Feeling Overwhelmed:
As mentioned, our nanny is away this week (it has been A YEAR for her, family health-wise — I hope 2026 will be smoother sailing for all of us!). I’m returning to the office today after a week away (so, will be facing a large pile of things to Deal With). AND, it’s the end of the year — a time I LOVE, but also my busiest season!
I mapped out my December and then sort of recoiled in horror. However, I have since processed my feelings a bit and truly, the reason things seem hectic are mostly because I have TWO WEEKS OFF at the end of the year, one of which will be spent in beautiful Montana. Is that really something to complain about? (No.)
I will be working some weekends between now and then, but there is definitely a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow and I am happy that this year I won’t be drafting chapters between ski runs. I plan on reading a juicy novel on the plane in lieu of working (Atmosphere by TJR probably!).
Feeling Grateful:
Amazon’s editors choose 9 books of nonfiction to highlight each month as “Editor’s Picks” and mine is one of them!! AHHHHH I could barely even believe this. So exciting.
Apparently this has even spawned some copycats (THIS WORKBOOK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME AND IS PROBABLY AI GENERATED). (Actually maybe I should order it so I can give it an honest review!?)
I guess it’s legal though!? I know Cal Newport has dealt with this and created a whole fictional character around “Cal Network”, as someone attempted to create books for sale with audacious titles and this botched name.
Anyway! I’m really excited the book is doing well so far!!
Feeling Reflective:
I’m absolutely in my reflection season, despite the various life happenings swirling around me. Laura and I recorded our 2026 Goals ep yesterday, and while I don’t feel entirely “finished” setting mine, I am getting closer to commitment. I also may have had a breakthrough about how to restructure some of my decluttering aspirations! Stay tuned. (I know, that goal JUST KEEPS COMING BACK, but I have had many like that and ultimately, almost all have gotten completed eventually).
Patreon Curriculum Notes!!
Did you know “Curriculums” are trending? So are hobbies. I am a fan of both trends. And I will proudly note that our BOBW Patreon has embraced the ‘curriculum’ concept for a few years now, and we are expanding on it for 2026 to make things even more themed/interactive.
This year, our monthly meet-ups will generally be the culmination of a series of “challenges” — steps we can take to make day-to-day life more satisfying. On weekly threads and during our video meetups, we’ll share strategies, with the goal of making these fun sessions even more interactive.
Here are the monthly topics for the year, with examples of challenges leading up to the first two meet-ups for January + Feb:
January: Best Laid Plans book club!
Weekly Challenges related to planning
– Decide where you will keep your 2026 list and the next time you will refer to it
– List 5 FUN things you have on your 2026 goals list
– Audit your TBR and share 1-2 things you are excited to read this season
– Reflect on your current Communication Plan style – what works, anything to change?
February: Time tracking challenge
Weekly Challenges related to time tracking
– Track your time for a week! (or at least a few days)
– Share what you like most about your schedule
– Share what you would like to spend one more hour doing, and maybe one less hour doing
– Picture a realistic ideal week
March: Weekly planning rituals, which will include some systems makeovers for any willing participants!
April: Summer planning workshop — think summer fun lists, camp spreadsheets, etc.
May: Big Time book club — discussion and challenges related to Laura’s NEW book!
June: Travel hacks
July: Exclusive episode/video (in lieu of a meet-up — these episodes are for community member eyes only, so we can discuss more personal topics than we do on the podcast)
August: Back to school planning + meal planning workshop
September: Take one night for you + Power of Fun book club
October: Superficial things + self care rituals/routines
November: Holiday planning workshop — holiday fun lists, gift ideas, etc.
December: Plan your 2027 – Join us for Sarah’s annual goal-setting workshop
Joining is $9/month and you can jump in and out at any time!
19 Comments
Congrats on having your book featured!! How exciting! I am thrilled for you!!
I can see why you feel overwhelmed since you are packing a lot I into the first 2 weeks of December so you can take the 2nd 2 off. And them having your nanny off is extra stressful! This first week of December is overly planned but it’s also things I mostly enjoy and am excited about. It’s just a bit too much for a week but so it goes. Next week will much calmer!!
Congrats on the feature. That is AMAZING and I am so excited for your book launch and watching how many new people you reach with your planning magic <3
Yipes, the next few weeks will be BUSY but what a reward waiting at the end! Congrats on the editor’s pick. I have a good feeling about the book.
Now you just need to pick a “Cal Network” name for the copycats. SHUbots?
I’m very interested to hear about the decluttering. I had that on my list for an early retirement project, and I quickly figured out that I needed to slow down and treat it as an “eat the elephant” project and take tiny bites.
I’m in for BOBW patreon! See you there.
SHUBots is absolutely brilliant!!!!!
Hello! What day/ time are the live meet ups?
Usually Mondays or Weds, starting anywere
from 12p to 2p Eastern!
I am so excited that your book was featured on Amazon! Congratulations!
December in the medical world always feels frenetic, even without some of the added stresses (good an bad) that you are dealing with this month. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there!
That is amazing about your book, BUT WAIT. How is that workbook legal??? It somehow seems wrong, I mean it looks like you collaborated on it. So I guess if I wanted to write and publish a book called “Implementing Gretchen Rubin strategies for a happier life” that would be okay? I guess it would be. Wild.
i’m looking forward to the Goals episode!
Or maybe someone could release “Deep Work 2” or “168 More Hours” … yes it’s very very questionable. I did let my publisher know!!!
Congrats on being in the editor’s pick! that’s huge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
is there a hardcover copy? i want it signed too. hehehe…
the patron community plan for next year sounds so interesting. what’s the usual time for meetings?
Usually 12 eastern, sometimes 1 or 2 hrs later! Typically Monday or Weds 🙂
Congrats on being the editor’s pick! This is so exciting!
Definitely read Atmosphere. It was one of my favorite books of the year. I love TJR. Congratulations on the book. I can’t wait to get mine.
I always like her books too!!!!
Congratulations on your book being an editors pick. What great promotion for your book.
Congrats Sarah – so exciting!!
OH MY GOD THAT IS SO EXCITING ABOUT YOUR BOOK!!!
And yes, I have heard a lot about “copycats” – beware of those, and ugh that we live in a world in which this happens.
But that doesn’t detract from your accomplishment! Well done you!
Yikesssss on your busy December!
Amazing that your book was featured on amazon! And how impressive you have spawned the same copycatting as Cal Newport!
We are going away for 5 days this month and it’s making me stressed thinking about it except that I am sure it will be great, but also it just seems like a lot. But I am so lucky to be able to go away this year.
I always join Patreon for your planning session in December and I’m looking forward to it immensely. I’ve preordered BLP but the release date in the UK is 16th Jan so hopefully the BOBW book club can be after then so I have a day or two to read as fast as possible…
Congratulations!!!!!! Mimicry is the most sincere (and annoying, lol) form of flattery.