Why Autopilot Doesn't Work + 5 Things Sarah is Loving Now EP 318

Why Autopilot Doesn't Work + 5 Things Sarah is Loving Now EP 318

Author: Sarah Hart-Unger August 31, 2026 Duration: 21:23
In this episode, Sarah discusses why autopilot (or always choosing the default, easiest choices) doesn't work. She starts with the example of health, and then compares the decline of our society's physical health (particularly metabolic health) to cognitive and emotional struggles many face today in our current digital landscape.She then moves on to 5 things she is loving now -- lightening the mood considerably!Mentioned on the ep:- Cal Newport's recent episode discussing cognitive KPIs: https://www.thedeeplife.com/podcasts/episodes/how-to-build-a-cognitive-training-plan-monday-advice/- Hobonichi launch site:https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/magazine/2027/y27/?srsltid=AfmBOopv4kxup7kx0tbdd2yl9WyyElZXI15WfwGg9l-az5ya6klfqXkX August Sponsors: Factor Meals: Head to factormeals.com/plans50off and and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box while supplies last until 10/31/2026 IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. PrepDish: Make your menu planning so much easier! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prepdish.com/plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world that often feels chaotic, the simple act of putting pen to paper can be a radical act of intention. Best Laid Plans explores that very impulse, delving into the human desire to organize our time, our tasks, and our thoughts. Host Sarah Hart-Unger brings a uniquely grounded perspective to these conversations; as a practicing physician, a mother of three, and a seasoned podcast creator, her life is a living laboratory for different planning systems. This isn't just a show about buying the perfect notebook, though you'll certainly hear thoughtful reviews. It's about the philosophies behind our calendars and to-do lists, and how those frameworks shape our days and ambitions. Each episode feels like a chat with a deeply knowledgeable friend, one who understands that our systems must serve our messy, real lives. You'll find discussions that range from practical techniques for managing professional projects to the cultural significance of journaling, all filtered through Sarah's appreciation for both analog tools and digital efficiency. The podcast regularly features interviews with experts who examine productivity from psychological, artistic, and sociological angles, moving beyond simple hacks. It’s for anyone who has ever found solace in a list or wondered if there’s a better way to navigate their obligations and goals. By listening to this podcast, you join a community considering how the structures we create-or abandon-fundamentally influence our sense of accomplishment and well-being.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Best Laid Plans
Podcast Episodes
When Your Best Laid Plans Fall Through . . . EP 310 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:00
Very personal episode today! Sarah shares her own recent experiences dealing with a recent disappointment -- zero regrets about making the plans, but definitely some sadness about them not coming to fruition. July Sponso…
Climbing Out of a Hard Phase with Lisa Woodruff EP 309 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:01
Lisa Woodruff is the founder of Organize 365 and author of multiple books, most recently Escaping Quicksand. Sarah always loves her ideas about planning and time, and in today's episode they chat overcoming overwhelm, bu…
5 Lessons from Time Tracking That Aren't What You'd Think EP 308 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:03
Sarah tracked her time for over 2 weeks (something she has struggled with in the past). What were her conclusions? Did she find 10 hours of free time that she didn't know she had? Will she continue for 10 years like her…
Midyear Planner Stack Report (Techo Kaigi!) - Video Available! EP 307 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Today's episode is a podcast with optional video! Sarah goes through a detailed midyear status report on her 2026 Planner Stack, sharing the analog notebooks and planners she uses regularly.Items mentioned: Midori Hibino…
Need a Summer Fresh Start? Taja Fitness Planner + The Dailee EP 305 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:04
In today's episode, Sarah reviews two planners for listeners looking for some fresh start energy this summer!First is the Taja: https://www.tajaacademic.com/product/fitness-workout-journal-for-women-men-a55-5-x-8-5-worko…
Plan Your Summer with Me! EP 304 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:35
In today's episode, Sarah shares step-by-step how she thinks through planning her summer (including her real-life plans and goals for this summer!). You can use this episode as your own summer planning guide by pausing i…
More Planning x Money Talk + Sarah's Current Thoughts on AI EP 303 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:26
In today's episode, Sarah shares some follow up listener comments to the prior discussion about the intersection between spending (or saving!) and planning, and then she delves into a (somewhat raw!) discussion of her fe…
May Q&A: New Fave Pen, Does Planning Help Save Money? and More EP 302 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:31
In today's episode, Sarah provides a few life updates and then shares a wonderful planning tip from a listener.Then, topics discussed include:- Does planning help to save money?- How do you avoid rewriting daily lists wh…