Have a project you’ve been putting off? Need a strong shove to get it done? Deb and Cris have got you covered! In this episode, they delve into extreme strategies you can use to overcome procrastination, like burning money. Literally!  The discussion covers unusual “anti-procrastination” apps, methods from authors Jon Acuff and Raymond Chandler, and even a tip from a well-known comedian. Use this episode as a comprehensive guide to unconventional techniques to combat procrastination so you can get ‘er done!  PSA: Have sensitive ears? Be forewarned -- there is a colorful word or two in this episode. Be sure to use your earbuds if you have kiddos around!   DISCUSSION POINTS Commitment apps to help you to overcome procrastination   "Shocking” method to help you get stuff done  Using social media as motivation to overcome procrastination   Ranking the effectiveness of various extreme strategies  Share what you’re doing, send feedback, rate, and subscribe!    RESOURCES    - Resource List (with all the apps we talked about) https://bit.ly/PLPodcast30Resources  - Book: "Finish" by Jon Acuff https://acuff.me/books/  - Episode #6 - Jon Acuff https://bit.ly/PLPodcast6Finish  - Article: "5 Ways to Stop Procrastinating"  https://www.boisestate.edu/coen-mbe/2021/04/20/5-ways-to-stop-procrastinating/  - Have a question or an extreme strategy that works for you? Share it with us! bit.ly/PLPQuestions    ===   FOLLOW PRODUCTIVITY LOVERS:  FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/ProductivityLovers  INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/productivityLuv  TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ProductivityLuv  WEBSITE:

In this episode, Cris shares a pet peeve -- how annoying “being basic” can be especially when it comes to productivity tips and tricks. And asks the question: What should you do when you’re looking for the “holy grail” of strategies so you can finally boost your productivity BUT all you get is the boring stuff you’ve already heard about? In this discussion, Cris and Deb tease through how you can go from annoyed to productive with "just the basics."  DISCUSSION POINTS The pros and cons of basic productivity habits Cris and Deb’s “basics” of productivity Routines & mindsets that match your work day The basic thing that helps “procrastination brain” and “hyperfocus” Do your productivity tools need to look good in order for you to use them? Share what you’re doing, send feedback, rate, and subscribe!   RESOURCES Episode #21 – Have You Experienced Hot Potato Productivity? https://bit.ly/PLPodcast21HotPotato Episode #5 – Do You Pomodoro? https://bit.ly/PLPodcast5Pomodoro Planner by Diane N. Quintana https://dnqsolutions.com/ Trainual SOP & Training App  https://trainual.com/ Have a question or a “basic” tip that works for you? Share it with us! bit.ly/PLPQuestions  === FOLLOW PRODUCTIVITY LOVERS: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/ProductivityLovers INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/productivityLuv TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ProductivityLuv WEBSITE: https://ProductivityLovers.com  === CONNECT WITH CRIS & DEB: Cris' Website -- Organizing Maniacs https://organizingmaniacs.com/ Deb's Website -- D. Allison Lee

In this episode, Deb and Cris discuss the importance of self-care for parents, especially mothers. They share personal experiences and insights on balancing motherhood and work, emphasizing the need for a strong support system and meaningful relationships beyond the parent-child dynamic. Cris and Deb explore self-care strategies for busy moms and the essential role it plays in maintaining productivity. DISCUSSION POINTS Cris’ AARP membership and Seasonal Affectation Disorder What is “Mom Neglect?” How can you balance motherhood and work? Strategies to help parents feel more in control and productive Mom or Dad? Who is more able to maintain self-care? Taking time for oneself- self-care ideas Parenting and self-care challenges Should you hire help or seek support?    RESOURCES PLP Episode 25: My 3 Favorite People https://bit.ly/PLP3FavePeople Finding You: An Evoke Therapy Podcast by Dr. Brad Reedy - Episode 244 - Healthy Detachment: https://apple.co/3pimIsp (We mentioned Dr. Becky but it was really Dr. Brad!) The NYT Article: Neglecting Yourself Doesn’t Make You a Better Mother by Danna Lorch https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/10/parenting/self-care-moms.html Submit Your Questions to Productivity Lovers Podcast: bit.ly/PLPQuestions   ===  FOLLOW PRODUCTIVITY LOVERS FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/ProductivityLovers INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/productivityLuv TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ProductivityLuv WEBSITE: https://ProductivityLovers.com ===    CONNECT WITH CRIS & DEB Cris' Website -- Organizing Maniacs

