The Productive Woman

Sabbaticals – Time to Rest and Refocus – TPW500 Jul 10, 2024

Have you taken (or thought about taking) a sabbatical? This week we look at the why and what of sabbatical. (And listen for a special announcement at the end of the episode.)

10-Year Podiversary – Lessons Learned – TPW499 Jul 03, 2024

In this episode we’re celebrating 10 years of The Productive Woman podcast and I’m sharing some lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Productive Living: Getting Unstuck, with Britt Frank – TPW498 Jun 26, 2024

This week I'm talking with Britt Frank, a therapist, trauma specialist, and author of The Science of Stuck, about getting unstuck and making a life that matters.

Preparing for a Productive Retirement – TPW497 Jun 19, 2024

No matter your age, preparing now, with a focus on what matters most to you, can ensure a smooth transition to a rewarding, meaningful, and productive retirement when the time comes.

Productive Reading: Slow Productivity, by Cal Newport – TPW496 Jun 12, 2024

In this week's installment of our recurring Productive Reading series, we look at key takeaways from Cal Newport's newest book, Slow Productivity.

10+ Ways to Manage Stress – TPW495 May 29, 2024

There are ways to manage stress--and good reasons to do so.

Productive Living: Becoming CEO of Your Health, with Andrea Nakayama – TPW494 May 22, 2024

Andrea Nakayama, Functional Nutritionist and founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance, shares new ways to look at our health and nutrition while improving our productivity

Managing Expectations – TPW493 May 15, 2024

Disappointment (and worse) can result when we aren't clear on our expectations. Today we’re talking about managing expectations for less stress and more productivity.

Crafting a Life That Matters: 10 Essential Questions – TPW492 May 08, 2024

Self-reflection is always time well spent, especially if it's helping us grow as an individual. In this episode we’re talking about questions we can ask ourselves to help us create a life that matters

Productive Living: Financial Wellness, with Tamara Dias – TPW491 May 01, 2024

Certified financial social worker Tamara Dias joined me to talk about financial wellness and making a life that matters.

From the Vault: Working from Home – TPW490 Apr 24, 2024

Working from home has its benefits--and its challenges. This week I talk about both--and some solutions for the challenges

Mental Load and a Life that Matters – TPW489 Apr 17, 2024

How do you manage the mental load that's part of managing a household, a career, relationships, and a life in general? And how do we get others to share that mental load?

The Art of Balancing Solo and Social Time – TPW488 Apr 10, 2024

A meaningfully productive life includes a balance of solo and social time--but that balance is different for each of us.

My Tools for Efficient Work – TPW487 Apr 03, 2024

The tools we use can make all the difference. In this episode I discuss some of the tools I use for efficient work.

Productive Reading: Switch Craft, by Elaine Fox, PhD – TPW486 Mar 27, 2024

This week features an installment in our recurring “Productive Reading” series, looking at key takeaways from Switch Craft, by Elaine Fox, PhD, and the tools that can help us thrive in a constantly changing world.

Swedish Death Cleaning – TPW485 Mar 20, 2024

Swedish Death Cleaning offers a thoughtful approach to decluttering that benefits us in the present and our loved ones when we're gone.

Productive Living: Having It All, with Brooke Bentley – TPW484 Mar 13, 2024

Former NFL journalist Brooke Bentley chats with me about choices she's made over the course of her life and career, and the pressure to have it all.

Work-Life Integration – TPW483 Mar 06, 2024

What's work-life integration and how is it different from (maybe better than) work-life balance?

Resources for Making a Life That Matters – TPW482 Feb 28, 2024

There are tons of resources that can help us make a life that matters. Let's look at a few of them.

Productive Living: Reimagining Success, with Anna Lundberg – TPW481 Feb 21, 2024

What does success mean to you? In this week's installment of our Productive Living series, I chat with author, podcaster, coach, and former marketing professional Anna Lundberg about how to make the most of our professional and personal lives.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – TPW480 Feb 14, 2024

We all have moments of self-doubt and insecurity. Today we’re talking about imposter syndrome, also know as the imposter phenomenon, and a few things we can do to prevent it from hampering our productivity and our life.

Harder Than It Needs to Be? – TPW479 Feb 07, 2024

We can make life (and productivity) harder than it needs to be by our own thoughts and actions--but we can also turn that around.

My New Year’s Wish for You – TPW478 Dec 27, 2023

In this week's short episode I share a brief update on TPW plans and my wishes for you in the coming new year.

6 Elements of a Productive Day – TPW477 Dec 20, 2023

We all lead incredibly busy lives, but it's important we don't neglect ourselves or those who matter most to us. In this episode I’m sharing some elements I think are necessary for a truly productive day (and life).

10 Gifts to Give Yourself for the New Year – TPW476 Dec 13, 2023

Not all gifts can be wrapped and put under the tree, especially the ones that are the most valuable. This week let's consider some gifts you can give yourself during this holiday season and for the coming year...which could be your most productive ever.

Twenty 2-Minute Habits to Keep Your Space (and Life) Organized – TPW475 Dec 06, 2023

Here's quick rundown of a few habits that take only a few minutes but can help you be more organized and productive every day. What can you add to the list?

Productive Reading: Dopamine Nation, by Dr. Anna Lembke – TPW474 Nov 29, 2023

In this installment of our Productive Reading series we look at Dr. Anna Lembke's fascinating book, Dopamine Nation. (Spoiler alert: I recommend it!)

Productive Living: Sacred Rest, with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith – TPW473 Nov 22, 2023

This week's episode features my conversation with physician Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest, about the 7 types of rest we all need to maximize our quality of life and our positive impact on the world.

Preparing for a Joyful Holiday Season – TPW472 Nov 15, 2023

Let's talk about preparing for joy in the upcoming holiday season, all while remaining productive and keeping our most important priorities in mind.

Productive Living: Productive Business Communications, with Elizabeth Pearson – TPW471 Nov 08, 2023

This week's episode of our Productive Living series features a conversation with author, speaker, and executive career coach Elizabeth Pearson about productive management of business communications.

Seasonal Productivity – TPW470 Nov 01, 2023

Let's talk about ways to stay productive in different seasons and how to show up at our best year-round.

Productive Living: Hormones & Productivity, with Lahana Vigliano – TPW469 Oct 25, 2023

Let's chat with clinical nutritionist Lahana Vigliano about the importance of gut health and hormones for our health and our productivity.

Productive Living: Mindful Financial Independence, with Emily Guy Birken – TPW468 Oct 18, 2023

This week I talk with financial writer Emily Guy Birken about overcoming financial anxiety and confidently achieving mindful financial independence.

Productive and Low-Stress Travel – TPW467 Oct 11, 2023

What are your best tips and tricks for productive and low-stress travel? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode.

Productive Living: Finding and Using Your Voice, with Jessica Doyle-Mekkes – TPW466 Oct 04, 2023

Professor, vocal coach, and author Jessica Doyle-Mekkes talks about finding your voice (and your power) by speaking up with confidence in your message.

Cultivating Flexibility and Resilience – TPW465 Sep 27, 2023

Intentionally cultivating flexibility and resilience can boost our productivity as we better navigate change and bounce back from adversity.

Productive Living: Creative Self-Care, with Mary Adkins – TPW464 Sep 20, 2023

Creative expression is an important component of a productive life. This installment of our Creative Living series features my conversation with lawyer, novelist, and writing coach Mary Adkins about creative self-care.

Productivity Slumps and What to Do About Them – TPW463 Sep 13, 2023

This week we’re talking about productivity slumps, what we can do to avoid them, and how to manage our minds to be our most productive when they inevitably happen.

Productive Living: A Holistic Approach to Productivity and Impact, with Angela Shurina – TPW462 Sep 06, 2023

This episode of our Productive Living series features my conversation with coach, nutritionist, and author Angela Shurina about a holistic approach to productivity for maximum positive impact on the world.

Getting It All Done, Part 2 (Some “Best Practices”) – TPW461 Aug 30, 2023

Following up on last week’s episode, this week we talk more about getting it all done, looking at some of the "best practices" recommended by experts.

Getting It All Done, Part 1 (How I Do It) – TPW460 Aug 23, 2023

This week we’re starting a 2-part series about getting it all done, with Part 1's focus on some of the things I personally do to accomplish what matters most to me.

Overcoming Productivity Obstacles – TPW459 Aug 16, 2023

Overcoming productivity obstacles is possible with the right steps. In this week's episode we discuss ways to overcome productivity roadblocks.

From the Vault: Back to School Routine Review – TPW458 Aug 09, 2023

The back-to-school season (or any change in seasons) is a great time to re-evaluate our daily and weekly routines to make sure they're serving us.

Productivity Myths – TPW457 Aug 02, 2023

Let's talk about productivity myths: "productivity" beliefs that can actually make us less productive.

Making the Most of Today – TPW456 Jul 26, 2023

Tomorrow isn't promised to us, so let's make the most of today.

9 Reasons to Declutter – TPW455 Jul 19, 2023

This week we do a quick review of some good reasons to declutter your space, your calendar, and your mind.

Productive Reading: Indistractable, by Nir Eyal – TPW454 Jul 12, 2023

This week features the next installment in our recurring “Productive Reading” series, this time talking about key takeaways from Indistractable, by Nir Eyal.

From the Vault: Saying No Gracefully – TPW453 Jul 05, 2023

This week we're revisiting an episode from the TPW archives in which I talk about saying no without feeling guilty.

Making Time for What Matters Most to You – TPW452 Jun 28, 2023

This week we’re reviewing some of the basics for making time for what matters most to you, essential to a meaningfully productive life.

Productivity When You’re Exhausted – TPW451 Jun 21, 2023

How can we get stuff done when we're exhausted and a nap isn't an option?

Productivity in Chaotic Times – TPW450 Jun 14, 2023

How can we stay productive even when we’re surrounded by chaos?

Organizing Your Digital Life – TPW449 Jun 07, 2023

This week we’re talking about organizing our digital life--why it matters and some suggestions on how to organize key areas of our digital life.

Managing Distractions in a Digital Age – TPW448 May 31, 2023

Technology can be a double-edged sword when it comes to our productivity. We're discussing how to manage distractions in a digital age.

Small Changes Today for a More Productive Tomorrow – TPW447 May 24, 2023

As we enter into a new season of the year, let's talk about a few small changes we can make today to create a more productive tomorrow.

Productivity Tools for Getting Things Done – TPW446 May 17, 2023

All the planning in the world won't help if we don't actually do the stuff we plan. In this episode we'll finish our mini-series about the GTD® method and talk about some of the tools we can use to implement the method and get stuff done.

A Deeper Dive Into GTD Reflect and Review – TPW445 May 10, 2023

This week we continue our mini-series about the GTD method and talk about a crucial step in any productivity system: reflect and review.

Balancing Work, Family, and Self-Care – TPW444 May 03, 2023

A lack of balance in our lives can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout. Let's talk about healthy ways to juggle the multiple roles most of us fill in life.

A Deeper Dive Into GTD Clarify and Organize – TPW443 Apr 26, 2023

This week we’re continuing our GTD short series by talking about the clarify and organize steps.

Boundaries – TPW442 Apr 19, 2023

Sometimes we "bite off more than we can chew," so to speak. Setting appropriate boundaries in our personal and professional life can protect our productivity--and our mental health.

A Deeper Dive Into GTD Capture – TPW441 Apr 12, 2023

Last week we discussed David Allen's GTD™ system. Today we’re taking a deeper look at the first component of a functional productivity system: capturing all the things.

A Quick Refresher on GTD – TPW440 Apr 05, 2023

David Allen's GTD™ system includes important concepts and tools for a productive life. This week we're reviewing the fundamentals of Allen's system.

Getting Things Done When You Don’t Feel Like It – TPW439 Mar 29, 2023

How can we get things done when we just don't feel like it?

9 Guidelines for Productivity at Work – TPW438 Mar 22, 2023

This week we're talking about things we can do to maximize our productivity and effectiveness at work.

Taking Better Care of Things That Matter – TPW437 Mar 15, 2023

Important things can get overlooked in the daily hustle. As we approach the end of this year's first quarter, let's pause, think, and commit to spending just a little of our time, energy, and attention taking care of what matters.

Time Anxiety – TPW436 Mar 08, 2023

What is time anxiety, how does it affect us, and how can we manage it?

Boosting Productivity – TPW435 Mar 01, 2023

Many of us feel like we need to be more productive. This week we're considering why we feel that way, and some ways we can boost our productivity.

Procrastination and Regret – TPW434 Feb 22, 2023

Do you procrastinate? (Hint: We all do sometimes.) This week we're talking about why we do it, and about how to let go of regret and move forward.

Adjusting to Change – TPW433 Feb 15, 2023

Change can be hard, especially for those of us who thrive on routine. Let's talk about ways to adjust to change and minimize the stress when change disrupts our life.

Productive Focus – TPW432 Feb 08, 2023

Our ability to purposefully focus on what matters to us plays a key role in creating a more productive and meaningful life. Let's talk about how we can cultivate our ability to manage our attention and energy.

The Meaning in Life – TPW431 Feb 01, 2023

What is the meaning of (our individual) life? This week we consider the “meaning” part of a meaningfully productive life and why identifying that meaning can benefit us.

Planning for Productivity – TPW430 Jan 25, 2023

Let's talk about the value of planning for a productive life and tips for planning in a way that works best for you.

Goal-Setting Refresher – TPW429 Jan 18, 2023

The beginning of a new year is a good time for a refresher on the goal-setting process--how to set goals that are meaningful and achievable.

Quick Check-In – TPW428 Jan 11, 2023

This week's episode will be a quick check-in so I can share a couple of updates and ask a small favor!

