Ep. 17 - Next 3 / Last 3 Framework with Mary Ellen Knauff

In this episode of Destress the Nest, host Hannah Morgan welcomes Mary Ellen Knauff, a corporate mom of two and productivity expert, to share her transformative "Next 3 / Last 3" framework. This straightforward time management tool is designed to help busy parents and professionals prioritize tasks, celebrate accomplishments, and reduce overwhelm. Whether you’re advancing a work project or tackling personal goals, this framework can bring clarity and progress to your life.

Key Takeaways

• The Next 3 / Last 3 Framework: Each week, list the next three steps needed for a project and the last three accomplishments. This practice ensures you stay focused, organized, and motivated.
• Work Applications: Use the framework for recurring meetings or personal project tracking. It’s a practical way to prepare, share updates, and compile a record of achievements for year-end reviews.
• Personal Life Uses: Apply the framework to everyday goals like workouts, home renovations, or launching a side business. Breaking goals into bite-sized steps makes them more manageable and less intimidating.
• Tracking Options: Keep your lists on paper or use digital tools like OneNote or Trello for seamless organization and long-term tracking.

Quotes from the Episode

• "Every week, look at a project and write down the next three steps to take while celebrating the last three things you’ve accomplished." – Mary Ellen Knauff

• "This framework helps you make progress in a way that’s strategic without feeling overwhelming." – Hannah Morgan

• "It’s a great holding spot for all the cheers and thanks you receive—perfect for building a year-end review." – Mary Ellen Knauff

Resources Mentioned:

• Mary Ellen Knauff – Productivity expert helping working moms with sustainable time management tools.

• Trello and OneNote – Digital tools for tracking.

• Heron House Management⁠ – A virtual house management service designed to reduce mental load and stress for busy families.

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This episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management.

About Heron House Management:

Heron House Management is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 5, 10 and 15+ hours/month.

Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!