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
Tracking All The Things: How Much is Too Much? EP 290 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:33
In the first part of this episode, Sarah shares some listener follow up to the Task Management episode from 2 weeks ago, including use of Apple Reminders voice entry feature, a simple Notes strategy, Teux Deux, and one l…
We Can Do This: A February Pep Talk EP 289 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:09
This can be a HARD time of year for many! In today's episode, Sarah shares her own February struggles and provides a pep talk for all of us who might be stuck in winter doldrums or feeling less excited about our 2026 goa…
Your Guide to Airtight Task Management EP 288 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:39
Sarah opens up with a little update on how 2026 is going so far (as we head into February!), and then dedicates the rest of today's episode to airtight task management! She talks inboxes (collecting tasks) and creating a…
Analog Is Trending! EP 287 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:37
Analog is definitely trending, and Sarah is here for it! In today's episode, she discusses the trend, her take on choosing analog when possible, and the unexpected effects on the planner world (!). She also addresses a l…
Planning Your 2026 Fitness Goals EP 286 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:19
In today's episode, Sarah chats about the evolution of her own fitness goals and interviews Meg Olander, personal trainer and certified group fitness coach. Meg has years of experience helping people with their fitness g…
Sharing 2026 Goals + A Few Q&A! EP 283 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:42
In today's episode, Sarah shares her own 2026 goals list, set in 5 domains (Self, Relationships, Family/Home, Work, and Fun)! She goes into detail about each of the items on her list and the strategies she hopes to emplo…
Systems Switchups for 2026 + Sarah Dissects a Big Gnarly Goal EP 282 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:19
In the first half of this episode, Sarah talks METAPLANNING - intentional dissection of one's systems and planning tactics. Then she shares some of her own potential systems upgrades for 2026, from seasonal planning with…