doulajohannaWeekly planning tips for working moms who want more joy and less burnout.
As a mother of three, part-time academic, and full-time doula (for both births and life transitions), my calendar is often overflowing. And for a long time, planning felt like a never-ending to-do list—a way to chase productivity, not peace.
But that’s slowly changing.
In this week’s episode of The Doula Johanna Podcast, I talk about how I’ve started to rethink productivity, inspired by two very different—yet surprisingly aligned—voices: Grace Beverley and Gabby Bernstein. And it all started when I discovered Francesca Amber’s podcast The Law of Attraction Changed My Life.
Planning strategies that actually work (for real-life moms)
In the episode, I share how I now approach weekly planning with a focus on energy management, not just time management. That means:
- Starting with what brings me joy (yes, planning joy first!)
- Protecting my energy instead of trying to “do it all”
- Letting go of productivity guilt and embracing sustainable rhythms
This shift was deeply influenced by Grace Beverley’s book Working Hard, Hardly Working, which explores how we can redefine success on our own terms—especially as women navigating complex, modern lives.
👉🏼 Affiliate link: Working Hard, Hardly Working by Grace Beverley
Around the same time, I started reading The Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein. Her message helped me soften my approach to planning even more. It reminded me that being guided by joy, ease, and intuition doesn’t make me less productive—it actually makes me more aligned.
👉🏼 Affiliate link: The Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein
Is it perfect? No. Is it helping? Absolutely.
I still have days where nothing goes as planned (hello, motherhood!), but I no longer feel like I’m failing just because I’m tired or need rest. Grace and Gabby gave me permission to think about success in a new way.
So in this episode, I’m walking you through:
- My current Sunday planning routine
- How I make space for both ambition and joy
- Why energy is the true currency we should protect
If you’re a working mom, creative entrepreneur, or just someone trying to juggle a lot, I think you’ll find some comfort—and maybe even inspiration—in this conversation.
📚 And if you’re curious, both books are worth adding to your bookshelf:
– Working Hard, Hardly Working
– The Universe Has Your Back
Let me know what you think—and tell me:
Do you plan joy first? 💛
📸 Header image by Leigh Watson / @doulaheart_photography
