Hi Reader!

This is the time of year that many of us are asking questions about next year's curriculum. I know I am! And - just this week I had a mom ask me -

"How do I plan for next year when I'm just trying to get through this year?"

The truth is the way we think about planning can either help or stress us out. And I see this all the time in my coaching calls.

Are you trying to finish today’s lesson while your brain is already thinking about next year’s curriculum?

One moment, you’re helping your child with long division… and the next, you’re wondering if you should switch math curricula completely next fall.

It’s completely normal. Our brains love solving problems, and curriculum decisions are a juicy problem to work on. But when planning thoughts keep creeping into daily homeschool time, they create unnecessary stress—making you feel like you’re behind before the next year even starts.

Inside our coaching community, we teach a simple framework called “Contained Planning” that helps us plan ahead without feeling scattered or overwhelmed.

The secret to planning ahead without feeling behind? Give your planning thoughts a designated “container” so they don’t take over your present-day homeschooling.

When we constantly toggle between “finishing this year” and “preparing for next year,” our brains stay in a state of decision fatigue—mentally juggling both at once. This makes us feel scattered, overwhelmed, and never fully present.

Instead of trying to suppress next-year planning thoughts (which never works), acknowledge them and redirect them to a dedicated space.

Here's what has worked for me:

• Keep a "Next Year" Notebook (or list!). Whenever a thought about next year pops up, write it down and let it go. This reassures your brain you won’t forget it.
• Schedule Weekly Planning Time. Set aside 30 minutes just for next-year planning. During that time, review your notes, research options, and make decisions—then close the notebook and return to the present.
• Stay Focused on This Year. Outside of that planning window, let your mental energy stay with what’s working now instead of constantly jumping ahead.

This simple shift reduces decision fatigue, preserves your energy, and makes both your current year and future planning more effective.

Planning ahead doesn’t have to mean losing your focus on this year. By containing your planning, you free yourself to be fully present in both seasons—without the mental overload.

👉 Try it this week: Start a “Next Year” list and schedule a 30-minute planning session to review it. Then let it go until next time!

And if planning feels overwhelming, hit reply and tell me: What’s one thing you’re debating for next year? I’d love to help!

Your friend,

P.S. Inside our coaching community, we walk through this step-by-step, so you can plan intentionally without burnout.

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