You know those mornings where you wake up already feeling behind? Breakfast is a mess, the toddler is melting down, and your planner is buried under three loads of laundry you meant to fold yesterday. If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place, friend.
Because here’s the truth: your life doesn’t need to be perfectly tidy to feel purposeful. You just need a simple weekly planning system that flexes with your real life.
And that’s exactly what we’re talking about in this week’s episode of the Capture the Chaos podcast—where I break down the Foundation 5, the simple weekly planning system I created to help you manage your daily chaos and make space for what actually matters.
<iframe title="131. How to Build a Weekly Planning System That You’ll Actually Use" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=uthma-18798ec-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=956f46" loading="lazy"></iframe>What is the Foundation 5?
The Foundation 5 is the framework I use every single week to capture the chaos. It’s not a rigid checklist—it’s more like the bones of the house that holds your life together. Here’s a peek at what’s inside:
1. Daily Check-In
Start each day with intention by setting your Top 3 priorities and syncing up with your planner. This is where I anchor in my CHAOS habits and remind myself of what actually matters today—not the whole dang to-do list.
2. Task Triage
I love a good empty-out session (aka brain dump), but the magic happens when you sort that chaos into actual action steps. I break it into four buckets:
- Must do now
- Important but can wait
- Delegate
- Parking lot (aka future dreams or “maybe someday” stuff)
This step keeps me from drowning in decision fatigue before noon.
3. Non-Negotiables
These are the things that keep my life running even when the week goes sideways—like my workouts, family dinners, and weekly planner reset. Think: daily anchors that support your health, home, and sanity.
4. White Space Wins
Say it with me: white space isn’t wasted time—it’s protected margin. I literally block out space in my planner to not be productive. Because rest, margin, and spontaneous fun are just as important as your launch plan or grocery run.
5. Weekly Reset
Once a week (usually Mondays for me), I check in on what worked, what flopped, and what’s coming up. I use this time to adjust plans, realign with my goals, and start fresh—even if last week was a mess.
Why This Simple Weekly Planning System Works (Even If You’re a Hot Mess)
The Foundation 5 is a simple weekly planning system that helps you stop reacting to your week and start shaping it. It’s perfect for busy moms, creative business owners, and anyone whose life feels a little chaotic (or a lot).
This system doesn’t require a perfect morning routine, color-coded calendar, or 6 AM miracle hour. It just asks for a few moments of awareness and intention—and gives you freedom in return.
And if you’re looking for a place to start…
Grab My Free Morning Routine Creator!
Want a super simple way to create a life-giving morning routine that actually works for you? Snag my free Morning Routine Creator and build a morning rhythm that sets the tone for your simple weekly planning system (without needing to wake up at 5 AM).
Listen to The Simple Weekly Planning System
Ready to hear more real-life stories and tips on how I use the Foundation 5 each week? Listen to the full episode of the Capture the Chaos podcast here.
You’ll walk away with a plan, some hope, and probably a few laughs.
You’ve Got This, Friend.
Remember—planning is a tool, not a rule. You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just need a rhythm that supports your real, messy life. A simple weekly planning system is a game-changer when you’re tired of starting over every Monday.
And the Foundation 5? That’s where we start.
More resources to help you simplify your week:
Let’s keep going, friend. You’re not too messy to be organized—you just need a system that fits you.
