Are You a Planner or a Go-With-the-Flow-er?
Photos by oxana v on Unsplash and Getty Images on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Generally speaking, there are two types of people in this world: those who like to plan... and those who most definitely do not.
Planners thrive on calendars, color-coded lists, and knowing what’s coming next. For them, structure isn’t a constraint, it’s a form of freedom. It helps them relax, be present, and feel grounded. Without a plan, they might feel anxious and out of sync.
Then there are the go-with-the-flow-ers. These folks light up in the moment. They’re adaptable, spontaneous, and great at navigating life as it unfolds. For them, too much planning can feel stifling. Why map everything out when the best moments are often the ones we didn’t see coming?
Which one sounds more like you?
Personally, I land firmly in the planning camp. I find comfort in knowing what’s ahead and having a framework to move within. I can roll with spontaneity, but only after the schedule’s been made. I get cranky when I'm stuck dealing with something that could’ve been avoided with a little foresight.
That said, life has a funny way of pairing us with our opposites. Whether it’s our work partners, our best friends, or the person we chose to build a life with, it’s not uncommon to find yourself navigating the dance between structure and spontaneity.
And that’s not a bad thing.
In work, planners help move things forward with intention. The go-with-the-flow types bring in flexibility, creativity, and often, much-needed perspective when plans inevitably shift. Together, they balance each other out.
In relationships, having a planner can mean fewer missed flights, more sunscreen packed, and everyone showing up at the right field for soccer practice. The spontaneous one? They bring the magic. The impromptu ice cream runs, the random dance parties, the reminder that joy doesn’t always have to be penciled in.
Some of the best friendships I know have this exact dynamic. One friend handles the logistics, makes the reservation, and sends the calendar invite. The other shows up with contagious laughter and unforgettable stories.
Getting Started
So how do we honor both styles, especially when they clash?
A few things come to mind:
Communicate your preferences with “I” statements. Instead of, “You never plan anything,” try, “I feel more at ease when we have a loose plan.”
Notice what the other brings to the table. That last-minute beach day may not have been on the agenda, but wasn’t it exactly what you needed?
Negotiate, don’t dominate. Can there be a plan... with a little room to wander?
Philippa Perry, psychotherapist and counselor, reminds us how powerful it is to speak from our own experience. “I prefer to do it like this,” goes a lot farther than, “You’re doing it wrong.”
There’s no right or wrong way to be. The magic often happens in the middle, in the space where planners and improvisers find their rhythm.
So tell me... which one are you? And what’s it like loving, living, or working with your opposite?
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.