By HTE Founder, Erin Hughes.
I’ve always been one of those people who thrives on being organised and loves to plan. The upside of this? I’m the one who always gets stuff done. But the downside? I often find myself living in the future – always thinking about what’s next – and it can lead to that nagging feeling that I’m not fully present in the moment.
“Living in the moment doesn’t come naturally to me, though I try to be mindful of it. Over time, I’ve learnt the importance of accepting who we are – our strengths, our quirks, and yes, even our weaknesses.”
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” It’s so true. The busiest people don’t have time, yet somehow, they always manage to get it done. How? Through planning and organisation.
Fast forward to life with four kids, and I’ve learnt to embrace my need for planning and structure. Yes, I may not always be living in the moment, but for me, being organised creates a sense of balance. Planning ahead gives me more space in my day-to-day life – a sort of scheduled freedom. And let’s be honest, when the chaos of family life is unavoidable, a bit of structure can be a lifesaver.
Here are some planning strategies I swear by:
Calendars
Your calendar should be sacred and treated as such! Keep it updated with all the important dates, appointments, and reminders. Whether it’s a family calendar on the fridge or a digital version synced across your devices, having a clear overview of what’s happening on the next day, next week, or month keeps things running smoothly.
To-Do Lists
End each day by jotting down what’s on your plate for the next day or week. The key here is to keep your list realistic. A never-ending to-do list only leads to frustration and feelings of failure. Focus on what’s achievable – because ticking tasks off your list is incredibly satisfying and helps build momentum.
Weekly Meal Plans
This one’s a game-changer, especially when you’ve got kids and the inevitable dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?” pops up every single night! Plan out your meals for the week, make a shopping list, and stick to it. Not only does this save you from last-minute stress, but it’s also more economical and can save you dollars – you’ll avoid those random supermarket splurges on your drive home from work or school.
Communication and Delegation
Communication is everything. When my husband and I don’t talk about what’s on the agenda, the wheels can fall off pretty quickly, and I end up feeling overwhelmed. Taking time to chat about the week ahead helps us stay on the same page and feel like a team.
And let’s not forget the power of delegation. If someone offers to help – take it. If there’s a task someone else can handle – let them. Trying to do everything for everyone is a fast track to burnout. Leaning on others when you need to is so important and can make life so much easier and more manageable.
At the end of the day, planning and organisation don’t just make life easier – they help you make space for the things that really matter. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, playing with the kids, or sneaking in some much-needed downtime, having structure in place allows you to enjoy those moments without feeling like the rest of the world is closing in.
So, here’s to embracing the chaos and the order – and finding a little balance along the way.
