Your Q4 Playbook: Let’s Do This 💛

Hi Mamas - 

It’s that time of year when everyone seems ready to sell you on more—more output, more events, more buying, more doing. Meanwhile, Gen Z (according to a recent Newsweek piece) is out here rebranding the whole “girlboss” vibe—ditching hustle culture in favor of ease, boundaries, and being real.

And honestly? That sounds lovely. Like, sign us up for the version of life where balance is effortless and our to-do lists just…evaporate. While we do not totally disagree with the sentiment, there is also REALITY. Because for most working moms, we can’t just drop every ball in the name of “peace.”

But—we can be intentional about how we carry them. Yes, yes, the classic “glass balls vs. plastic balls” metaphor… and yes, we just used the word “balls” way too many times in one sentence.

Back to the goal: let’s make the last few months of the year manageable, but meaningful.

You in? We’ve pulled together a few ideas for 4th Quarter Prep—simple moves to help you finish strong without burning out.

Enjoy!

-CARRY™ Team

 This week in The CARRY™ ALL, we’re talking about:

• 🤯 Decision Making When You are Decision Fatigued

• 💛 Protect What Matters Most

• ✏️ How to Actually Make It Happen

THE BIG 1️⃣ 2️⃣ 3️⃣

1️⃣ 🤯 Decision Making When You are Decision Fatigued

By October, most moms are running on decision fumes. You’ve already made 3,000 micro-choices at this point in the day most likely—what’s for dinner, where’s the missing water bottle, why is there glitter in the carpet?? So when invites, volunteer requests, and “can you just…?” emails start rolling in, no wonder our brains start to short-circuit.

That’s why learning the art of saying no matters. We know, easier said than done sometimes. However, the last few months of the year can FLY by with full schedules and endless chances to say “yes.” Here’s your reminder: you have full permission to decline.

Need help? Steal these scripts:

• “Thank you so much for thinking of me, but I can’t take this on right now.”

• “I’d love to support you in another way, but I need to pass on this one.”

• “That sounds like a great idea, but my plate is full this season.”

Decision Making Hack: Have you ever heard of the Eisenhower Matrix? Here’s a quick glimpse at how it can help busy moms prioritize this time of year:

• ⏰ Urgent + Important? Do it now. (e.g., pay the field trip fee, schedule sick child’s doctor visit, work presentation deadline)
  

• 📅 Important but Not Urgent? Schedule it for later. Literally, stop and put a reminder on the calendar. (e.g., holiday gift shopping, planning a birthday party, booking a family photoshoot)
  

• 🤝 Urgent but Not Important? Delegate if possible. (e.g., folding laundry, picking up groceries, emptying the dishwasher—kids or partner to the rescue!)
  

• 🚫 Neither Urgent nor Important? Straight into the abyss. (e.g., reorganizing the junk drawer…again, starting a new hobby, researching 20 year anniversary vacation ideas when you just celebrated 10…okay, but it IS fun!)

Want more help with setting boundaries? Check out our 5-step guide to setting and keeping boundaries HERE.

2️⃣   💛 Protect What Matters Most

Okay, we’ve talked about all the things you have to do—now let’s talk about how you want to feel. As the year races toward the finish line, do you want to feel accomplished? Connected with your family? Full of exciting experiences? Or just a little more relaxed? Let that vision guide what you prioritize. 

Protect your calendar before it constricts you—block off rest days, family nights, or margin time before the weekends fill up. 

Simplify holiday expectations by deciding early which traditions and activities truly matter, and which can be skipped guilt-free. 

And finish strong without overdoing it: choose 1–2 personal or family priorities to carry across the finish line, whether it’s a budget goal, more family dinners, or a wellness habit—focus on what will make you proud, not just busy.

3️⃣  ✏️ How to Actually Make It Happen

You’ve made the decisions about what matters and envisioned how you want to feel—now it’s time to actually make it happen. One key tool? A planner. Whether you’re a die-hard paper planner fan (like the ones featured here) or prefer a digital calendar the whole family can reference, having a central system helps you see the month, coordinate schedules, and protect your priorities.

Tips to get started:

• Paper planners: Great for those who love writing things down, color-coding, and seeing the whole month at a glance. Bonus: crossing items off feels surprisingly satisfying.
  

• Shared digital calendars: Great for keeping everyone on the same page—school events, practices, appointments, you name it.
  

• Combine methods: Use a paper planner for your personal priorities and a digital calendar for family logistics—voilà—organized chaos (mostly) under control.

Plan it, schedule it, and protect this season—so YOU get to say yes to life instead of letting life just happen to you this Q4!

📰 IN THE NEWS

Massachusetts Enacts Pay Transparency Law

Starting October 29, 2025, Massachusetts will enforce a new salary transparency law requiring employers with 25 or more employees to disclose wage ranges in job postings. The law aims to promote pay equity by ensuring that salary or hourly wage expectations are clearly listed and accessible to applicants and current employees upon request. It applies to all types of workers, including part-time, seasonal, and remote employees working in Massachusetts.

This legislation is part of a broader movement across 15 states and Washington D.C. aimed at reducing gender and racial wage gaps by enhancing transparency in compensation practices. Read the whole article HERE!

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT 🤎
for the mom who struggles with seasonal change

Not everyone is ready to celebrate fall. Shorter days, colder weather, and darker mornings can feel tough, and if the season has you feeling hesitant—or downright resistant—you’re not alone. 

Try seeking the light with a quick walk, open curtains, or even a happy light. Cozy up with a hot drink or a deliciously scented candle. Move your body just a little, and lean on friends or family for connection and laughs (sometimes it feels good to go first and ask for that check-in). Indulge your senses with music, favorite fall foods, or a yummy stovetop simmer. 

It’s absolutely okay if you’re not excited about the seasonal changes. Try to focus on one small, supportive habit to help you navigate the dark days with a little more light—and grace.

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