Another Day of Overwhelm? Try This Simple Planning Fix!
Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s a Planning System That Actually Works for Moms Like Us
If you’re anything like me, you’ve tried countless planners and planning systems, only to feel more overwhelmed than before.
It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You start with good intentions, but by the end of the day, your to-do list feels heavier than when you started. It’s not your fault—it’s the system.
Most planning methods are designed for people with predictable, consistent schedules, and let’s be honest, that’s not us.
As moms, our lives are full of surprises, from the mundane to the magical (and sometimes the messy). That’s why I created the Pillar Planning System—a simple, flexible approach that works for the ever-changing rhythms of our lives.
Why Most Planning Systems Don’t Work
Traditional planners are great in theory, but they often fail us because they:
Assume every day is the same (spoiler: it’s not).
Leave us feeling like we’re failing when life happens.
Overload us with unrealistic expectations that drain our energy and joy.
We don’t need another system that adds to our stress. What we need is a way to focus on what truly matters in a way that feels manageable. That’s where the Pillar Planning System comes in.
What Makes the Pillar Planning System Different?
This isn’t just another planner. It’s a mindset shift.
Instead of trying to juggle everything, this system helps you focus on your pillars—the three or four areas that matter most to you right now. These are the things that deserve your time and energy, and they’re where you’ll see real progress when you stay focused.
Here’s how it works:
Identify Your Pillars: Take a moment to think about the most important areas of your life. For me, it’s things like my work, my family, my ministry, and my home. Yours might look different, and that’s okay.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Each day, decide on one or two specific tasks for each pillar. These should be realistic for the time and energy you have that day.
Let Go of the Rest: Not everything needs to get done right now, and that’s freeing. By focusing on just a few things, you can make meaningful progress without feeling like you’re spinning in circles.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say your pillars are Family, Work, Ministry, and Self-Care. Your daily goals might look something like this:
Family: Spend an hour playing with the kids or work on a family project.
Work: Write an email or prep for a meeting.
Ministry: Listen to a Bible study or help your kids memorize a scripture verse.
Self-Care: Go for a short walk or spend 15 minutes journaling.
That’s it. No endless lists. No impossible expectations. Just realistic goals that leave you feeling accomplished and at peace.
Why This Works
The beauty of the Pillar Planning System is its flexibility. It adapts to the unpredictability of your life while keeping you focused on what matters. It helps you:
Set manageable goals without feeling like you’re falling behind.
Stay focused on your priorities, not just what feels urgent.
End your day with a sense of peace and accomplishment.
A Note from My Heart
Moms, I see you. I know the weight of wanting to do it all and the ache of feeling like you’re not enough.
I created this system because I needed something that worked in my own life—a system that gave me space to breathe and permission to let go of the rest.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making progress in the things that matter most.
If you’re ready to try something new, start with this simple question: What are my pillars? Once you’ve named them, everything else will start to fall into place.
You’ve got this. One step, one pillar at a time.
Want to know more about this planning system? Watch this:
