Does planning your week make you feel anxious or overwhelmed? You’re not alone!
In this episode, we dive into why planning can trigger stress — from perfectionism and decision fatigue to past planning fails — and how to shift your mindset to make planning a tool for peace and productivity. Learn simple, flexible strategies like setting a “one big goal,” building in buffer time, and using planning as a way to create the life you truly want.
Plus, discover how planning with a supportive community (like the Supermom Society!) can make the process easier and more enjoyable.
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Rather read? Check out the show notes and episode content right here!
Show Notes: Planning Gives Me Anxiety
Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #225 of The Secrets of Supermom Show!
🎙️ Do you feel like you’re juggling a thousand things and still not getting it all done? You listen to podcast after podcast trying to find the best way, but it feels like you must be doing something wrong. If you could just find the perfect schedule or the perfect planner, you could unlock the secret. What if I told you that you can do it all, without actually doing it all?
Inside The Supermom Society–our private community designed just for busy moms like you–we get it.
Every week, together, we help you create a plan that feels both productive and doable. Every month, we help you create a solid plan to boost your energy, sharpen your time management skills, and connect you with other moms who are ready to beat burnout for good.
Being a mom is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Today is your day to join us in The Supermom Society! Visit www.thesupermomsociety.com for all the details. I can’t wait to see you inside!” 🎙.
Today, we’re diving into a question that many ambitious moms face:
“Planning gives me anxiety. What do I do?”
If just thinking about planning makes your heart race or your chest tighten, you’re not alone. Let’s break down why planning feels overwhelming and how you can shift your mindset to make it a powerful tool for your life.
Why Does Planning Cause Anxiety?
After working with countless busy moms inside the Supermom Society, I’ve noticed a few common reasons planning can trigger anxiety:
- Perfectionism: You might feel like creating a plan means you have to execute it perfectly. But the truth? No week ever goes exactly as planned. And that’s okay!
- Decision Fatigue: Endless to-do lists with 30+ items can leave you feeling paralyzed. Planning can actually help reduce this fatigue by giving you a clear roadmap.
- Past Failures: Maybe you made a plan before, and then life happened—the kids got sick, or chaos erupted. It’s easy to think, “See? Planning doesn’t work for me.” But what if planning could make those chaotic weeks easier to navigate?
How to Rethink Planning
Planning isn’t a test of perfection. It’s a tool to help you create the life you want. Think of it like a GPS: if you hit traffic or miss a turn, it reroutes you. Your plan can do the same!
Here are a few ways to start small and ease into planning:
- Set Weekly Goals: Instead of planning every detail, just pick a few top priorities.
- Time Blocking: Divide your day into chunks (morning, afternoon, evening) instead of scheduling by the hour.
- One Big Goal: Ask yourself, “If I only get one thing done this week, what would make me feel successful?”
- Build in White Space: Leave buffer time for breaks, unexpected events, or just breathing room.
Why Planning Makes Life Easier (Even When It Doesn’t Go Perfectly)
When you plan, you make decisions in advance. That means less stress in the moment and more confidence that you’re moving in the right direction. And on the weeks when everything falls apart? You can adapt and still feel like you made progress.
Need Support? Let’s Plan Together!
In the Supermom Society, we plan our weeks live, together. No more feeling isolated or overwhelmed. Just a community of moms helping each other stay accountable, flexible, and sane.
Ready to ditch planning anxiety and start designing a life you love? Join us at The Supermom Society!
How do you feel about planning? Let me know in the comments or DM me on Instagram! And don’t forget to subscribe to the Secrets of Supermom Show for more tips and strategies every week.
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About the Host: Lori Oberbroeckling
Lori Whitney Oberbroeckling is a mom of four, corporate leader, podcaster, productivity expert, and author of the book Secrets of Supermom: How Extraordinary Moms Succeed at Work and Home & How You Can Too!
She is passionate about helping parents who want fulfilling careers–or side hustles or passion projects–while also wanting to feel present and connected to their families.