Getting Your Stuff in Order: 8 Areas to Organize for a Productive New Year – TPW427 Jan 04, 2023

This week we're looking at various areas to get organized in order to set ourselves up for a productive new year.

Countdown to a New Year: Love – TPW426 Dec 21, 2022

As we continue our countdown to a productive new year, this week we consider how love can help us manage our lives to maximize not only productivity, but also our own joy and peace.

Countdown to a New Year: Peace – TPW425 Dec 14, 2022

As we countdown to a productive new year, may we manage our time in a way that promotes peace in our hearts, our lives, and our world.

Countdown to a New Year: Joy – TPW424 Dec 07, 2022

This week we’re beginning a countdown to a productive new year, starting with a conversation about joy.

We Need Each Other – TPW423 Nov 30, 2022

Whether because of generational differences or doctrinal disagreements, no woman should ignore--or worse, seek to silence--another. We need each other. Each of us is made stronger by listening to the others. This week on The Productive Woman podcast we’re talking about the value of relationships among women of different ages and generations.

A Few of My Favorite Things – TPW422 Nov 23, 2022

I'm sharing a few of my favorite things--items that make my life more productive, more pleasant, or just more fun. Some could be great gift ideas--or pick one up for yourself!

Productive Conversation – TPW421 Nov 16, 2022

With holiday gatherings coming up, this week we're talking about how to have productive conversations with people we disagree with.

Productive Reading: Tranquility by Tuesday, by Laura Vanderkam – TPW420 Nov 09, 2022

In this installment of our recurring “Productive Reading” series, we're talking about key takeaways from Laura Vanderkam's newest book, Tranquility by Tuesday.

Clean & Tidy – TPW419 Nov 02, 2022

Keeping a clean & tidy space sets the stage for a peacefully productive life. Let's talk about how (and why) to make that happen.

Productivity with Purpose – TPW418 Oct 26, 2022

Purpose for our productivity, and productivity with purpose, make for a meaningful life. This week we're talking about the purpose of our productivity, and how being productive can serve our purpose in the long term and in the more immediate term.

10 Rules for a Peacefully Productive Life – TPW417 Oct 19, 2022

A peacefully productive life is possible. I'm sharing a few of my "rules" for creating just such a life.

Creative Productivity (and Productive Creativity) – TPW416 Oct 12, 2022

Don't think of yourself as creative? This week we’ll talk about creativity and where it fits into our lives as women who care about productivity and making lives that matter.

4th Quarter Reset for a Productive Year End – TPW415 Oct 05, 2022

This week we’ll talk about doing a meaningful reset as we head into the last quarter of the year and the coming holiday season.

Women, Stress, and Productivity – TPW414 Sep 28, 2022

This week's episode is a refresher on the causes and effects of stress, as well as some techniques for minimizing its negative impact on our lives and our productivity.

Quality vs. Quantity – TPW413 Sep 21, 2022

There are good reasons to choose quality over quantity--but sometimes quantity matters too. This week we’re talking about evaluating quality versus quantity in various areas of our productive lives.

Don’t Wait – TPW412 Sep 14, 2022

There are many reasons why we put off doing certain things, and many times those reasons seem to make sense. This week I'm encouraging us all to rethink those reasons, and suggesting that maybe we don't wait.

Questions to Ask Yourself Every Day – TPW411 Sep 07, 2022

We can improve our productivity by asking the right questions of ourselves.

8 Books I Recommend and Why – TPW410 Aug 31, 2022

Looking for a good read to help you on your productivity journey? This week I’m sharing 8 books I recommend and why I think they’re worth reading.

Rethink and Refresh Your Productivity System – TPW409 Aug 24, 2022

Is your productivity system still working for you? This week we talk about evaluating and tweaking our productivity system to make sure it's helping us in our quest to make a life that matters.

Doing It All vs. Doing Enough – TPW408 Aug 17, 2022

Being a productive woman doesn't mean doing all the things all the time. Meaningful productivity--making a life that matters requires us to consider -- when is enough enough?

Transition to a New School Year – TPW407 Aug 10, 2022

Whether or not school is a part of your current life, the end of summer feels like a time of transition, which makes it a great time to pause and consider intentional changes to make this next season a productive one.

Favorite Productivity Advice & Tools – TPW406 Aug 03, 2022

This week I’m sharing some favorite productivity advice and tools & how I use them to make the most of my time. I'd love to hear your recommendations, too.

Take it or Leave It: Productivity Advice That Might or Might Not Work – TPW405 Jul 27, 2022

This week we're talking about common productivity advice that might or might not work for you--and ideas for how you can modify it to meet your needs.

Lightening the Load – TPW404 Jul 20, 2022

No matter how much we love our life, sometimes our commitments and obligations (and our thoughts) can weigh us down. This week we're considering ways we can lighten our load and make our days more manageable and enjoyable

Productive Reading: Life Makeover by Dominique Sachse – TPW403 Jul 13, 2022

In this latest episode of our recurring Productive Reading series, I share my favorite quotes and key takeaways from TV news anchor and YouTuber Dominique Sachse's new book, Life Makeover.

Halftime Break, Mid-Year Review – TPW402 Jul 06, 2022

This week we discuss the importance of taking time for an effective mid-year review and how it can benefit us throughout the rest of 2022.

Make a Difference – TPW401 Jun 29, 2022

By taking even small actions in our home, our workplace, and our local community, we can make a difference in the world. This week we're looking at some ways to do that.

Do the Next Thing – TPW400 Jun 22, 2022

Planning is an important part of a productive life and a frequent topic of discussion on this podcast. Sometimes, though, we just need to do the next thing.

Getting Past Monotony – TPW399 Jun 15, 2022

When routines turn to monotony, it can derail our productivity. Let's talk about some ways we can overcome the monotony, reengage, and stay productive

Productive Use of Our Time – TPW398 Jun 08, 2022

What is a productive use of time? This week we're looking at that question and offering some suggestions about how to use our time more productively.

Personal Mantras for Personal Productivity – TPW397 Jun 01, 2022

Words matter--especially the words we say to ourselves. We can retrain our thinking in more productive directions by adopting personal mantras.

A Manifesto for a Life that Matters – TPW396 May 25, 2022

This week I'm sharing thoughts from my personal manifesto for living a meaningfully productive life--a life that matters as I define it.

When Life Isn’t Fun Anymore – TPW395 May 18, 2022

What do we do when life feels monotonous and predictable and our work becomes drudgery? Let's consider ways to renew our energy and enthusiasm.

Lessons from My Daughters – TPW394 May 11, 2022

This week I'm sharing some of the things I've learned from my own daughters about the qualities we need in order to make a life that matters.

Productivity by the Numbers – TPW393 May 04, 2022

This week we're looking at productivity by the numbers--including some numbers-based tools and techniques that can help boost our productivity.

Dealing with an Unexpected Monkey Wrench – TPW392 Apr 27, 2022

What do we do when life throws a monkey wrench into our carefully designed plans? We're looking at how to deal with unexpected disruptions.

Creating a Functional To-Do List – TPW391 Apr 20, 2022

This week we're looking at practical ways to create a to-do list that actually helps make sure you get the things done that matter most to you.

Dream Big, Act Small – TPW390 Apr 13, 2022

Dream big? Yes! This week we're talking about how we can achieve big dreams by taking small actions consistently.

Workplace Productivity – TPW389 Apr 06, 2022

Whether you work for yourself or for a company, workplace productivity is as important as productivity in our home. This week we're considering some ways to maintain your motivation and stay productive in your job.

Time, Energy, & Attention: Making Good Use of Finite Resources – TPW388 Mar 30, 2022

Making good use of our time, energy, and attention is essential to a meaningfully productive life.

Quick Reset Process for When Life’s Out of Control – TPW387 Mar 23, 2022

Whatever the reason, when life gets out of control, this simple reset process might just help you regain a sense of control and confidence.

Food for Thought for a Life That Matters – TPW386 Mar 16, 2022

This week I’m sharing some thought-provoking ideas from books I’m reading that inspire and motivate me to think differently about life and productivity.

4 Personal Productivity Problem Areas – TPW385 Mar 09, 2022

Productivity problem areas? This week I share my current top 4, along with some plans to "fix" them! Maybe some of the tips I found will help you, too.

Serenity in Stressful Times – TPW384 Mar 02, 2022

This week we're looking at ways to keep our worry and anxiety under control and our minds serene and focused.

Making the Most of Time Off – TPW383 Feb 23, 2022

Time to rest and recharge is an essential component of a productive life. This week we discuss how to make the most of time off.

Getting Organized, Part 2: Your Time – TPW382 Feb 16, 2022

In this week's episode, we continue our conversation about getting organized, this time looking specifically our time and how we can better use it.

A Few Tips for Getting Organized – TPW381 Feb 09, 2022

Getting organized brings big productivity benefits. This week we consider some tips for getting our space and stuff organized.

6 Ways to Make This Year Better than Last Year – TPW380 Feb 02, 2022

Coming out of my January podcasting sabbatical, I'm sharing 6 simple ways we can make this year better than last year.

Who Will You Be This Time Next Year? Setting Goals that Matter – TPW379 Dec 29, 2021

This week we're looking at a simple process for setting meaningful goals for the coming year.

Laying a Foundation: Lessons Learned – TPW378 Dec 22, 2021

This week we look at one way to conduct a year-end review that can lay the foundation for setting meaningful goals for the coming year.

Laying a Foundation: Primary Values & Guiding Principles – TPW377 Dec 15, 2021

Before we dig into setting ambitious goals for the next year, let's lay a foundation by identifying our primary values and the principles we live by.

Making Space for the New Year – TPW376 Dec 08, 2021

These last few weeks of the year are a great time to clear out some clutter--physical & mental--and make space for good things in the new year!

Favorite Productive Gifts for Yourself & Others – TPW375 Dec 01, 2021

Looking for some gift ideas (or productivity tools for yourself)? Here are a few I can recommend!

Thanksgiving and a Life that Matters – TPW374 Nov 24, 2021

The Thanksgiving holiday is a great time to remember the ways giving thanks contributes to a meaningfully productive life.

Saying No (and Yes) in “No”vember – TPW373 Nov 17, 2021

"No"vember is a great time to think about when to say no, when to say yes, and how getting it right contributes to a meaningfully productive life.

Countdown to Year-End – TPW372 Nov 10, 2021

It's nearly the end of the year (if you can believe it). Let's look at a few things we can do in the coming weeks to end the year on a productive note and set ourselves up for a successful 2022.

Personal Retreats: Getting Away to Move Forward – TPW371 Nov 03, 2021

Have you ever gone on a retreat? This week we're talking about how taking a step back can help us move forward toward more productive lives.

Productive Living: Wardrobe Wisdom, with Geralin Thomas – TPW370 Oct 27, 2021

An organized closet and a functional wardrobe can be a part of our meaningfully productive life. This week Geralin Thomas and I talk about building a wardrobe that is versatile, organized, and stress-free.

Inspiration for a Meaningfully Productive Life – TPW369 Oct 20, 2021

Other people's thoughts and writings can provide inspiration for our own meaningfully productive lives.

Buying Ourselves Time – TPW368 Oct 13, 2021

Sometimes spending money on the right tools and carefully chosen resources can buy back time for what matters most.

Obstacles to Productivity – TPW367 Oct 06, 2021

This week we're talking about ways to overcome some of the most common (and frustrating) obstacles to our productivity.

Productive Reading: Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport – TPW366 Sep 29, 2021

In this episode we continue our recurring “Productive Reading” series, this time talking about my key takeaways from Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport. (Spoiler alert: I HIGHLY recommend this book.)

Productive Living: Span of Control, with Carey Lohrenz – TPW365 Sep 22, 2021

In this latest episode of our 2021 Productive Living series, Navy fighter pilot, bestselling author, and mom Carey Lohrenz and I talk about formulating a plan for success by focusing on your span of control.

Productivity for Free – TPW364 Sep 15, 2021

Productivity doesn't have to be costly. This week I share ideas for free productivity tools that can help you accomplish more of what matters to you.

Back to School (as an adult) – TPW363 Sep 08, 2021

In this episode we discuss returning to school as an adult student and how to balance your studies and other responsibilities, while still making time for yourself.

Creating Productive Routines – TPW362 Sep 01, 2021

Developing intentional and purposeful routines can make a big difference in our day-to-day productivity.

Using Words Productively – TPW361 Aug 25, 2021

Using words productively calls for intentionality but can maximize our positive impact on the world around us.

Productive Living: Mental Health, with Scout Sobel – TPW360 Aug 18, 2021

In this latest installment of our 2021 Productive Living series, Scout Sobel and I talk about mental health & productivity--feeling safe in your emotions, living in alignment, and going after your dreams.

15 Productive Things You Can Do in 15 Minutes or Less – TPW359 Aug 11, 2021

We don't always have big chunks of time to devote to particular tasks or projects. Let's look at some ways to be productive when we only have a few minutes.

Recent Finds – Productivity Resource Discoveries – TPW358 Aug 04, 2021

This week I'm sharing some recently discovered productivity resources that you might find helpful as well!

Productive Living: Self Care, with Jaime McLaughlin – TPW357 Jul 28, 2021

Self-care matters! In this installment of the Productive Living series beauty expert Jaime McLaughlin and I talk about quick and easy daily self-care that helps us be productive, efficient, and present for what matters most.

How to Enjoy Rest – TPW356 Jul 21, 2021

We can give ourselves permission to rest, relax and recharge without feeling guilty about it. It's possible to make time for rest, enjoy it, and still be productive.

