The Systems I’m Still Using
There’s a quiet kind of power in the systems that stick.
Not the ones we create with different apps on the phone and the best intentions—those often fade by week three. I’m talking about the ones that stay. The ones that hold through deadline weeks, messy mornings, and days when nothing goes as planned.
These systems weren’t built for perfection. They were built out of need, tested in real life, and shaped over time. They’re not flashy, but they’ve lasted—and in this season, that feels like something worth sharing.
Here are the systems I’m still using. Not because they’re ideal. But because they work for me—and maybe they’ll work for you, too.
3-Anchor Rule
Instead of a giant to-do list that leaves me overwhelmed before 10 a.m., I focus on three anchors:
→ one thing for work
→ one thing for home
→ one thing for myself
It sounds simple—and it is—but it keeps me from feeling like I’ve failed when I don’t get through 17 tasks. These anchors give the day direction, even when things shift.
After years of managing complex projects, juggling timelines, and leading teams in corporate, I’ve learned how powerful it is to just know where to start.
Why it’s still working: It brings clarity. And on days when everything feels like “too much,” it helps me come back to what actually matters.
The Running “Now/Later” List
I’ve tried every kind of planner, but the one I’ve stuck with? A running list on my phone with two columns: “Now” and “Later.”
“Now” keeps the week focused. “Later” gives my brain somewhere to drop everything else without having to act on it right away. No pressure. No pretty formatting. Just a list that moves with me.
Why it’s still working: It lets me hold space for both priorities and possibilities—without carrying them all in my head.
Weekly Meal Skeleton
I gave up on meal planning years ago. Now I use a loose structure—a “meal skeleton”—with simple themes for each weekday. Mondays = pasta. Tuesdays = tacos or stir fry. Wednesdays = leftovers or something frozen. You get the idea.
It gives me just enough of a guide to skip the mental zoomies after a long day.
Why it’s still working: It takes the pressure off. We all eat. I just don’t want to overthink it anymore.
Sunday 30-Minute Reset
On Sunday evenings, I carve out 30 minutes to look at the week ahead. Not a full strategy session—just a quick check on logistics, calendar surprises, and anything I need to prep for.
Sometimes it’s quiet with tea. Sometimes it’s while the kids are buzzing around. Either way, it helps me walk into Monday with less anxiety.
Why it’s still working: It gives me a sense of control—even when the week ahead looks wild.
“Enough” Boundaries at Work
There are quiet boundaries I’ve learned to protect over time, especially while balancing both a full-time job and a business.
Like:
No emails after 6 p.m. unless I want to respond
No skipping lunch for meetings
No long explanations when I say “I’m unavailable”
If you’ve ever worked in an environment with unspoken expectations or office politics, you know how easily boundaries can blur. These rules remind me I don’t need to earn rest or justify my capacity.
Why it’s still working: It honors the energy I do have—so I don’t burn it all trying to prove something.
Why I’m Sharing This
I’m not sharing these systems because they’re trendy. I’m sharing them because they’ve lasted. And in a world that asks so much of us, the things that hold us up—quietly, consistently—deserve to be seen.
If you’re in a season of re-evaluating what’s working and what’s not, I hope this helps you feel less alone. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula. But there are ways to make things work better for you.
A Little Something I’ve Been Working On
I’ve been building something behind the scenes for women who are holding a lot—and doing it quietly.
It’s not about adding more to your plate. It’s about creating space, clarity, and support for what you already carry. I’ll share more soon, but know this…it was designed with you in mind.
About Brooke Lee
With over 20 years of experience in project management, program strategy, and operations across tech, healthcare, and small business, Brooke Lee understands the unique challenges working women face—especially those balancing careers, caregiving, and constant demands. As a mother of three and law enforcement spouse, she’s now channeling her expertise into creating practical digital tools and resources that help overwhelmed women find clarity, simplify their systems, and move forward with confidence—one intentional step at a time.