In this episode, Deb and Cris dig into a listener question submitted through their survey form (link below in “Resources”). The question centers on using sticky notes to write to-do lists. Cris and Deb go through the pros and cons of sticky notes and share some stories about clients who were extreme sticky note users and savers. They aslo offer some tools and solutions to stop the chaos and help you keep track of those little pieces of paper. Discussion Points: What is ‘junk’ to an organizer? Do you have to stop using sticky notes to capture your to-dos? Ways to organize your note and find them easily Apps + digital notebooks to help you save and organize all your notes How to name your digital lists so you can find them quickly Tech tools and their assistance in naming files Show us what you're using for your tasks!   Resources Have a question or hot topic you want us to cover? SHARE IT: https://bit.ly/PLPQuestions Listen to the PLP Time & Task Management Episode: https://bit.ly/TaskTimeMgt Tag us on IG to show what you’re using for your task list! https://instagram.com/ProductivityLuv   FOLLOW PRODUCTIVITY LOVERS: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/ProductivityLovers INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/productivityLuv TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ProductivityLuv WEBSITE: https://ProductivityLovers.com   CONNECT WITH CRIS & DEB: Cris' Website -- Organizing Maniacs https://organizingmaniacs.com/ Deb's Website -- D. Allison Lee

Author and podcaster Chris Brogan (“The Backpack Show”) begins each year by selecting 3 words with which he frames all of his activities and choices for the year. Deb and Cris disclose their three chosen words for 2023 (Deb has only found 2 so far), share how they chose these particular words, and what they mean to each other personally.   You’ll hear how these words will help them frame decisions and choices that they make, how they will say yes or no to projects, and how choosing three words can help you be more productive by shaping the rest of your activities throughout the year (especially if 2023 hasn't turned out the way you planned so far). Discussion Points: Personal update and a note about ChatGPT Chris Brogan - chooses three words each year to frame his perspective Deb and Cris' 3 words How can three words help you be more productive? Resources  Chris Brogan: My 3 Words (YouTube: https://bit.ly/3nF8ZLx | Blog Post: https://bit.ly/3m14jz4) Book: Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person https://amzn.to/3Mktzei Books by Jon Acuff: https://acuff.me/books/ == FOLLOW PRODUCTIVITY LOVERS:  FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/ProductivityLovers  INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/productivityLuv  TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ProductivityLuv  WEBSITE: https://ProductivityLovers.com   CONNECT WITH CRIS & DEB:  Cris' Website -- Organizing Maniacs https://organizingmaniacs.com/  Deb's Website -- D. Allison Lee h...

If money wasn’t an object, would you hire a specific person (or persons) to manage some of the stuff of life?  In this episode, Deb and Cris fantasize about having “3 favorite people” who would free up some of their time and contribute to their overall well-being. You’ll hear what kinds of tasks these “helpers” could take off their plate, and what Cris and Deb would do with all their new-found free time. Listen to this episode to hear all about it and share who *your* 3 favorite people would be. Discussion Points: Clappers, sunshine, and plants Celebrating two years of the Productivity Lovers podcast!  Deb and Cris share who their 3 “helpers” would be (plus a couple bonus people!) Small (and doable) ways to gain more time so you can focus on other things   == FOLLOW PRODUCTIVITY LOVERS: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/ProductivityLovers INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/productivityLuv TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ProductivityLuv WEBSITE: https://ProductivityLovers.com CONNECT WITH CRIS & DEB: Cris' Website -- Organizing Maniacs https://organizingmaniacs.com/ Deb's Website -- D. Allison Lee https://dallisonlee.com/ Cris on Instagram https://instagram.com/theorgmaniacs Deb on Instagram

