We recently had the chance to connect with Heather Liedl and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Heather, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
As someone who is endlessly fascinated by hearing about other people’s schedules, this is a fun question! During the week, I wake up at 4:00am with my husband. Yes, it’s an obnoxious hour but my morning routine gives me life, so I actually look forward to it. I grab the cup of coffee my husband poured for me, settle into a cozy chair in my office and read from my Bible. Then, I plan my day in my planner: reflect on the day before, set the priority for the current day, layout my schedule, and then my to-dos. At 5:00am, I do a workout (shout out to Nourish Move Love), and then get myself ready and breakfast started. I get my kids woke up for school at 6:00am, and then its off to the races.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Heather! The creator behind Sprouted Planner, and all things planner enthusiast. If you would have asked me what I’d be spending my 30s doing, it certainly wouldn’t have been “making planners.” But you how know the story goes:
Girl meets & falls in love with planners in college. Girl thinks she found the planner of her dreams. Planner falls short in her time of need. Girl creates her own planner. Classic.
My time of need came after becoming a mom for the first time, followed by my beloved dad’s ALS diagnosis 6 months later. Add in all the other life stuff (full-time corporate job, moving twice, figuring out dinner every single night), and it felt like I was drowning.
The planner I was using during that time did not serve me well. No, I cannot make and crush goals, track my water consumption, or make a gratitude list…I can barely keep my head above water. With my dad’s passing as a catalyst, I created the planner I needed during that time. It reflects the valuable lessons I learned about what’s truly important: being intentional, taking time to reflect, your people, and living simply.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Hands down, my husband, Aaron. While I grew up with working parents who set a great example of hard work (one was a realtor! What a hustle), my husband is the hardest (and fastest) worker anyone has seen. While I absolutely believe in boundaries, he has shown me what it means to commit to your role and, going the extra mile (or 10), even when it’s not in your job description. He’s not afraid to say, “yes, I can figure that out” to the craziest things, and then figures it out as he goes through online research and just starting.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
People are everything. They are the image-bearers of God, so whatever brings us closer together, is the greater teacher. Suffering is the stepping stone to compassion. I wholeheartedly believe suffering makes you a better human being (if you don’t become bitter from it). It teaches you the truest lessons in our human condition, and makes us more generous with our thoughts and time towards each other. Success is great but it’s selfish in nature, in that it’s never enough – you’re always reaching and striving for the next thing.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe – conscious or not – that my value came from what I do. It was important for me to have my own business (or work in general) and not “just be” a stay-at-home mom. Then, I had a heart change and I realized that raising up the next generation is one of the most important and fulfilling jobs of my life. And making my house a home to my family is an absolute privilege. I love working, and I’m good at it – but I would never sacrifice my family on the altar of work now.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
My beloved dad was diagnosed with ALS 9 years ago. It’s a 2-5 year death sentence that ended his life at the 2-year mark. That really makes you think about your own mortality and what you would do if you were faced with a time limit. Honestly, I’d probably stop my business. I absolutely love it and it brings me great joy, but it takes a lot of my time and it doesn’t bring stress. My people are my greatest joys, and being able to pour into them would be a gift.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sproutedplanner.com/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sproutedplanner
Image Credits
Lydia Venjohn (Venlo Studio)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