Simple Way to Manage To-Dos – TPW355 Jul 14, 2021

Looking for a simple but effective way to get your to-do list under control? That's our topic on this week's episode of The Productive Woman podcast.

Getting Back on Track – TPW354 Jul 07, 2021

No matter the reason, when you've let things slide for a while, getting back on track can feel like an overwhelming task. Let's talk about some tips that can help tame the chaos and reestablish some control.

Mid-Year Checkin – TPW353 Jun 30, 2021

Mid-year is a good time to pause and reflect. Are you happy with how the year has gone so far?

Productive Living: Lifestyle Medicine, with Sarah Keyes – TPW352 Jun 23, 2021

Join Physician Assistant Sarah Keyes and me in this latest episode of the Productive Living series as we talk about how to taking care of our health by making simple but meaningful lifestyle choices--and giving ourselves grace along the way.

Doing Things Badly – TPW351 Jun 16, 2021

This week I discuss our fears surrounding trying new things and why doing things badly can be very productive.

Prioritizing Your Passions, with Mary Sutton – TPW350 Jun 09, 2021

Multi-published mystery author and full-time technical writer Mary Sutton and I chat about committing to your passions and finding time for “your” stuff amidst the things you “have” to do.

Productive Reading: Effortless – TPW349 Jun 02, 2021

The most essential things don't have to be so hard. In this newest installment of our recurring Productive Reading series I'm sharing my key takeaways from Greg McKeown's new book, Effortless.

Productive Living: Getting Dinner on the Table, with Kelly Senyei – TPW348 May 26, 2021

In a continuation of the 2021 Productive Living series, I talk with chef, cookbook author, and mom Kelly Senyei about feeding our families, maximizing our productivity, and giving ourselves grace.

10 Unproductive Things to Stop Doing – TPW347 May 19, 2021

Sometimes in order to make space in our lives for the good and productive things, we need to weed out the unproductive things--things we do habitually that don’t serve us. In this episode we're talking about 10 unproductive things we can stop doing to be more productive.

Productive Living: Women and Leadership, with Lydia Fenet – TPW346 May 12, 2021

Author, auctioneer, and NYC mom Lydia Fenet and I talk about leading with confidence, negotiating for what you're worth, and networking like a pro.

Personal Productivity: 10 Things You Might Not Know About Me – TPW345 May 05, 2021

Since productivity is such a personal thing, I thought it might be fun to share a few things you might not know about me and how they affect my productivity. I invite you to do an inventory of the personal factors that affect your productivity.

Productive Living: Finding Peace In Our Parenting, with Lynyetta Willis – TPW344 Apr 28, 2021

Psychologist Dr. Lynyetta Willis and I discuss parenting, productivity, and family empowerment.

Five Ways To Get Started – TPW343 Apr 21, 2021

How do you get started when faced with paralyzing overwhelm? In this episode I share 5 tips that can help.

Building Meaningful Relationships in a Virtual World, with Betsy Hays – TPW342 Apr 14, 2021

Author and college professor Betsy Hays and I talk about how we can build and nurture professional and personal relationships through virtual networking.

How to Be Happy – TPW341 Apr 07, 2021

Studies show happy people are more productive. This week we're talking about things we can do to be happy.

13 Apps That Help Me Manage My Life – TPW340 Mar 31, 2021

This week I'm sharing some apps that help me manage my life, get things done that are important to me, and stay productive throughout my day.

Productive Living: Managing Your Money Well, with Alaina Fingal – TPW339 Mar 24, 2021

In this installment of our Productive Living series, I talk with accountant and certified financial coach Alaina Fingal about money and productivity--including how you can overcome fear related to your money, learn how to establish a budget, and save for your future.

Habits That Help Me Stay Productive (and a Few I Need to Work On) – TPW338 Mar 17, 2021

This week we’re talking about habits, specifically looking at some habits that help me stay productive and a few that don’t. We also discuss how to replace "bad" habits with ones that will really serve you in your daily life.

Productivity While Living Abroad, with Sarah Tulen – TPW337 Mar 10, 2021

Newlywed, Gen-Z'er, and small business owner Sarah Tulen and I talk about balancing and growing a new business (and a new marriage!), all while living in a new country.

How to Choose and Use a Planner – TPW336 Mar 03, 2021

This week we're talking about how to choose and use a paper planner to be more productive.

Productive Living: Prioritizing Health and Fitness, with Jennifer Nagel – TPW335 Feb 24, 2021

This week's episode, which is part of our Productive Living series, features my conversation with certified personal trainer and CEO of Figured Out Fitness, Jennifer Nagel, about how a well-rounded fitness routine can contribute to our productivity and making a life that matters.

Creating a Weekly Schedule That Helps You Get Things Done – TPW334 Feb 17, 2021

If you’re frustrated by the feeling that weeks go by with no progress on the things that matter to you, or you don’t seem to have enough time in a week to get the things done that you need and want to do, creating a schedule can help.

Maintaining Balance as a Military Spouse, with Carla Swartz – TPW333 Feb 10, 2021

Special education professional, mom, and military wife Carla Swartz and I discuss balancing a busy career, parenting, and a spouse in the military.

Simple Daily Hacks for a Productive Home – TPW332 Feb 03, 2021

Often we don’t have the time to spend all day cleaning. But there are small things we can do each day to help maintain order, peace, and productivity at home.

Productive Living: Avoiding Career Burnout, with Errin Weisman, DO – TPW331 Jan 27, 2021

Have you experienced burnout in your profession or career? This week's episode, the first in our new Productive Living series, features my conversation with physician and life coach Errin Weisman about how we can avoid and recover from career burnout.

Multifaceted Productivity – TPW 330 Jan 20, 2021

This week I introduce a new recurring series featuring conversations with women who have expertise, insights, or experience in areas that are important elements of productive living.

Creating a Balanced Life, with Whitnee Hawthorne – TPW329 Jan 13, 2021

Busy mom, podcaster, and Fortune 500 executive Whitnee Hawthorne and I talk about how she balances her professional life with her commitment to her family and her passion for helping other working moms.

Ideas For a Productive New Year – TPW328 Jan 06, 2021

Turning the calendar to a new year doesn’t actually have any meaning in and of itself, but it can be a great time to do a reset and take a few actions that will set you up for improved productivity in the weeks and months to come.

Thank You – TPW327 Dec 30, 2020

As we wrap up this unusual year, I wanted to take just a few minutes to say thank you--and to leave you with some quotes that inspire me to dream big and accomplish my goals.

This Time Next Year – TPW326 Dec 23, 2020

This year has been challenging, to say the least. As the year wraps up, let's take time to look towards the future and think about where we'd like to be this time next year. What steps can we take now to get us where we want to be?

Lessons from an Unusual Year – TPW325 Dec 16, 2020

This unusual year has shaken us as individuals and as a society. A lot of us have had to rethink our priorities, even our identity. The upheaval and challenges have brought to the forefront of my mind some personal qualities I think are important if we want to be productive and make a life that matters.

Productive Reading: The Minimalist Home – TPW324 Dec 09, 2020

This week we continue our Productive Reading Series, talking about my key takeaways from Joshua Becker's excellent book, The Minimalist Home.

Discovering Your Potential, with Margaret Alabi – TPW323 Dec 02, 2020

Margaret Alabi is a busy Pharmacist by day but spends her free time coaching others to reach their full potential as leaders through The Pivot Consulting Group, the agency she co-founded. This episode features my conversation with Margaret about how she implements tools for sustainable productivity to balance her professional life with her passion for helping others grow.

Giving Thanks – TPW322 Nov 25, 2020

Giving thanks and feeling grateful matter to our mental and physical health, to our relationships--and to our productivity. Especially in light of the challenges we've all faced this year, the Thanksgiving holiday is a good reminder of how important it is to give thanks every day.

Getting and Staying Motivated – TPW321 Nov 18, 2020

Motivation is what drives us to act and keep acting. But internal and external obstacles can sap our motivation and keep us from accomplishing goals. How can we get--and keep--ourselves motivated to keep moving forward?

Prioritizing Your Time, with Elizabeth Hill – TPW320 Nov 11, 2020

Elizabeth Hill is a busy mom, business owner, and lawyer who is trying to make the best use of her time, while also being careful to make time for herself. This week we discuss her multiple roles and her tips for starting a small business.

Holiday Prep – TPW319 Nov 04, 2020

Our 2020 holiday celebrations and gatherings may look different from years past. This week we discuss some things we can do now to prepare for a joyous and safe holiday season.

Healthy Habits for Productive Living – TPW318 Oct 28, 2020

Being physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy leads to a more productive life. This week we consider a few healthy habits that can help.

Searching for Balance, with Sarah Im – TPW317 Oct 21, 2020

Like many of us, mom and Realtor Sarah Im is searching for a workable balance between work and family. This week she and I talk about that search, and about raising children in a thoughtful and intentional way.

6 Productive Things to Do Before the Year Ends – TPW316 Oct 14, 2020

This week we're looking at what can we do in the coming weeks to ensure our year ends on a productive note and to prepare for next year.

Favorite Productivity Tools and How I Use Them – TPW315 Oct 07, 2020

I don’t believe productivity is dependent on particular tools or apps, but we are fortunate to live in an age when there are many resources available to make our lives and work simpler and more efficient. This week I'm sharing a few of my favorite productivity tools.

Speaking with Confidence, with Mary Cheyne – TPW314 Sep 30, 2020

This week, Mary Cheyne and I talk about finding your voice, speaking with confidence, and how to bypass your inner critic. Even if you have no interest in speaking from a stage, Mary has some great tips for speaking confidently in any situation.

Preparing for Emergencies – TPW313 Sep 23, 2020

No one likes to think about an emergency occurring, but it's important to be prepared. Since September is National Preparedness Month, I thought I’d share a few things I’ve learned about how to prepare for an emergency situation and ensure you and your household are safe.

That Project You’ve Been Avoiding – TPW312 Sep 16, 2020

Do you have a project you've been avoiding because you're overwhelmed, don't have time, or aren't sure how to get started, or a dream you haven't taken action on because you're afraid it's out of reach? This week we're talking about how to figure out what's holding us back and come up with strategies to get started.

Practicing Gratitude, with Autumn McKay – TPW311 Sep 09, 2020

Early childhood education profession, mom, and author Autumn McKay talks with me about mom guilt, practicing gratitude, and keeping kids engaged and happy during hectic times.

A Life Well Lived – TPW310 Sep 02, 2020

Productivity is more than just crossing things off a to-do list. How would you define a life well lived? It’s easy to get absorbed in our days and lose sight of the bigger picture (those things that matter most) unless we intentionally make time and opportunities to remind ourselves why we’re doing the things we do.

Keep Calm and Carry On – TPW309 Aug 26, 2020

"Keep calm" is easy to say but sometimes harder to do. The week we're looking at ways to cope productively with anxiety and stress during tough times.

The Paper Solution, with Lisa Woodruff – TPW308 Aug 19, 2020

Professional organizer Lisa Woodruff returns to the podcast to talk with me about how we can increase our productivity and happiness by conquering paper clutter in our homes and offices using the system described in her excellent new book, The Paper Solution.

All or Nothing – TPW307 Aug 12, 2020

Having an overachieving "do it all, all the time" mindset can lead to burnout, discouragement, and missing out on what's really important. This week we're looking at ways to overcome the paralyzing, discouraging effects of perfectionism and move forward on the goals that matter most to us.

How to Have a Good Week – TPW306 Aug 05, 2020

This week we’re talking about how to have a good, productive week, and how to make kindness and gratitude a part of every day.

Intentional Priorities, with Elizabeth Benton – TPW305 Jul 29, 2020

To achieve a goal, we have to keep saying yes to that priority when we want to say no. This week Elizabeth Benton and I talk about setting, and living by, intentional priorities.

Using Free Time Well – TPW304 Jul 22, 2020

When normal activities are suspended, whether during a pandemic or due to some other change in circumstances, we might find ourselves with unexpected free time. How can we use that free time in positive and productive ways?

Mid-Year Reflection – TPW303 Jul 15, 2020

2020 has been an unusual year. How have the first six months of 2020 gone for you? What do you want the next 6 months to look like? Mid-year is a good time to pause, reflect, and regroup.

Reclaiming Your Creativity, with Majo Molfino – TPW302 Jul 08, 2020

This week, Majo Molfino and I talk about the 5 Good Girl Myths, reclaiming your creativity, and finding your purpose.

Favorite Productivity Tips & Tools – TPW301 Jul 01, 2020

As we celebrate 6 years (!!) of The Productive Woman podcast, here are a few productivity tips and tools from the TPW community and from me!

Meaningful Productivity – TPW300 Jun 24, 2020

It's not enough to just get lots of stuff done. We want to make lives that matter--we want our productivity to be meaningful. In this milestone episode, we discuss what meaningful productivity means and how we can order our lives so as to maximize our positive impact on the world.

Using Your Voice, with Eva Jannotta – TPW299 Jun 17, 2020

This week, Eva Jannotta and I chat about being the most productive version of yourself and boldly using your voice to advocate for what you want.

Getting Back On Track – TPW298 Jun 10, 2020

Even those of us who usually practice productive habits get off track sometimes. What do you do to get back on track when everything gets away from you?

What I Do to Make Time – TPW297 Jun 03, 2020

With all the hats we wear and our never-ending to-do lists, it's important to use our time wisely so we can focus on the things that truly matter. This week I'm sharing a few things I do to make time for what matters most to me.

Deconstructing Wellness, with Kris Rice – TPW296 May 27, 2020

Kris Rice and I chat about how she prioritizes wellness and tends to her most important priorities. (And don't miss the freebie she's offering TPW listeners--see the link in the show notes!)

