You Don’t Need a Perfect Plan (Just One You Can Actually Follow)

Here’s something I wish I realized much earlier in my life:

You don’t need a perfect plan to have a good day.You just need a plan that works for you.

For the longest time, I thought planning had to be rigid. Fixed schedules, 10-step morning routines, detailed hour-by-hour calendars… And if I couldn’t follow it all? I felt like I failed.

And here comes my realization.

Life rarely fits into perfect plans—especially if you’re juggling kids, caregiving, work, pets, or just a really human kind of life.

What I’ve learned (and continue to learn) is that structure isn’t restrictive— it’s supportive. But only if we allow it to flex when life demands it.

A Plan You Can Actually Follow

If you’ve ever set up a perfect weekly plan on Sunday night only to see it fall apart by Tuesday morning… you’re not alone. (Mine usually falls apart on Monday around 10am)

Sometimes, the toddler wakes up early.Sometimes, the meeting goes over.Sometimes, you just don’t feel like it.

And that’s okay.

Your plan isn’t meant to control your life—it’s meant to guide you. A gentle map, not a rulebook.

What Helps Me (And Might Help You Too)

I’ve started approaching planning like this:

 ✔️ I plan my top 3 priorities each day—not a full to-do list  ✔️ I have a “minimum version” of my routines for busy days  ✔️ I use my Morning Menu so I can choose what fits that day’s energy  ✔️ I give myself permission to change the plan without guilt

Sometimes I stick to the plan. Sometimes I adapt it.Either way, I’m still showing up.

The Trap of “Productive” Guilt

Let’s be real—some days don’t go how we hoped.

But not every day needs to be productive in the traditional sense.You’re still moving forward when you:

• Rest

• Show up for someone else

• Take care of your home

• Handle emotions

• Simply make it through a rough patch