The Productive Woman

Values-Based Planning: Heart Before Calendar – TPW514

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A full calendar doesn’t always mean a meaningful life. This week we explore values-based planning — a thoughtful approach to organizing your time ...

The One-Hour Organizing Sprint – TPW513

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Organizing often feels like something that requires a full weekend, lots of energy, and a perfectly clear schedule. But for most busy women, that kind...

Quarterly Planning: The 90-Day Year (For Real Life) – TPW512

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Annual goals can feel overwhelming. Weekly plans can feel reactive. But 90 days? That’s a timeframe that allows for meaningful progress — without ...

The Stories We Tell Ourselves About Productivity – TPW511

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Productivity isn’t just about planners, calendars, and systems. It’s also shaped by the quiet stories we tell ourselves — about who we are, what...

Where Things Go: Creating Simple Homes for the Stuff You Use Every Day – TPW510

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When the things we use every day have a place to go, life runs more smoothly, decision fatigue decreases, and daily stress softens. In this episode, w...

Time Blocking for Real Life: Flexible Systems for Busy Women – TPW509

07 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Time blocking is often talked about as a strict, rigid way to organize your day — but for busy women managing responsibilities, interruptions, and s...

The Enough Equation: Knowing When You’ve Done Enough Today – TPW508

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us end the day tired, busy, and still feeling like we didn’t do enough. The to-do list isn’t finished, there’s always more that could be...

Decluttering with Purpose, Not Pressure – TPW507

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Decluttering often shows up early in the year — and so does pressure. Pressure to clean, organize, simplify, or “get your life together.” In thi...

A Gentle Restart: Getting Back Into Routine After Time Away – TPW506

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Getting back into a routine after time away can feel harder than starting from scratch. Whether your break was planned or unexpected — a sabbatical,...

Productivity and Purpose: Aligning Your To-Do List with Your Legacy – TPW505

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your to-do list could reflect the legacy you want to leave behind? In this episode we’ll define legacy, explore why daily tasks often feel d...

Productivity Through the Seasons: Adapting to Life’s Changes – TPW504

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Life isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is productivity. Although there are productivity principles that can apply across the board, what works fo...

Getting and Staying Healthy – TPW503

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Experiencing a health emergency served as a wake-up call for me, highlighting the importance of taking care of my health. This week I'm sharing some t...

Decluttering Your Mind: Mental Habits for Overwhelmed Women – TPW502

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're exploring why mental clutter builds up, how it affects us, and three simple habits to help reduce overwhelm, regain clarity, and focus...

Post-Sabbatical Update – TPW501

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a longer-than-planned sabbatical, I'm back with an update! Find more at TheProductiveWoman.com/501

Sabbaticals – Time to Rest and Refocus – TPW500

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

10-Year Podiversary – Lessons Learned – TPW499

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Preparing for a Productive Retirement – TPW497

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Productive Reading: Slow Productivity, by Cal Newport – TPW496

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

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

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Managing Expectations – TPW493

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Crafting a Life That Matters: 10 Essential Questions – TPW492

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Productive Living: Financial Wellness, with Tamara Dias – TPW491

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 sha...

The Art of Balancing Solo and Social Time – TPW488

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week features an installment in our recurring “Productive Reading” series, looking at key takeaways from Switch Craft, by Elaine Fox, PhD, an...

Swedish Death Cleaning – TPW485

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – TPW480

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 thin...

Harder Than It Needs to Be? – TPW479

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 el...

10 Gifts to Give Yourself for the New Year – TPW476

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Preparing for a Joyful Holiday Season – TPW472

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Seasonal Productivity – TPW470

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Creative expression is an important component of a productive life. This installment of our Creative Living series features my conversation with lawye...

Productivity Slumps and What to Do About Them – TPW463

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ine...

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

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of our Productive Living series features my conversation with coach, nutritionist, and author Angela Shurina about a holistic approach to...

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

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 expert...

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

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 mat...

Overcoming Productivity Obstacles – TPW459

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Making the Most of Today – TPW456

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

9 Reasons to Declutter – TPW455

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

From the Vault: Saying No Gracefully – TPW453

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Productivity in Chaotic Times – TPW450

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Organizing Your Digital Life – TPW449

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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® metho...

A Deeper Dive Into GTD Reflect and Review – TPW445

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

A Deeper Dive Into GTD Clarify and Organize – TPW443

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Boundaries – TPW442

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

A Deeper Dive Into GTD Capture – TPW441

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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: ca...

A Quick Refresher on GTD – TPW440

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

9 Guidelines for Productivity at Work – TPW438

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 spendi...

Time Anxiety – TPW436

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Boosting Productivity – TPW435

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 di...

Productive Focus – TPW432

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ca...

The Meaning in Life – TPW431

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Planning for Productivity – TPW430

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

Countdown to a New Year: Peace – TPW425

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

We Need Each Other – TPW423

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whether because of generational differences or doctrinal disagreements, no woman should ignore--or worse, seek to silence--another. We need each other...

A Few of My Favorite Things – TPW422

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Productive Conversation – TPW421

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

Clean & Tidy – TPW419

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Purpose for our productivity, and productivity with purpose, make for a meaningful life. This week we're talking about the purpose of our productivity...

10 Rules for a Peacefully Productive Life – TPW417

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

4th Quarter Reset for a Productive Year End – TPW415

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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.