Productive Reading: A Few Recommendations – TPW295 May 20, 2020

Good books can be a source of entertainment, education, and inspiration, helping us make meaningfully productive lives. Here are a few of my favorites.

Things I Know For Sure – TPW294 May 13, 2020

What do you know for sure? The older I get, the less certain I am about many things, but there are a few things I know for sure about productivity and making a life that matters.

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome, with Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin – TPW293 May 06, 2020

Psychologist, executive coach, and author Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin has focused her career on helping women (and men) overcome Impostor Syndrome and make meaningfully productive lives.

Trauma and Productivity – TPW292 Apr 29, 2020

How can you be productive during, or in the aftermath of, trauma?

Favorite Tips from Professional Organizers – TPW291 Apr 22, 2020

As a longtime organization nerd, I've gathered some great tips from professional organizers whose books, YouTube videos, podcasts, and articles I've learned from over the years.

Incremental Steps to your Goal, with Merrily Orsini – TPW290 Apr 15, 2020

Healthcare executive Merrily Orsini is an advocate for home healthcare--and for taking small incremental steps to achieve your most cherished goals.

Friends, Mentors, and a Life that Matters – TPW289 Apr 08, 2020

Meaningful productivity is about making a life that matters. For me, a life that matters centers on people that matter. Aside from family, friends and mentors have perhaps the most influence on our meaningfully productive life.

Adjusting to Working from Home – TPW288 Apr 01, 2020

Working from home can be great, but if the decision to do so was made for you by outside circumstances and with little time to prepare, it comes with unique challenges.

Life During a Crisis – TPW287 Mar 28, 2020

This week I'm sharing a few thoughts about life and productivity during a time of crisis, including a few suggestions for adjusting to a new reality.

11 Time Wasters to Eliminate – TPW286 Mar 18, 2020

What time wasters can we eliminate to make more time for what matters most? We're talking about a few of them in this week's episode.

Setting Goals that Matter – TPW285 Mar 11, 2020

Setting goals that matter starts with knowing what's most important to you. This week we're reviewing some principles of setting meaningful goals.

Thoughts About Work-Life Balance – TPW284 Mar 04, 2020

Is work-life balance really a thing? Some thoughts about what it means (and what it doesn't mean) on this week's episode.

Presence and Productivity, with Mayda Poc – TPW283 Feb 26, 2020

This week's episode features my conversation with former investment banking professional Mayda Poc about how she intentionally incorporates being present in the moment into her productive life.

Healthy Eating When You Don’t Have Time – TPW282 Feb 19, 2020

This week's episode features tips from women in the TPW community on how they fit healthy eating into their busy lives.

The Power of What We Can Control – TPW281 Feb 12, 2020

When it comes to making a meaningfully productive life, there is incredible power in focusing on the things we can control.

Capitalizing Optimal Hours of Productivity, with Min Choi – TPW280 Feb 05, 2020

This week's episode of The Productive Woman podcast features my conversation with professor, wife, and mom Min Choi about how she identified her optimal hours for productivity and protects those hours for getting her most important work done.

Getting Stuff Done – TPW279 Jan 29, 2020

What gets in the way of getting stuff done, and how can we overcome those obstacles and accomplish what matters to us?

11 Ways to Keep Your New Year Motivation Going – TPW278 Jan 22, 2020

Achieving our goals this year requires consistent action. What do you do if your motivation to act starts to fade as the year continues?

10 Things to Declutter – TPW277 Jan 15, 2020

The beginning of a new year is a great time to declutter your space. This week's episode offers some ideas and inspiration to get you started.

Good Morning, Good Life, with Amy Landino – TPW276 Jan 08, 2020

Amy Landino is on a mission to help you go after the life you want, starting with a morning routine that launches and grounds productive days.

5 Small Things to Do Every Day This Year – TPW275 Jan 01, 2020

Big changes are impressive, but great progress can be achieved by taking small actions consistently. Consider 5 small things to do every day for a more productive year.

Holiday Wishes and Year-end Reminders – TPW274 Dec 25, 2019

This brief episode looks at four productive choices we can make during the holidays--and every day.

Choosing (and Using) a Planner – TPW 273 Dec 18, 2019

Now's a great time to think about a new planner for the coming year. In this week's episode we look at some things to consider in choosing (and using) a planner--including some great suggestions from the TPW community.

Fill Up Your Cup, with Dallas Heath – TPW272 Dec 11, 2019

This week I'm talking with nutrition and wellness coach Dallas Heath about how intentional self-care helps her (and us) be more productive.

Productive Reading: Attention Management by Maura Thomas – TPW271 Dec 04, 2019

Attention management is a key productivity skill--and the subject of Maura Thomas's book, Attention Management.

Gratitude – TPW270 Nov 27, 2019

Cultivating gratitude helps us be happier and more productive. Hear about a few more benefits of gratitude in this week's quick holiday-week episode.

Boundaries, with Helen Wright – TPW269 Nov 20, 2019

London-based banking professional Helen Wright sets intentional boundaries between work, personal, and family commitments. We talk about what that means to her in this week's episode.

Productivity Tools – TPW268 Nov 13, 2019

What are your favorite productivity tools? I'm sharing 10 of mine on this week's episode.

Heart to Heart – TPW267 Nov 06, 2019

Do you ever feel disappointed in your own productivity? Me too. This week I'm sharing a few thoughts from my heart about productivity, disappointed expectations, and feeling better.

Simplicity and Flexibility, with Natalie Rodriguez – TPW266 Oct 30, 2019

This week's episode features my conversation with law school dean and mom Natalie Rodriguez about how she structures her life for simplicity and flexibility to make room for what matters most to her.

Partner Productivity – TPW265 Oct 23, 2019

How can we influence our spouses, and others close to us, to be more productive, and why would we want to?

Taking the Lead (Women & Leadership) – TPW264 Oct 16, 2019

What does it take to be an effective, productive leader?

Get Organized Head First, with Claire Kellems – TPW263 Oct 09, 2019

Working mom Claire Kellems' search for order in her chaotic life has led to a blog, a business, and more peace of mind. How she got organized (and how you can too) is the subject of our conversation in this week's episode.

Giving Grace – TPW262 Oct 02, 2019

What does it mean to extend grace, and what does grace have to do with productivity? A conversation about grace and compassion on this week's episode of The Productive Woman.

Isolation – TPW261 Sep 25, 2019

Do isolation or loneliness affect your productivity?

Career Clarity, with Jamie Lieberman – TPW260 Sep 18, 2019

Using experience to find clarity on what matters to her has helped attorney, entrepreneur, wife, and mom Jamie Lieberman build a career and life she loves.

Getting Ready to Move – TPW259 Sep 11, 2019

Getting ready to move to a new home is a project that can be made easier with a little thought and planning.

Workplace Productivity – TPW258 Sep 04, 2019

What can we do to maximize our productivity at work, wherever our workplace might be?

Taking the Next Move, with Jana Arellano – TPW257 Aug 28, 2019

Jana Arellano has made more than one big move in her life, and she's learned from every one. Her next move is helping other women develop the confidence to make their next move. How she makes it happen is the subject of our conversation.

Making Difficult Decisions – TPW256 Aug 21, 2019

We can't make a life that matters without making decisions, but some decisions are harder than others. How can we make decision-making a little less stressful?

Hormones and Productivity – TPW255 Aug 14, 2019

This week we're discussing how hormonal changes, and the symptoms caused by those changes, affect our productivity during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause. (And this discussion isn't just for women!)

Beating Overwhelm, with Mridu Parikh – TPW254 Aug 07, 2019

This week I'm chatting with speaker, author, wife, and mom Mridu Parikh about how she minimizes overwhelm by simplifying where she can and by ordering her days intentionally.

When You Want to Do It All – TPW253 Jul 31, 2019

Whether you want to focus on one thing at a time or simultaneously pursue multiple goals, make sure you like the life you're creating.

How I Get Work Done – TPW252 Jul 24, 2019

Sometimes when we're looking for ways to get work done, it helps to hear about tools and techniques that have been effective for other people. This week I'm sharing a bit about the tools, systems, and approaches I use to get work done.

Structure & Empowerment for Lasting Impact, with Jill Valdez – TPW 251 Jul 17, 2019

This week I'm talking with Jill Valdez about how intentional structure in her multi-faceted life helps her create impact, and how she's encouraging managers & business owners to empower their employees to do the same.

Productive Reading: Free To Focus by Michael Hyatt – TPW250 Jul 10, 2019

Looking for a worthwhile summer read? I recommend Michael Hyatt's book, Free to Focus. Hear my key takeaways in this episode, the latest installment in our recurring Productive Reading series.

5 Years of The Productive Woman – TPW249 Jul 03, 2019

The Productive Woman podcast is 5 years old! In this episode I'm sharing productivity lessons learned, dreams for the future, and 5 questions for you.

Making Room for the Things That Matter to You, with Susan Comiskey – TPW248 Jun 26, 2019

This week's episode features my conversation with Australia native (but current Singapore resident) Susan Comiskey about how she makes time for speaking, teaching, and doctoral studies while making a life that matters with her husband and daughter.

Remember This: 10 Productivity Principles – TPW247 Jun 19, 2019

Some productivity principles are worth being reminded of from time to time. Here are a few that I think are important.

Why We Do What We Do – TPW246 Jun 12, 2019

Understanding why we do what we do is key to taking intentional actions that serve us--and can also help us be more compassionate toward others. If you're ever frustrated because you do things that don't make sense in light of your goals and values, you might appreciate this week's episode of the podcast.

Structuring Your Days with Intention, with Nina Means – TPW245 Jun 05, 2019

For fashion designer, "Fashion Incubator" director, and new mom Nina Means, structuring her days with intention is key to making time for what matters most to her. Hear how she's making a life that matters in this week's episode.

Summer Fun & Safety – TPW244 May 29, 2019

Summer's upon us (at least those of us in the northern hemisphere)! With a little bit of forethought, summer can be both fun and safe. In this week's episode we consider some suggestions for both.

Dealing with Distraction – TPW243 May 22, 2019

Does distraction interfere with your productivity and keep you from accomplishing all you want to? In episode 243 of The Productive Woman we look at some effects and causes of distraction--and a few solutions.

Redefining Modern Motherhood, with Joanna Parker – TPW242 May 15, 2019

Working out a solution to a daily parenting challenge inspired one mom to launch a business committed to helping other moms. This episode features my conversation with Yumble founder Joanna Parker about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and finding your own way.

Motherhood & a Life That Matters – TPW241 May 08, 2019

Does having children interfere with productivity or does it motivate us to be productive? This episode offers some thoughts on motherhood and making a life that matters.

Making Good Use of Your Evenings – TPW240 May 01, 2019

When evening (or other "off work" time) comes, do you use it well or let it fritter away? What are some ways to make good use of your time off?

Lessons from a Multi-faceted Life, with Jennifer (Eunchim) Choi – TPW239 Apr 24, 2019

Episode 239 of The Productive Woman podcast features my conversation with humanitarian aid & community development consultant (and wife and mom) Jennifer Choi, who shares lessons learned about making a multi-faceted, multicultural life that matters.

There’s Nothing Wrong with You – TPW238 Apr 17, 2019

Making a life that matters has its challenges--for all of us. Can I encourage you to believe there's nothing wrong with you if you struggle sometimes to make it all work the way you think it should?

Essential Productivity Tools – TPW237 Apr 10, 2019

What tools do you think are most important for being productive and making a life that matters? I share my list in this episode--and a couple of them might surprise you.

Consumption, Creation, and Contribution – TPW236 Apr 03, 2019

Consuming content and learning new things is valuable, but to achieve our goals and make a life that matters, we have to do something with what we learn. Thoughts on consumption, creation, and contribution in this week's episode.

Clutter, Minimalism, & Convenience – TPW235 Mar 27, 2019

Decluttering is a hot topic these days. For some, the logical outcome of decluttering is minimalism. But who we are matters more than what (or how much) we own. Finding a balance between clutter and convenience can contribute to a productive life.

Productivity Across Borders, with Christiane Kenny – TPW234 Mar 20, 2019

Canadian native Christiane Kenny has moved cross-border (cross-oceans!) more than once. Hear her tips for international living in this week's episode.

How to Figure Out What Matters Most – TPW233 Mar 13, 2019

To make a life that matters, we have to know what matters most. How do we decide among all the opportunities and commitments to figure out what matters most--where we can best focus our time, energy, and attention?

Making a Life That Matters, YOUR Way – TPW232 Mar 06, 2019

Productivity systems and resources are just tools. They're a means to an end, not the end itself. The end is a life that matters, as you define it. This week's episode looks at productivity, peer pressure, and intentional choices.

Lagom (Just Enough), with Jane Andersson – TPW231 Feb 27, 2019

Swedish journalist Jane Andersson recommends the Swedish concept of lagom (loosely translated as "just enough") as a key to making a meaningfully productive life.

Productive Reading: Atomic Habits by James Clear – TPW230 Feb 20, 2019

In this latest episode of our recurring Productive Reading series, I share my key takeaways from James Clear's outstanding book, Atomic Habits, a book about how small habits can have big impact on our productivity.

How to Make a Bad Day Better – TPW229 Feb 13, 2019

We might not be able to stop bad days from coming, but there are things we can do to make a bad day better.

Making a Difference, with Karina Hayat – TPW228 Feb 06, 2019

Canadian executive and philanthropist Karina Hayat shares how she makes time for making a difference through focusing on her professional and personal priorities.

How to Renew Your Motivation – TPW227 Jan 30, 2019

Are you making progress on your goals for this year, or has progress slowed because you're not consistently taking action? This episode offers ideas on how to reignite your fading motivation so you can keep moving forward to accomplish what matters most to you.

