A Daily Routine Filled With Grace & Realistic Expectations with Laura from GOHQ
In today’s podcast, Tasha welcomes Laura from the Get Organized HQ YouTube channel.
LINKS IN EPISODE
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Laura notes that her schedule depends heavily on whether her children are in school. Summers, breaks, and weekends look very different than school weekdays. She admits that she isn’t highly structured by nature and that the systems she’s built help manage her more free-flowing style.
DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITY
During the school year, Laura’s husband handles morning routines because she is not a morning person. Laura takes on more evening duties, such as picking up the kids, preparing meals, and attending to their needs.
DOING YOUR BEST WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
Tasha and Laura discuss flexibility and doing your best when circumstances don’t allow an ideal schedule. Laura shares that her most productive hours can be unconventional, like late at night, and that using available resources—such as her husband’s help or childcare—is key.
THE THREE BUCKET SYSTEM
To manage her unstructured days, Laura uses what she calls the “Three Bucket System.” Each day she identifies the top three priorities that must get done, ensuring that the most important tasks are completed even without a rigid schedule.
USING A PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
In addition to her three priorities, Laura relies on a project management system for work and important personal tasks. She checks it almost every day to stay aware of deadlines, due dates, and smaller tasks that might otherwise be forgotten.
IMPERFECT PRODUCTIVITY
She shares that some days are highly productive, while others feel unproductive despite effort. This is part of life, and acknowledging it allows her to move forward without frustration.
USING REMINDERS
For urgent or high-stakes tasks, Laura relies on her reminders app. She creates reminders with explicit consequences, such as “cancel Netflix or be charged $17,” which motivate her to take action on tasks she might otherwise procrastinate, like phone calls or appointments.
OWNING UNPRODUCTIVE DAYS
Laura and Tasha discuss the importance of accepting unproductive days without feeling guilty. Unlike heroic or emergency-driven unproductive days, sometimes days are simply unproductive with no special reason—and that’s okay.
BREAKING THE PATTERN
To prevent unproductive days from becoming a habit, Laura puts safeguards in place the following day. She sets specific, achievable goals and often chooses tasks that are easier to jump into to bring momentum and positive energy.
TWO WAYS TO REST
Laura explains the difference between true rest and half-hearted rest. True rest involves intentionally setting aside time for enjoyable activities, like reading a book or watching a show. Half-hearted rest occurs when you’re distracted, scrolling social media, or constantly thinking about tasks you “should” be doing.
LOOKING AT THE WEEK AS A WHOLE
Laura encourages looking at the week or longer periods to evaluate success, acknowledging that natural ebbs and flows mean some days will be less productive than others.
SYSTEMS AND HABITS
Tasha asks Laura about recurring systems or habits in her days and weeks. The focus is on foundational practices that keep life moving forward, even during changing seasons or health challenges.
Laura states the importance of taking imperfect action, especially as a perfectionist. Doing what you can—even if it’s not perfect—ensures progress, whether it’s cleaning, exercising, or working on health goals.
STRUGGLES WITH MULTITASKING
Laura acknowledges she struggles with multitasking and often hyper-focuses on one thing at a time.
Laura explains that this hyper-focusing can sometimes make her unaware of her surroundings, but it allows her to fully engage in tasks. She notes it’s both a challenge and a gift, especially in today’s world of constant distractions.
THE POWER OF DEEP WORK
She references Cal Newport’s book Deep Work, emphasizing that the ability to focus without distraction is rare and valuable. Laura credits this skill with helping her succeed academically and professionally.
ACCEPTING YOURSELF
Laura has learned to accept herself and her differences over time. She shares how embracing her nerdiness and unique traits has contributed to her success and personal fulfillment.
LESS STRESS AND MORE PEACE
Tasha asks Laura what’s bringing her less stress and more peace right now. Laura reflects that this year has been difficult, with health challenges and overwhelming circumstances, making it hard to be productive and maintain her usual deep work.
To combat this, Laura created a checklist of non-negotiable daily tasks. This small system gives her structure and ensures she accomplishes essential tasks even when feeling discouraged or overwhelmed.
FINDING ACCOUNTABILITY
To reinforce the system, Laura created accountability for herself. She uses an old, unused Instagram account to post check-ins, to ensure she stays committed.
The act of recording her progress provides motivation. Laura notes that accountability doesn’t have to be public—it can simply be a tool to keep yourself honest and consistent.
Copyright 2026, Get Organized HQ.