were younger and am so thankful it is now available for moms to have now!

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are tired of being in the survival mode and ready to thrive as a mom doing myriad of things yet still accomplishing your goals then 15 minute formula is the book for you!

It is not only an easy read with relatable content but also jam packed with practical actionable steps. The free downloadable action guide keeps you accountable and guides you along all the steps to crush your goals no matter how big or small.

And if you are like, I don't even know where to find the time to read this book, then the accompanied reading guide solves this problem as well, ofcourse, the 15 minute formula way. Do give it a try. Highly recommend!

[Alesha Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following Cara Harvey through her Facebook page, podcast, and also the Purpose Driven Mom Club. I was thrilled to discover she wrote this book, which puts the most effective strategies in one, easy-to-follow guide. She shares her own struggles with overwhelm, which makes it feel like I'm having coffee with a friend who really "gets it." My biggest and favorite takeaway from the book is that any amount of time (even those "microwave minutes") spent taking action on a goal adds up, in a big way. And when the poop hits the fan, as it always does, I will have a plan so I don't feel like a failure and can keep moving forward!

[Heather Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where has this book been????

This book is just what everyone needs! With so many demands on our time, its hard to believe any goals we would want to achieve can happen, but using this idea of breaking your goals down into daily habits, routines and 15 minute chunks makes them seem doable!

Cara writes like she’s talking to a friend. Don’t we all, need a little help from friends? 😁

Also, the free workbook is a great resource to have by your side as you complete the tasks at the end of each chapter.

Highly recommend!

[Steph Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 15-minute formula isn’t just about breaking your all or nothing mentality but also how to determine your goals and then create a plan and implement it.
Cara breaks everything down with easy to understand steps. And, as shown through her real-life examples, she understands that life is not an ideal and she explains how to work towards that ideal while planning for when things go off the rails (because we all know it will happen). The visuals are helpful and the workbook gives you the push to follow along and plan while you are reading.
Highly recommend!!

[Subha Varshini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all who strive to achieve productivity

I have been following Cara for more than 2 years and when she published a book then I had to buy it. This book changed my life. I have been feeling overwhelmed lately of so many goals and my inability to achieve them. But this book has given me a clear cut path to go about it and achieve them without too much fuss and hardships. All the ideas are practical and can be easily implemented. I am so glad I picked this book up at the beginning of the year. I am sure this will make a most productive year

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book talks a lot about being a mom, you don't have to be a mom or even a dad to benefit. I was in the Marine Corps 10 years and I think anyone can benefit from implementing these ideas.
If you only have time to read thru and implement the first 2 Chapters, you'll probably get further with your goals and feel better about your life as a whole than you did last year or even the year before Covid hit!
If you want to figure out how to make progress, even on the days you aren't motivated, then keep reading...

[Jacob Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just what I needed! It's an incredible easy read, it feels just like your best friend is chatting with you. Cara is raw, real, and it's a fun read, that's direct and to the point with just enough fluff to be fun and engaging. The system seems like it's simple enough to be "why didn't I think of that?" And you just know it's going to work. This book gives you permission to quiet the expectations of social media, and tells you it's ok to fail. In fact, it's expected, and there's a plan for when that happens too. I can't wait to implement this!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planning for the season and breaking down non-numerical goals packs this book's punch. Cara walks you through creating plans for your seasons that make sense to you, whether that's 3 months, or a year, or however you need to make that work. She also goes into how to add your plans to your already busy days and reminding us to add them in stacked onto already established habits. You could even find time by working on lowering or getting rid of habits that aren't part of this season. Way to go Cara! You cheered us on the whole time, now we can applaud you!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, I really appreciate a book that gives me realistic and attainable goals as a mom of 4. Second, I am so grateful that while the author does include her own priorities with her faith, I'm not being preached at and this book is equally as effective even if you aren't .

I also appreciate that the author provides the reader with access to the templates online without charging. I'm hopeful she follows up this book with additional work in the future.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very easy to read, even if English is not your first language. It's as if Cara is talking to you directly and explaining how we all can actually make time for ourselves and our goals.

Not only does she help you make a plan for the next year, season, month or week, she also helps you be proactive for those days 'when the poop hits the fan' (and we all know those days will come eventually)!

I love the way Cara teaches her framework. She knows life, she's been in the same situations, and she helps you get back up when it's not going as you planned. No more giving up and starting again on Monday, but giving yourself grace and keep going as best as you can!

[Susan Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara lays out the her strategies so plainly and simply that you can just grab your notebook and get to work. There isn’t a need for a dictionary or some overwhelming schematic to figure things out. It may sound strange that 15 minutes might help you reach you goals but it does! This book is great for anyone who would like to make progress on their goals. I highly recommend this book to everyone! It is life changing. I know the information has changed my life.