Habits to Consider for this Year – TPW226 Jan 23, 2019

This week we're considering how our habits affect productivity and some suggestions for habits to develop this year.

Mindset Management, with Natalie Eckdahl – TPW225 Jan 16, 2019

Entrepreneur, business coach, and author Natalie Eckdahl talks about the importance of managing our mindset, and shares how the support of an intentionally assembled team helps her accomplish what matters most to her.

7 Things to Stop Doing This Year – TPW224 Jan 09, 2019

Last week we talked about resolutions and goals--things we plan to start doing this year. This week, let's consider some things to stop doing (and what to do instead).

Resolutions & Goals – TPW223 Jan 02, 2019

As the new year begins, are you making resolutions, setting goals, or both? What's the difference, and how can they work together to create the results you want?

One Last Thing (What Matters Most) -TPW222 Dec 26, 2018

What matters most to you, and how will you make room for it in your life in the coming year? In this last episode of the year, I share some thoughts I'm pondering as the year ends and a new one begins.

Thoughts for the Disappointed – TPW221 Dec 19, 2018

Disappointed with your progress toward the goals you set for yourself this year? Let's talk about things you can do to start down a more productive path.

Creating a Centralized Productivity System, with Vicky Volvovski – TPW 220 Dec 12, 2018

Tech executive, award-winning food blogger, wife, and mom Vicky Volvovski shares thoughts on managing a busy life with a centralized system, and on brainstorming solutions to challenging projects.

Making Time to Plan – TPW219 Dec 05, 2018

Planning ahead is a key to living intentionally rather than reactively. But how do we make time to plan when our days are already full?

Today, Tomorrow, & a Year from Now – TPW218 Nov 28, 2018

Some of us (raising my hand) tend to focus so much on the future that we forget to be present today. On the other hand, it's easy to get so wrapped up in our day-to-day commitments that we forget to step back and look at the long-term big picture. A challenge for many of us is to plan sufficiently for the future without letting worries for the future cloud our present.

Being Intentional with Time, with Laura Vanderkam – TPW217 Nov 21, 2018

"Time keeps passing whether or not you think about where it's going." Laura Vanderkam, author of Off the Clock & other books about productivity and time management, encourages us to be intentional about how we use our time..

Habits That Help – TPW216 Nov 14, 2018

A few simple habits can make a big difference in our day-to-day productivity and help us accomplish more with less effort. In this episode I share a few small habits that help me make time for what matters most.

Task Management 101 – TPW215 Nov 07, 2018

Is your to-do list getting the better of you? Let's review some task management basics that will help you get your list under control and make real progress on the projects that matter most to you.

Dealing with Conflict – TPW214 Oct 31, 2018

Most of us don't like conflict, but it's an inevitable part of the human condition. It doesn't have to derail our productivity, though--if we can find constructive ways to deal with it.

Silence and Solitude, with Katie Krimitsos – TPW213 Oct 24, 2018

"If you’re having a hard time getting things done because you're anxious and totally depleting yourself, maybe it's time for you to spend some time on yourself in quiet." Katie Krimitsos returns to The Productive Woman to share lessons learned about the value of silence and solitude in making a life that matters.

Making Time to Read – TPW212 Oct 17, 2018

Why is the Productive Reading series a part of The Productive Woman podcast? Because reading can contribute in a big way to making a life that matters.

Productive Reading: The Free-Time Formula – TPW211 Oct 10, 2018

Wish you had more free time? Get some practical ideas and wise advice from Jeff Sanders in his newest book, The Free-Time Formula. This is the next in our Productive Reading series.

What I Wish I’d Known – TPW210 Oct 03, 2018

It’s never too late to do what you’ve dreamed of. A few lessons about productivity and life I wish I'd learned sooner.

Mindset Over Money, with Patrice Washington – TPW209 Sep 26, 2018

"Wealth is about more than money." This week's episode features my conversation with "America's Money Maven," Patrice Washington, about living intentionally, creating a better mindset about money, and making a life that matters.

Making a Difference – TPW208 Sep 19, 2018

If our definition of a productive woman is one who orders her life in such a way as to maximize her positive impact in the world, what can we do to expand our influence and make a positive difference in the world around us?

Peace & Productivity – TPW207 Sep 12, 2018

Is it possible to be both productive and peaceful? I believe it is, but I'm not always experiencing it lately. Some thoughts about why, and how to "fix" it, in this week's episode.

Things That Make Life Easier – TPW206 Sep 05, 2018

What apps, tech, tools, and services do you rely on to make your life easier? I share a few of mine in this episode.

Drawing Courage from Past Experiences, with Tauria Catlin – TPW205 Aug 29, 2018

Wife, mom, entrepreneur, and U.S. Naval Academy graduate Tauria Catlin shares how the challenges she's overcome in the past give her the courage to face today's challenges and make a life that matters to her.

Preparing for the Next Season – TPW204 Aug 22, 2018

In both the northern and southern hemispheres, a change in seasons is upon us. Whether moving from summer to fall, or winter to summer, what are some steps we can take to prepare to make the change of seasons go more smoothly?

13 Areas to Declutter in Our Homes – TPW203 Aug 15, 2018

Want to reduce stress, boost productivity, and enjoy your home more? Let's talk about why, how, and where to declutter our homes.

Launching Your Kids – TPW202 Aug 08, 2018

When our children grow up and leave our nest, the transition can be hard. How can we make launching our kids a positive experience for them--and us?

Designing Productive Systems, with Crystal Collinson – TPW201 Aug 01, 2018

Canadian designer Crystal Collinson juggles multiple roles by setting up productive systems that let her get the important things done.

Ask Me Anything – TPW200 Jul 25, 2018

Curious about podcasting? About how I manage a legal career & 5 kids? About productivity tools I recommend and techniques I use? I invited listeners to ask me anything. My answers in this milestone episode 200 of The Productive Woman podcast.

What a Life That Matters Means – TPW199 Jul 18, 2018

For four years and nearly 200 episodes, we've talked in The Productive Woman community about making a life that matters. What does that mean?

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Mid-Year – TPW198 Jul 11, 2018

Are you on track for the year you want? Mid-year is a great time to pause and ask yourself some key questions to focus your energy and attention for the second half of the year.

Productivity and Freedom – TPW197 Jul 04, 2018

Being productive in the best sense can result in the freedom that comes from the confidence that you are enough, you’re doing enough, and you can create a meaningful life. This episode looks at connections between productivity and freedom.

Productivity, Retirement, and Change, with Vicki Judd – TPW196 Jun 27, 2018

How does the definition of productivity change from one stage of life to the next? Recent retiree Vicki Judd shares some thoughts on making a life that matters during the changing seasons of life.

When You Feel Like Quitting – TPW195 Jun 20, 2018

Do you ever feel like quitting? I do. Knowing why it happens can help us come up with solutions and keep pressing forward toward accomplishing what matters most.

10 (or so) Ways to Stay Focused – TPW194 Jun 13, 2018

What can we do to stay on track when we're struggling to stay focused? This week we look at some possible reasons for that struggle, and some ideas that might help.

Insights from The Organized Soprano, with Kay Patterson – TPW193 Jun 06, 2018

Juggling two very different careers requires careful balancing and self-awareness. Professional organizer and singer Kay Patterson (known on social media as The Organized Soprano) shares how she does it--and has a lot of fun along the way.

The Quantified Self – TPW192 May 30, 2018

Tracking and measuring personal metrics as a tool for self-improvement has benefits for individuals and groups, but those of us interested in the quantified self should be aware of potential risks as well.

Making Time for Fun – TPW191 May 23, 2018

Have we filled our days with so many commitments we've left no time for fun? Worse, have we forgotten how to have fun? The TPW community has some suggestions to help us correct that!

Juggling Multiple Roles, with Coryne Forest – TPW190 May 16, 2018

Engineer and leadership consultant Coryne Forest shares tips on how she manages multiple roles and multiple passions--a fulltime day job, a business helping women excel in STEM careers, her family, and self-care.

Productivity for New Moms – TPW189 May 09, 2018

Becoming a mom is a wonderful thing, but it has some challenges, too. How can new moms be productive in the best sense?

Dealing with Downsizing (Your Home) – TPW188 May 02, 2018

Bigger isn't always better. In this episode we consider the why and how of downsizing your home.

Becoming Chief Home Officer, with Natali Morris – TPW187 Apr 25, 2018

Broadcaster and CFO Natali Morris is intentional about creating a life that matters through financial freedom, and she shares with us how she and her husband worked to make that a reality for their family.

Spring Cleaning When You Don’t Have Time – TPW186 Apr 18, 2018

Got the spring cleaning bug but little time to get it done? Some tips for fitting it into your schedule--if you want to!--in this episode.

Tips and Tools for Email Mastery – TPW185 Apr 11, 2018

How can we make email less overwhelming and more useful? A few tips and tools that can help.

Discernment and Self-Care, with Jodi Womack – TPW184 Apr 04, 2018

What role do discernment and self-care play in a meaningfully productive life? Executive coach & author Jodi Womack shares some tips and tools in this week's episode.

Productivity on a Non-Standard Schedule – TPW183 Mar 28, 2018

Many productivity conversations assume a 9 to 5 work schedule. How can you stay productive if you or others in your household work nights or weekends or some other non-standard schedule?

Productive Reading: Soulful Simplicity – TPW182 Mar 21, 2018

Courtney Carver's newest book, Soulful Simplicity, makes a compelling case for clearing the clutter out of our schedules, our homes, and our minds to make space for a meaningfully productive life.

Time Management & Balance, with Susan May Warren – TPW181 Mar 14, 2018

Award-winning author Susan May Warren shares how she gets things done by using a time management approach that keeps rhythm, balance, and the big picture in mind.

Having It All – TPW180 Mar 07, 2018

Is "having it all" a possibility for 21st-century women (or men)? What does having it all mean to you? We consider some important questions in this episode.

Motivation and Habit – TPW179 Feb 28, 2018

How do motivation and habit interact to get and keep us productive?

Pursuing Vocational & Avocational Passions, with Tyree Ayers – TPW178 Feb 21, 2018

Lawyer and yogi Tyree Ayers is constantly balancing the demands of her law career and passion for living a healthy and fulfilling life and encouraging others to do the same. She shares how she makes time to pursue both her vocational and avocational passions.

Relationships & Productivity – TPW177 Feb 14, 2018

How do your relationships affect your productivity? And how can you make time to nurture the relationships--professional & personal--that mean the most to you?

Productivity Tools & Techniques to Try – TPW176 Feb 07, 2018

If your year got off to a strong start but your progress is faltering a bit, tweaking your routine with one of these productivity tools and techniques might give you a boost.

Delegation – TPW175 Jan 31, 2018

Delegation is a key productivity tool. So why don't we do it more? In response to a listener question, we take a look at how delegation can help us to be more productive, and how we can improve our delegation skills.

Grace-Filled Productivity, with Liz Curtis Higgs – TPW174 Jan 24, 2018

It's easy to fall into the traps of self-criticism and negativity when your productivity isn't where you want it to be, whether the cause is self-inflicted or out of your control. Author and speaker Liz Curtis Higgs shares how she overcomes these challenges.

Focus (a word for the year) – TPW173 Jan 17, 2018

The better we're able to focus on what matters most, the more productive we'll be. This week we're discussing how focus impacts our productivity and how we can improve our focus.

10 Essentials for Making a Life that Matters – TPW172 Jan 10, 2018

If you want to make a life that matters, where do you start? In this episode we're looking at 10 essentials to building a meaningfully productive life.

Financial Empowerment, with Hilary Hendershott – TPW 171 Jan 03, 2018

We're kicking off the new year with some valuable lessons on financial empowerment and productivity from Certified Financial Planner, podcaster, wife, and mom Hilary Hendershott.

Taking Care of Future You – TPW 170 Dec 13, 2017

As we wrap up the year, it's a great time to review this year's accomplishments and give some thought to the coming year. What would future you thank you for doing today?

Voluntary Simplicity, with Courtney Carver – TPW169 Dec 06, 2017

Writer and speaker Courtney Carver shares insights about voluntary simplicity and intentional living.

Community & Accountability – a mastermind reunion – TPW168 Nov 29, 2017

The support and accountability of other women can improve your productivity. Five women who've been providing each other that support and accountability for over a year and a half share their experience.

Gratitude & Productivity – TPW167 Nov 22, 2017

The beginning of the winter holiday season seems like a good time to consider how gratitude can affect our productivity.

Productive Reading: Lessons from Brené Brown – TPW166 Nov 15, 2017

Dr. Brené Brown's books offer ideas and principles that can help us in making a life that matters.

Productivity & What Other People Think – TPW 165 Nov 08, 2017

It’s hard to make a life that matters when we’re spending our time reacting to what other people want instead of proactively pursuing the goals and objectives that are most important to us.

Self-Direction, with Maria Bengtson – TPW164 Nov 01, 2017

We can all learn some lessons on self-direction from graduate student and TPW listener Maria Bengtson, who shares how she keeps herself on track to finish her dissertation while still living her life.

Clutter, Stress & Simplicity – TPW163 Oct 25, 2017

Taking a look at physical & mental clutter--how it affects us, and some thoughts on conquering it.

Circumstance or Choice? Owning Your Life – TPW162 Oct 18, 2017

When life is filled with obligations that leave us feeling overwhelmed, do we have a choice? Can we make a change?

A Caregiver with Professional Priorities, with Beatriz Martín-Pérez – TPW161 Oct 11, 2017

Professor Beatriz Martín-Pérez shares how she's navigated the challenges of caring for loved ones while pursuing professional success.

Self-Care Matters – TPW160 Oct 04, 2017

Self-care is not time off from productivity; it's an essential element of a productive life. How can we make time for self-care in an already full life--and why should we?

10 Things to Do Now to Prepare for the Holidays – TPW159 Sep 27, 2017

Is it too soon to start celebrating the holidays? Probably. But not too soon for a few steps that can help us prepare for the best holiday season ever.

Ruthless Prioritization, with Michelle Pfennighaus – TPW158 Sep 20, 2017

Nutrition coach and former advertising professional Michelle Pfennighaus shares thoughts about how ruthless prioritization (and banana peel tea) help her manage a busy life.

Back to School Routine Review – TPW157 Sep 13, 2017

The back-to-school season (or any change in seasons, for that matter) is a great time to re-evaluate our daily and weekly routines to make sure they're serving us.

Raising Productive Kids – TPW156 Sep 06, 2017

Some thoughts on what it means to raise productive kids, and how to do it.

Life as a Productive Musician, with Sephra Scheuber – TPW155 Aug 30, 2017

Sephra Scheuber is working out a system that allows her to be productive as a musician, a teacher, and a student, while making her faith and her relationships a priority.

Working from Home – TPW154 Aug 23, 2017

Some thoughts about making it work when you work from home.

Post-Vacation Productivity – TPW153 Aug 16, 2017

Getting back into your regular routine after a vacation without sacrificing the relaxation you gained can be a challenge. Here are some thoughts on how (and why) to do it.

Making Time for What Matters, with Sonia Harris – TPW152 Aug 09, 2017

When you have a full-time job and a family, how do you make time for what matters to you personally? Sonia Harris shares how she's doing it.

Letting Go of a Goal – TPW151 Aug 02, 2017

When we're not making progress on a goal we've set for ourselves, is letting go ever the right choice?

The Weekly Review – TPW150 Jul 26, 2017

A regular weekly review helps us stay on top of our commitments. So why don't we do it? In response to a listener question, we look at how (and why) to make the weekly review a part of managing our busy lives.

Productivity When It Hurts, with Mandy Hanson – TPW149 Jul 19, 2017

Mandy Hanson's approach to productivity offers ideas even for those of us who don't live with chronic pain like she does.

The Second Half (Mid-Year Review) – TPW148 Jul 12, 2017

The year's midpoint is a good time to pause and review whether you're headed in the direction you want to go.

Productive Reading: The Power of Habit – TPW147 Jul 05, 2017

Continuing our occasional series on books that have influenced my thinking about what it means to live a productive life, this episode features some of the highlights from Charles Duhigg's fascinating book about habits.

Productive Days, with Shelly Clayton – TPW146 Jun 28, 2017

Sales professional and single mom Shelly Clayton shares her approach to creating productive days and making a life that matters.

Making the Most of Your To-Do List – TPW145 Jun 21, 2017

How well does your to-do list work for you? This episode features 10 tips for making the most of whatever tool you use to manage your tasks.

The Things We Say – TPW144 Jun 14, 2017

How do the words we say (and think) affect our ability to accomplish the things we care about?

Managing Multiple Roles, with Jennifer Fleury – TPW143 Jun 07, 2017

How can you manage a life that involves multiple roles and a variety of interests? College professor, business owner, & single mom Jennifer Fleury shares how she's doing it.

Productivity in Transition Times – TPW142 May 31, 2017

We’ve talked about the value of planning ahead to keep life moving smoothly, but what about when you can’t? What do you do when your life is in transition, you can’t plan ahead, and your routines get thrown out of whack?

Sunday Routines – TPW141 May 24, 2017

Once again The Productive Woman community came through with ideas for how to spend time on Sunday (or whatever day you choose) setting yourself up for a great week.

Optimizing Your Schedule, with Katie Krimitsos – TPW140 May 17, 2017

A chat with business coach, podcaster, wife, and mom Katie Krimitsos, who shared her approach to balancing structure and flexibility in building a schedule that works for her and her family.

What I’ve Learned About Productivity – TPW139 May 10, 2017

Recorded with a milestone in mind, this episode features a few thoughts about what it means (to me) to live a productive life--and how that's changed over time.

The Stories of Your Life – TPW138 May 03, 2017

Few things have more impact on how we experience our life--on what we accomplish or what we don’t, whether we’re happy or not--than the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what's possible for us.

Personalizing Your Systems, with Freya Casey – TPW137 Apr 26, 2017

Professional singer, vocal coach, and YouTube star Freya Casey of Germany is also a single mom to a young daughter. She shares some of the systems and tools she uses to manage it all--and some of the struggles she's faced--in this episode.

Making Time for Exercise (Ideas from the TPW Community) – TPW136 Apr 19, 2017

When a listener asked for suggestions on how to fit exercise into an already jam-packed life, The Productive Woman community came through in a big way. Inspired by a conversation in The Productive Woman Community Facebook group, we look at why exercise is important, and how we can get it done.

Sometimes It’s All Too Much – TPW135 Apr 12, 2017

Many women (and men) are struggling to manage a job, children, a spouse, or life as a single parent. On top of that we're trying to find time for personal interests (or just to get some sleep). What do you do when it's all too much?

Using Your Powers for Good, with Amanda Berlin – TPW134 Apr 05, 2017

This week's guest, public relations pro and single mom Amanda Berlin, is all about making the best use of her talents and skills to make a life (and a career) that matters--she calls it using her powers for good.

Productive Reading: The One Thing, by Gary Keller – TPW133 Mar 29, 2017

This episode, sharing key takeaways from Gary Keller's The ONE Thing, is the first in a new recurring series in which I'll share key takeaways from some of the books that have influenced my thinking on productivity and making a life that matters.

Herding Cats: Managing Multiple Projects – TPW132 Mar 22, 2017

Very few of us have only one project going at a time. The many roles we play in life, our various areas of interest and responsibility, all can be sources of projects that compete for our time, energy, and attention. Managing those multiple projects is a challenge that requires intention and discipline. This episode offers a few tips that might help.

Prioritize What Matters, with Maria Dismondy – TPW131 Mar 15, 2017

Award-winning author Maria Dismondy knows what matters to her and is determined to prioritize those things. In this episode, she shares how she's intentionally built her life around her most important priorities.

What’s On Your To-Do List? – TPW130 Mar 08, 2017

What's on your to-do list? If you have some "tasks" that have hung around on that list for a long time with no action, they might not be tasks at all. This episode looks at the difference between a project and a task, and why forming your to-do list with the right one can help get you past procrastination into action.

Dream to Done: Applying the Goal-Setting Process – TPW129 Mar 01, 2017

We've spent a few episodes talking about the process of turning a dream to a goal and then taking action on it. Sometimes it helps to hear examples of how a process works. This episode is a walk-through of the Dream to Done process applied, step by step, to two examples.

A Productive Life on Your Terms, with Kesha Moore – TPW128 Feb 22, 2017

We all face challenges in our journey toward making a meaningfully productive life. My guest in this episode, Dr. Kesha Moore, reminds us how we choose to approach those challenges will make all the difference.

Dream to Done: Make the Time & Stay Motivated – TPW127 Feb 15, 2017

Continuing our Dream to Done mini-series, this time we’re looking at what to do once we’ve created a goal: how to make time to take action on it, and how to motivate ourselves to keep going until we’ve completed it.

Dream to Done: Turning a Dream to a Goal – TPW126 Feb 08, 2017

Part 2 of our Dream to Done mini-series looks at the difference between a dream and a goal, and offers some steps to turning your dream into a goal (or series of goals) that you can actually take action on.

Dream to Done: What’s Holding You Back? – TPW125 Feb 01, 2017

When we are uncertain of where or how to start, our dreams may seem out of reach. What stands between you and your dream of a life that matters?

Bullet Journaling & More, with Kara Benz – TPW124 Jan 25, 2017

Artist and author Kara Benz (also known as Boho Berry) and I talk about building a business and living an intentional life--and a little about bullet journaling.

Small Tasks That Will Set You Up for Success – TPW123 Jan 18, 2017

Big goals are awesome, but here are 14 simple things--small tasks that will take half an hour or less--that you can do this week (or next) to simplify your life and set yourself up for a great year.

Getting Organized in the New Year, with Lisa Woodruff – TPW122 Jan 11, 2017

Managing a multi-dimensional 21st-century life is easier when you're organized. Fortunately, professional organizer Lisa Woodruff says being organized is a learnable skill. In this episode we chat about how she does it, and she shares some tips AND offers some great free resources!

Resolutions & Expectations for a New Year – TPW121 Jan 04, 2017

As the new year begins, are you making resolutions you'll abandon in a month or setting achievable goals? Are you basing your goals on unconscious expectations, or looking forward with a sense of expectancy?

Year-End Wrap-Up – TPW120 Dec 14, 2016

As 2016 comes to a close, my year-end wrap-up process is a way to take a look at lessons learned this year and use them to create a plan for an even better year to come.

Balancing Time & Energy, with Puja Madan – TPW119 Dec 07, 2016

For author and leadership coach Puja Madan, one key to living a meaningully productive life is found by tuning in to the rhythms of life, time, & energy.

Staying Productive & Peaceful During the Holidays – TPW118 Nov 30, 2016

Most of us look forward to the holidays, but the season has its challenges. How can we stay peaceful and enjoy the season?

Give Yourself a Break – TPW117 Nov 23, 2016

Productivity doesn't mean "doing stuff" all the time, and you don't need to feel guilty for taking a break.

Accountability, Support, & Focus, with Tasha Scott – TPW116 Nov 16, 2016

When it comes to staying focused and productive in a multi-faceted life, a support system can make all the difference. Author & life coach Tasha Scott and I talked about how she makes it work.

Mindset Matters: Productive Skills – TPW115 Nov 09, 2016

Nobody's born organized. It's a skill, and we can learn it. Continuing on our "Mindset Matters" theme, this week we look at that and other skills we can learn to be more productive.

Mindset Matters: Productive Habits – TPW114 Nov 02, 2016

Our habits can have either productive or unproductive results. In this episode we look at how habits are formed, and how we can mold them to get the results we want.

Being Present & Productive, with Alissa Smith – TPW113 Oct 26, 2016

New Zealand graphic designer and yoga teacher Alissa Smith shares her approach to balancing a life of diverse interests and commitments and being present in whatever you're doing.

Mindset Matters: Productive Beliefs – TPW112 Oct 19, 2016

What we believe can make us more productive, or less so. What do you believe about yourself, about your abilities and options, about your circumstances? Do your beliefs about these things help you be more productive?

Time Thieves – TPW111 Oct 12, 2016

Time thieves steal time we could otherwise spend on what really matters to us. What are time thieves, and how can we defend ourselves against them?

Making Time Work For You, with Rashelle Isip – TPW110 Oct 05, 2016

Organization expert Rashelle Isip joins me to talk about ways we can take control of our schedules and our space, making room for the things that matter most.

Emergency Stress Protocol – TPW109 Sep 28, 2016

When the demands of a busy life start to "stress you out," how do you handle it? It's important to have a strategy in place when stressful situations arise. Recently when I began to feel overwhelmed by the stress of multiple demands at work, I implemented my Emergency Stress Protocol. I thought I'd share it with you, in case it helps.

Mindset Matters: Productive Attitudes – TPW108 Sep 21, 2016

Productivity isn't only about using the right tools and techniques; it's also about having the right mindset. Our attitudes can make all the difference in our productivity.

Coordinate and Compromise, with CEO Jessica Rhodes – TPW107 Sep 14, 2016

How do you manage competing priorities of a business and a family you love? Jessica Rhodes, founder and CEO of Interview Connections, shares her thoughts on being a business owner and a mom of two littles, and the role that compromise plays in having it all.

My Current Favorite Productivity Tools (an Update) – TPW106 Sep 07, 2016

In response to recent questions, I thought it was a good time to give an update on some of the productivity tools that help me get the right things done. I'd love to hear about the tools that help you stay productive.

What Should I Do With All These Memories? – TPW105 Aug 31, 2016

Most of us save certain items with sentimental value, things that trigger special memories for us. For some of us (not naming names), everything has sentimental value, and the mementos can turn to clutter. What if we need to downsize the number of mementos we've saved? How can we better manage our mementos?

Productivity Challenges of Introverts & Extroverts – TPW104 Aug 24, 2016

Many aspects of our personality can affect what productivity approaches and tools work for us, and what challenges we face in making a productive life. In this episode we look at some of the unique productivity challenges and strengths of introverts and extroverts.

Money & Productivity, with Money Coach Jennifer Hemphill – TPW103 Aug 17, 2016

I recently sat down for a conversation about productivity, self-care, and attitudes about money with money coach Jennifer Hemphill. I did it for the TPW listeners, but I ended up taking notes for myself.

What Are You Waiting For? – TPW102 Aug 10, 2016

Waiting. It’s something that we all have to do--often reluctantly--at times, but so often, we CHOOSE to wait. We tell ourselves that we can’t take action or move forward. Let’s talk about why we need to STOP WAITING and start making progress toward the goals that matter most to us!

My Bullet Journal Experiment – TPW101 Aug 03, 2016

Have you tried using a Bullet Journal? You know I love my digital task manager, but I've been trying something new--and I like it!

Making a Life (& Podcast) that Matters, with Laura McClellan & Natalie Eckdahl – TPW100 Jul 27, 2016

It was an honor (and a lot of fun) to celebrate the 100th episode of The Productive Woman with Natalie Eckdahl, founder of Biz Chix, a supportive online community for women entrepreneurs. But Natalie wasn't my guest. Instead, I let Natalie turn the tables on me!

Self-Worth & Contentment, with Mary DeMuth – TPW099 Jul 20, 2016

Measuring our worth by our accomplishments, or by other people's opinions of us, leads to insecurity and exhaustion. Not exactly a recipe for a meaningfully productive life. Author Mary DeMuth has some wise advice for counteracting those tendencies and finding contentment.

10 Small Changes You Can Make to Boost Productivity (& One Bonus Tip) – TPW098 Jul 13, 2016

You don't have to completely overhaul your life to make progress toward your goals. Small changes can reap big rewards in making a meaningfully productive life.

2 Years, 10 Lessons Learned from My Guests – TPW097 Jul 06, 2016

Celebrate The Productive Woman's 2-year anniversary with me by looking back at some of the wise insights I’ve gleaned from conversations with the amazing productive women who've joined me on the show.

Defining Success & Trusting Yourself, With Eboni Nelson – TPW096 Jun 29, 2016

Law professor, wife, and mom Eboni Nelson encourages us to look to ourselves to create our own happiness and success, without apology and without guilt.

Doing a Mid-Year Review – TPW095 Jun 22, 2016

We've reached the middle point of the year, so it's time for a mid-year review. How are you progressing on the goals you set for yourself in January? I'm sharing the process I use to figure out how I'm doing and make sure I stay on track for a productive year.

How Body Image Affects Productivity, with Melissa Toler – TPW094 Jun 15, 2016

What would you do if you didn’t feel held back by how you perceive your body? Body image coach Melissa Toler has some suggestions on how we can set aside body image worries and live the life we dream of.

Living a Balanced Life – TPW093 Jun 08, 2016

What does it mean to live a balanced life? Is it even possible in the 21st century? In this episode we looked at these questions and considered some steps we can take to figure out what balance is right for us, and how to create it.

Let’s Eat! Listener Tips for Getting Food on the Table – TPW092 Jun 01, 2016

Getting tasty and nutritious meals on the table as part of a busy schedule can be a challenge. When listeners asked for help with this ongoing task, I reached out to our Productive Woman community for ideas on how to streamline the process. And the community came through with some great tips and suggestions!

Personalized Productivity, with Elsie Escobar – TPW091 May 25, 2016

Podcast pro and entrepreneur Elsie Escobar is a passionate advocate for women finding their own voice and their own way--even when it comes to productivity. She shared some of her tips for managing a busy life, and a lot of encouragement, during our conversation for this episode.

What’s Keeping Me Productive – TPW090 May 18, 2016

A look at a few of the tools, routines, and motivators that have been helping me stay productive these days.

Productivity When You’re Sick – TPW089 May 11, 2016

When you're sick but need to be productive anyway, what do you do? This episode features some suggestions based on recent experience.

Focusing on Priorities, with Deedra Determan – TPW088 May 04, 2016

A chat with marketing pro, wife, and mom Deedra Determan about keeping priorities front and center.

13 Questions to Improve Productivity – TPW087 Apr 27, 2016

When life is crazy busy it's easy to lose focus. Taking time to ask yourself some key questions can help keep life on track.

5 Reasons to Change your Productivity System (& 4 Reasons Not To) – TPW086 Apr 20, 2016

When we feel like we're not being as productive as we need to be, it’s tempting to think switching tools and or changing our system will make all the difference. But will a change in our productivity tools or systems always improve our productivity?

Time-saving Tips & Tools, with Maia Olson — TPW085 Apr 13, 2016

Writer and marketing professional Maia Olson of Smile Software shares time-saving tips and the productivity tools that help her balance personal and professional commitments.

Getting Out of a Funk – TPW084 Apr 06, 2016

Our emotions can affect our productivity, for good or bad. When you're in a "funk," what can you do to address it and get back to getting things done?

The Art of Decluttering: An International Conversation – TPW083 Mar 30, 2016

Clutter, it seems, is a universal problem in 21st-century society. How can decluttering create space in our lives and minds for better things? Join me for a conversation with Julie Sheranosher of Israel and Priscille Livenais of France about decluttering. Also--a free printable to guide you through your own decluttering process!

Developing Healthy Habits, with Bridgit Danner — TPW082 Mar 23, 2016

Women's wellness expert Bridgit Danner shares her tips for developing the habits that will keep us strong, healthy, and productive. (And don't miss the link for information about her upcoming free online women's wellness summit!)

5 Guiding Principles for a Productive Life – TPW081 Mar 16, 2016

If I had only 30 minutes to share the most important productivity tips I know, these 5 principles are what I would share--the principles and strategies that help me become and stay productive, and some of the tools I use for each.

ADHD & Productivity, with Emily Prokop – TPW080 Mar 09, 2016

I think you'll enjoy my conversation with wife, mom, editor, and podcaster Emily Prokop, who shares how attention deficit (ADHD) affects her as an adult, and the tools and techniques she uses to stay on task and accomplish the things that matter to her.

Staying Focused & Paying Attention – TPW079 Mar 02, 2016

One key to accomplishing the things that matter most to us is the ability to give our focused attention to our most important tasks. Sometimes that's easier said than done.

Motherhood and Work, with Justyna Denham – TPW078 Feb 24, 2016

Returning to a full-time job after maternity leave isn’t like going back to work after a vacation. Being both a new mom and a busy professional takes a lot of planning and, ideally, support both at home and at work.

Survival Mode – TPW077 Feb 17, 2016

We all have those times in our life when we feel like we just can’t get ahead. Even when it's the result of a legitimate life crisis, it’s still easy to beat ourselves up for not accomplishing all we want to do. Sometimes, circumstances are such that we simply need to go into "survival mode" — doing the bare minimum it takes to get through the days with some semblance of peace until this season in our lives passes.

Creative Living, with Jennifer Lee – TPW076 Feb 10, 2016

Creative entrepreneur, author, and business coach Jennifer Lee shares her approach to managing a multi-faceted life, maintaining both productivity and joy.

Coping with Stress – TPW075 Feb 03, 2016

Stress seems to be an unavoidable part of 21st-century life, and it has consequences--negative effects on our body, mind, emotions, and relationships. In this episode we look at some steps we can take to cope with, and even minimize, stress.

Just Start – TPW074 Jan 27, 2016

Often the hardest part of any task is just getting started. There are things we can do, though, to make it easier to get past that hurdle and start gaining momentum toward accomplishing the things that matter most.

Stress-Free Meals, with Chef Allison Schaaf – TPW073 Jan 20, 2016

Planning and preparing healthy meals can be a challenge for busy women. Chef and registered dietician Allison Schaaf offers some great thoughts on managing a busy life and getting nutritious meals on the table--and she's offering a special deal for listeners for a service that can help.

Learn to Make a Life that Matters – TPW072 Jan 13, 2016

Lack of confidence in our skills and knowledge can discourage us from pursuing our goals. Where can we learn what we need to know to move forward confidently toward achieving our dreams?

Whose Life Are You Living? – TPW071 Jan 06, 2016

Are you happy with the life you're living? Is it the life you've intentionally chosen and built for yourself, or are you following a path you just fell into--or one chosen for you by other influences? What keeps us from living our own lives? As we kick off the new year, maybe it's a good time to think about the big picture.

Laying a Foundation for a Great New Year – TPW070 Dec 16, 2015

Taking time in the last few weeks of the year to assess (and celebrate!) the present year and set a direction for the coming year can help you get 2016 off to the best possible start. Let's talk about my process for a year-end review that lays the foundation for the coming year.

Managing Time & Energy, with Julie Sheranosher – TPW069 Dec 09, 2015

You may remember Julie Sheranosher as one of the co-hosts on a previous episode of The Productive Woman, the international conversation about "Productivity Your Way." This time, Julie and I talk one-on-one about her strategies for managing time and energy to create a productive life.

The Lies We Tell Ourselves – TPW068 Dec 02, 2015

It's not unusual to face obstacles in the pursuit of our dreams or goals. But how many of those obstacles do we create ourselves? In this episode, I examine some of the lies we tell ourselves and offer some suggestions for counteracting the lies to help you accomplish your goals, no matter how big or difficult they may be.

Professional & Personal Priorities, with Demetra Liggins — TPW067 Nov 18, 2015

When you're seeking success in a demanding profession, can you still make family and personal time a priority? Attorney Demetra Liggins says yes, but it doesn't come easily. She shared some tips and tools that help her manage it all.

Productivity Your Way: an International Conversation – TPW066 Nov 11, 2015

Productivity is about making a life that matters to us. Recently I was part of a panel comprised of women from three countries, all of us podcasters who focus on productivity. Priscille Livenais of France, Julie Sheranosher of Israel, and I had a great conversation about our different approaches to creating the life you want for yourself, whatever stage of life you might be in.

How to Choose the Best Task Manager – TPW065 Nov 04, 2015

With so many options available, how do you know which task management tool is the best for you? Let's discuss some of the factors you should consider. The best tool is the one you'll actually use.

Defeat Distraction Through Clarity & Discernment, with Ling Wong – TPW064 Oct 28, 2015

Business consultant and marketing coach Ling Wong manages her own life (which includes a husband and two young children as well as a thriving business!) and encourages her multi-passionate, multi-talented clients to avoid distraction and stay on track through clarity and discernment.

Impostor Syndrome – TPW063 Oct 21, 2015

You might be surprised to learn that the most successful, accomplished women you know struggle with feeling like a fraud. It's known as Impostor Syndrome, and we're going to look at where it comes from, how it affects our productivity, and what we can do to overcome it.

Productivity at Work – TPW062 Oct 14, 2015

We spent a lot of our time at work. Let's look at some of the barriers to productivity at work, and some suggestions on how to make our time at work as efficient and effective as possible.

Keeping Things Simple, with Katie Floyd – TPW061 Oct 07, 2015

Katie Floyd is a self-described attorney-by-day, geek-by-night. On top of a full-time law practice and pursuing a master’s degree in Law & Taxation, she is also the co-host of Mac Power Users, a weekly podcast focusing on getting the most from Apple technology. Let's talk about how she gets it all done.

Planning a Project – TPW060 Sep 30, 2015

Planning a project can be a daunting idea, especially when there are multiple components to keep track of. An organized approach can keep you focused and prevent a project from becoming overwhelming. Let's talk about turning a project into a series of manageable tasks, from beginning to end.

What I Know About Raising Kids – TPW059 Sep 24, 2015

For those of us who have children at home, they have a major impact on the way we live our lives, including how we manage our time. In episode 59 of The Productive Woman, we begin a conversation about how we can be productive women and good moms.

Grace for the Busy Working Mom, with Leann Guzman – TPW058 Sep 17, 2015

Are you a working mom, wearing many different hats and trying to do it all well? Lawyer and mom Leann Guzman understands--she's right there in the trenches with you. Hear our conversation about how she manages a professional career, personal goals, and a family she loves--and her very practical tips for how you can get it done as well.

When the Day is Unproductive – TPW057 Sep 10, 2015

We get a lot of satisfaction from those days when we get a lot done & make progress toward our goals, but how do we respond to an unproductive day?

Knowing When to Quit – TPW056 Sep 03, 2015

We know that overwork is hazardous to our health and to our productivity, yet 21st century women (and men) often let work fill our days, nights, and weekends. How much is too much, and how do we know when (and how) to quit?

Making Space to Think – TPW055 Aug 27, 2015

Are your days so full of activity and noise that you can't find time to think about your goals, much less take action on them? Let's talk about some things we can do to create time and space for creative thinking.

Managing a Busy Life, with Author Jill Kemerer – TPW054 Aug 20, 2015

Like a lot of us, novelist Jill Kemerer sometimes tries to take on too much. Listen in on my conversation with Jill about how she manages that urge while she juggles a full-time writing career and her family's busy schedule.

The Value of the Authentic YOU! – TPW053 Aug 13, 2015

Sometimes the scariest thing in the world is letting others see the "real" us. But when we hide behind the mask of who we think we're supposed to be, we miss out on joy and deprive the world of the gifts only we can give. In Episode 53 of The Productive Woman podcast, we look at authenticity and how it affects our ability to accomplish what we care about most.

Getting Things Done (an Overview) – TPW052 Aug 06, 2015

Getting Things Done, by David Allen, offers a framework for managing life in a way that lets us be both productive and peaceful. Let's look at how it works.

Business & Babies: A Chat with Izabela Russell – TPW051 Jul 30, 2015

Trying to balance business and small children? Wife, mom, and media business owner Izabela Russell and I had a great conversation about the challenges of operating a thriving business (or two!) while raising small children.

Milestones & Next Steps – TPW050 Jul 23, 2015

How has the first half of 2015 gone for you? On The Productive Woman's milestone 50th episode let's talk about reaching milestones and figuring out what to do next.

Making a Difference – TPW049 Jul 09, 2015

Do you want to make a difference in the world, or at least in the world closest to you? I do. Let's talk about how, and where--and how to overcome the things that might stop us.

Life Lessons From a Year of Podcasting – TPW048 Jul 02, 2015

As hard as it is to believe, a full year has gone by since the first episode of The Productive Woman hit iTunes. I thought I'd share a few lessons I've learned over this past year about productivity and about life.

Productive Travel, Self-Care, & more, with Priscille Livenais – TPW047 Jun 25, 2015

The Productive Woman goes international! Priscille Livenais--a French businesswoman and productivity blogger--and I chat about the challenges of business travel, the value and limits of self-sacrifice, and so much more

10 Ways to Improve Your Mood – TPW046 Jun 18, 2015

No matter how much we try to stay positive and productive, sometimes our emotions can interfere with our ability to get things done. If a bad mood is hampering your productivity, there are things you can do to improve it.

Body Image & Productivity with Heather Creekmore – TPW045 Jun 11, 2015

How we see our physical selves can have a huge impact--positive or negative--on our confidence, and therefore our productivity. Listen as I discuss body image issues with wife, mom, author, blogger, and speaker Heather Creekmore.

Surviving (and Embracing) Change – TPW044 Jun 04, 2015

Change is inevitable, but it's also stressful and can wreak havoc on our productivity. So how can we manage our lives so that we can not only survive it, but come through it better than we went into it?

Favorite Productivity Books, Podcasts, & Blogs – TPW043 May 21, 2015

Productivity is a tool, not a goal. We want to manage our time and organize our lives better in order to have the time to make a life that matters. Productivity is not a one-time-do-it-and-done thing, but a process of growth and improvement over time. In this episode I'll share some of my favorite resources for learning how to be more productive.

Simplicity & Intentional Living, with Vanessa Hayes – TPW042 May 14, 2015

How do you get off the 21st-century hamster wheel and make the meaningful life you've dreamed of? Vanessa Hayes is a podcast host, public speaker, and professional organizer, but she's also a busy woman just like the rest of us. In this episode she shares her tips for maintaining margin, living intentionally, and simplicity.

10 Things Productive Women Don’t Do – TPW041 May 07, 2015

We've talked in the past about developing the habits that help us be more productive, but what are some things productive women don't do?

Motivation – TPW040 Apr 30, 2015

What drives us to do -- or try? How do you keep yourself moving on a task or project that's hard? Our motivation matters. So what is it, where does it come from, how do we lose it, and how can we get it back?

Guarding Your Time – Monika Kristofferson – TPW039 Apr 23, 2015

Monika Kristofferson is a professional organizer, but she's also just a busy woman like the rest of us. In this episode she shares her tips for managing a busy life as a single mom with two teenaged daughters.

Managing Email – TPW038 Apr 16, 2015

Email is a great invention and can be a useful tool, but it can also be a distraction and a time suck. This week we'll look at some tips for managing email so it enhances, rather than inhibits, our productivity.

A Quick & Dirty Look at Clutter – TPW037 Apr 09, 2015

We've talked about the reasons and process for decluttering in previous episodes, but if clutter's getting out of control and you don't have time for an big clean-up project, maybe just a few quick and dirty tips will help.

How to Stay Productive During Life’s Storms – TPW036 Apr 02, 2015

It's easy--or maybe just easier--to be productive when things are firing on all cylinders and all's right in our world. But what happens when that's not the case, when in the midst of one of life's "storms" you get up in the morning and look at your schedule or your to-do list and think "I just can't even . . ."? Sometimes life throws us a curve. What do we do then?

10 Productivity Rules That Don’t Work – TPW035 Mar 26, 2015

A whole industry has been built up over the years around the concept of productivity. It's been the subject of decades of study and countless written words. Experts have identified the keys to productivity--rules that we're taught to follow in order to maximize productivity. But what if those rules don't work for you? Can you still be productive? Absolutely!

Mentors & Mentoring for Women – TPW034 Mar 19, 2015

Many women feel isolated in their efforts to advance in their careers, learn the skills they need to accomplish their goals, and become the person they want to be. In this episode we'll talk about one solution: finding a mentor. We'll look at what mentoring is, what the benefits are (on both sides), how to find mentors, and some guidelines for successful mentoring relationships.

Nobody’s Perfect – Connection Instead of Comparison, with Cara Putman – TPW033 Mar 11, 2015

Very few of us have lives focused on just one thing. Most of us instead juggle multiple roles, and try to do well at all of them. Author, attorney, and homeschooling mom Cara Putman understands the challenges of a multifaceted life. Dubbed by a friend as the "Do-It-All Mom," Cara shares openly about the not-always-pretty realities of managing a busy life and a busy household, and encourages us to live our lives by grace, rejecting the temptation to compare ourselves to other women.

Choose What’s Essential, Eliminate the Rest – TPW032 Mar 05, 2015

In an increasingly noisy world, one key to true productivity and to building a life of lasting significance and satisfaction is learning to identify and pursue only what's essential, purposely eliminating the nonessential from our lives to make room for what really matters. We can learn how by studying Greg McKeown's wise and profound book, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.

Focus on Building the Life You Want – TPW031 Feb 26, 2015

If you're struggling to make progress on accomplishing the things you care about, if you start lots of projects but don't finish many, perhaps you're feeling the effects of a lack of focus. For some of us, the biggest challenge to productivity is the temptation to chase too many rabbits. One tool that can help us sort through the options and stay focused on what really matters is to choose a theme word (or words) for the year.

Task Management Options – TPW030 Feb 19, 2015

One of the keys to being a productive woman is having a system in place to track and manage all the things we need to do in each area of responsibility. The options for task management systems and tools are as varied as we are. Nothing works for everyone, but there really is something that will work for each of us.

Choices for Productive Women, with Allison Sheridan – TPW029 Feb 12, 2015

Is the life you're living an accident, or the result of conscious, purposeful choices? This episode features a conversation with tech podcaster (and retired aerospace engineer) Allison Sheridan about how important it is for women to make conscious choices about their life, and to acknowledge that the choices are theirs to make.

Failure Isn’t Fatal: Starting Well, Starting Over – TPW028 Feb 05, 2015

Sometimes our best-laid plans don't pan out. Failure can either paralyze us or propel us into growth and new beginnings. This week we consider some thoughts about how to recover--and learn--from failure.

Automating Productivity with Schedules, Routines, & Rituals – TPW027 Jan 29, 2015

Much of the quality of our life, including our productivity, depends on the habits we employ. In this episode we look at how schedules, routines, and rituals can help us establish habits that let us be more productive, achieve our goals, and build the life we want.

How to Get Yourself to Do the Things You Want to Do – TPW026 Jan 22, 2015

Why is it so hard to get ourselves to do the things we most want to do? Few things in life are more exasperating than the way we sometimes sabotage our own goals. In this episode we look at some of reasons we block our own success, and offer some suggestions to address those issues, get past that resistance, and accomplish the things that matter most.

25 Productivity Tips From and For Busy Women – TPW025 Jan 15, 2015

In celebration of reaching the milestone of episode 25, I'm sharing 25 great productivity tips--some from listeners, some from special guests, and a few of my own. Thank you so much to all those productive women who contributed their great tips and suggestions for this episode.

Writer Karin Beery Talks About Productivity & Health Challenges – TPW024 Jan 08, 2015

Writer Karin Beery joins me to talk about staying productive when facing health challenges and caring for family members. She offers great tips and suggestions. I especially liked her perspective on how to handle those days when everything gets away from you.

5 Important Productivity Principles for the New Year – TPW023 Dec 18, 2014

2014 is winding down, and 2015 is upon us. While we want to stay in the moment and enjoy the holiday celebrations, there's still a little time to give thought to the coming year and what we want to accomplish. In this episode we look at 5 important productivity principles to keep in mind as the new year begins, 6 simple productivity assignments for the last 2 weeks of the year, and a peek at what's ahead for The Productive Woman in 2015. (And don't forget to send in your favorite tips for the upcoming 25th episode celebration--info in the show notes--and maybe win an Amazon gift card!)

12 Productivity-Boosting Holiday Gifts – TPW022 Dec 11, 2014

Tis the season . . . for giving gifts. In case you're still shopping for those last few gifts, or in case you're looking for ideas to give those who want to gift you!, this episode offers some productivity-boosting options for all the folks on your list, including gifts at a variety of price levels. And best of all? Every one of them can be ordered online!

Talking Productivity with Jamie Clark Samples – TPW021 Dec 04, 2014

Even new moms can get things done! This week business owner, horsewoman, and new mom Jamie Clark Samples joins me to talk about the challenges of running a small business while caring for a new baby. Jamie offers some great suggestions and encouragement.

My Top 10 Productivity Apps for iPhone – TPW020 Nov 20, 2014

When I recently put the question out on social media, asking listeners what topics they'd like to hear about on upcoming episodes, several asked for suggestions on productivity apps for smart phones. It's a question I often get asked by friends and colleagues, since I'm known to try lots of apps. In this episode I share ten(ish) of my favorites.

Organizing for a Low-Stress Holiday Meal – TPW019 Nov 13, 2014

The holiday season is a time filled with family and friends and joy . . . and often, for those of use whose schedules are already busy, even more stress than usual. This week we're going to look at some steps we can take to minimize the stress, and maximize the joy, of the holiday season.

Relaxing Without Guilt – TPW018 Nov 06, 2014

21st century life is cram-packed with activity, stress, and tension, and a lot of us have a hard time letting it go long enough to relax, rest, and recharge. Learning to do so, though, will reap dividends in our physical, mental, and emotional health, our creativity, our relationships, and ultimately, in our productivity.

7 Productivity Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them – TPW017 Oct 30, 2014

Productivity is a good thing, but there are potential pitfalls we should be aware of in our pursuit of productivity. In this episode we look at seven of those pitfalls, and consider how we can avoid them and stay on track toward making lives that matter.

Conquering Clutter, Step by Step – TPW016 Oct 23, 2014

In episode 14 we started a conversation about decluttering. This week we look at it again, talking about a step-by-step process for decluttering and organizing our homes (or workspace) one room at a time.

Dealing With Discouragement – TPW015 Oct 16, 2014

We'll pick up in a future episode on our mini-series on decluttering, but this week I thought I'd share a little of my heart on something I've been dealing with lately--discouragement. It can interfere with our productivity and our quality of life in general, but there are some things we can do to disable its power over us.

Conquering Clutter – TPW014 Oct 09, 2014

How do you feel about the stuff you own? Is every possession in your life something meaningful to you, or is your space overwhelmed with too much stuff? If you're like most people, it's likely the latter. In this episode we begin looking at the clutter of possessions in our lives, what it does to us, and what we can do about it.

Getting Ready to Finish Well – TPW013 Oct 02, 2014

As we enter the last quarter of the year, it seems like a good time to pause, consider what we've accomplished so far this year, re-evaluate what we want to do in the time that's left, and set ourselves up for success in the remaining months of this year.

10 Indispensable Productivity Tools – TPW012 Sep 25, 2014

Every woman is unique, and her life and schedule and style are unique. So there's no such thing as one right way to manage your life or time, and there are no tools that work for everyone. Every woman develops the system that works for her, and we can learn from each other by sharing what works (and what doesn't).

15 Minutes to Sanity: 9 Steps to Handling Overwhelm – TPW011 Sep 18, 2014

Sometimes, no matter how organized we are or how carefully we plan, life just takes over and throws way too much at us. When there's too much to do and not enough time to get it done, we can feel panicky, stressed, and overwhelmed. I've developed a simple 15-minute process that can help bring me back from the brink, calm me down, and get me through these crisis moments.

Tips for Stress-Free Travel – TPW010 Sep 11, 2014

Travel can be stressful, but there are lots of things we can do to make it less so. I asked my connections on Facebook to share some of their favorite tips for productive and stress-free travel, and in this episode I share their tips, as well as some of my own.

Getting Healthy and More Productive – TPW009 Sep 04, 2014

Tons of studies show that healthier people are more productive, but modern life makes staying healthy and fit a challenge for all of us. How does health impact our productivity, what are the basics that contribute to good health, and how can we get healthier without spending all our time thinking about it?

Saying No Gracefully – TPW008 Aug 28, 2014

Do you find it difficult to say no? I do. The desire to be liked or the sincere desire to help makes it easy to say yes, and sometimes we end up regretting it.

Perfectionism & Productivity – TPW007 Aug 21, 2014

Having high standards is a good thing. Striving for excellence is a good thing. But taken to extremes, these can become perfectionism, which can paralyze us and prevent us from accomplishing the things that matter to us. The key is to find that balance that lets us enjoy the process and the results of our efforts.

Overcoming Obstacles to Achieving Our Goals – TPW006 Aug 14, 2014

Even if we go through an intentional process of setting our goals, we might face obstacles in our efforts to actually achieve them. Being prepared for those obstacles helps us overcome them. In this episode we continue our discussion of goal-setting, looking at some of the obstacles that may interfere and some of the things we can do to overcome those obstacles.

A Step by Step Process for Setting Goals – TPW005 Aug 07, 2014

Continuing our series on goal-setting, this week we talk about a step-by-step process for setting goals.

Setting Goals That Matter – TPW004 Jul 31, 2014

Following up on our look at the big picture in episode 2, this week we begin a short series on goal-setting. This episode looks at what a goal is, and how it differs from a dream or an objective, and suggest some ways to set yourself up for success.

My Top 10 Tips for Managing Your Day – TPW003 Jul 24, 2014

Little things can make a big difference in managing the demands on our time. This episode is a quick flyover of the things that help me on a daily basis.

The Big Picture: Priorities & Guiding Principles – TPW002 Jul 17, 2014

When people think about productivity, they often think about calendars and to-do lists and project management, and all of those things are a big part of what we will discuss in coming episodes. But there's a big difference between being busy and being productive. True productivity requires a purpose to guide the activity. In this episode we talk about a process for coming up with principles to guide our decisions in such a way that our activity is consistent with our true values.

Starting the Journey – TPW001 Jul 10, 2014

Welcome to the first official episode of The Productive Woman. In this episode I share a little about who this podcast is for, why I created it, what I'll be covering, and what the format will be. I also offer a little information about myself, so you can decide whether you think I'm someone you want to spend half an hour or so with each week.

Introduction – TPW000 Jul 02, 2014

It's been six months in the making, but with much fear and trepidation, I share here my first, very short, very rough "pre-episode" of The Productive Woman, a podcast created to help busy women find tools and encouragement for managing their lives, their time, and their stuff.

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