Are you falling victim to the fear of things not being perfect? Do you procrastinate because you don’t have the right organizing tools or containers? Cris and Deb are here to let you know that it doesn’t all have to be perfect!  In this episode, you’ll hear about a client named “Carol” (not her real name) who was completely stuck and couldn’t move forward with her organizing project because (you guessed it) things weren’t *exactly* as she wanted them to be. Don’t let this happen to you. Listen to this episode to learn about simple things you can do overcome perfectionism so you can get stuff done. Remember, you can call us if you need help! Discussion Points: Marriage, Disney movies, and Type A people “Carol and The Perfect Container” Are you on one of the 4 roads that lead to procrastination? How do you handle your perfectionist tendencies? The one thing you Cris and Deb think you should do right now to stop perfectionism in its tracks === FOLLOW PRODUCTIVITY LOVERS: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/ProductivityLovers   INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/productivityLuv   TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ProductivityLuv   WEBSITE: https://ProductivityLovers.com   ===   CONNECT WITH CRIS & DEB:   Cris' Website -- Organizing Maniacs https://organizingmaniacs.com/   Deb's Website -- D. Allison Lee https://dallisonlee.com/

Is there one person on your work team that doesn’t pull their weight? Or the one whose energy brings everyone down? Do you cringe when they walk into the room or get a sinking feeling when you receive an email from them?   In this episode, we’ll discuss the “lazy coworker” and “toxic teammate.” And we’ll share advice about how you on how to handle these tricky team members. Have your own tips that have worked for you? Tell us!    Discussion Points:  So, you’re the boss. How do you manage the lazy employee or toxic person who sucks the energy out of the room?  What if you’re not the boss? Deb shares some tips about what to do if you’re not the team leader Cris shares a personal experience working at a corporate job and the specific things she did to address the toxicity at work  Does remote work allow people to be more productive because they don’t have to deal face-to-face with toxic or unproductive people? (Sidebar: Are you really more productive at home or do you get really distracted?)    === FOLLOW PRODUCTIVITY LOVERS: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/ProductivityLovers   INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/productivityLuv   TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ProductivityLuv   WEBSITE: https://ProductivityLovers.com   ===   CONNECT WITH CRIS & DEB:   Cris' Website -- Organizing Maniacs https://organizingmaniacs.com/   Deb's Website -- D. Allison Lee

Do you wear a Fitbit smart watch, Apple Watch, or some other wearable device? If so, you won’t want to miss this episode! We’re talking about how helpful these devices are to our productivity. And whether or not they can cramp your productivity style.   You’ll hear about Deb’s experience with her own Fitbit and Cris’ hesitation (and slight desire) to buy one.   Discussion Points:   -Pros and cons of a fitness tracker or smart watch -At what point is it too much? -Should you stop wearing it once you’ve reached your goal? -Will Cris join the Fitbit crew?   Resources:   -Episode 11 - Results of “No Phone Sunday” https://bit.ly/38QOap0  -Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/  -Productivity Lovers Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers  -Organizing Maniacs’ Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/  -Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/  -Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/productivityluv/  -Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs  -Deb Lee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallisonlee/

There are probably two types of people in this world, those who can engage in “Hot Potato Productivity'' and those who do not. “Hot Potato Productivity” refers to one’s ability to stop what they’re working on for non-emergencies, such as taking a walk, getting a snack, or answering the phone. It’s easy for some and harder for others. In this episode, we share perspectives from both sides and share some tips on how you can easily transition between tasks. We’ll also include a link to our free download: “Top 5 Ways to Successfully Transition Between Tasks” in the Resources section below. Discussion Points: Why it takes to time to get back in the groove after distractions How you can prevent 90% of distractions What to do if you’re not a “Hot Potato” person Resources  ”Hot Potato Productivity” Poll - share your thoughts! https://forms.gle/gqQK8FdjifAXvnoMA  Top 5 Ways to Successfully Transition Between Tasks https://productivitylovers.com/Hot-Potato-Productivity/  Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/     Productivity Lovers Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers    Organizing Maniacs Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/    Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/    Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/productivityluv/   Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs   Deb Lee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallisonlee/ 

Do you ever feel like you have to always keep it together? And show no signs of weakness and successfully juggle it all? We sometimes feel that way. And we’re wondering, how do you ask for help when people, yourself included, expect nothing but greatness?   We’ll tell you how in our new episode and it has nothing to do with being hard on yourself.   Discussion points:   -How many tasks should you complete in a day? -Tailoring your tasks -Do personal tasks count as priority tasks? -Aiming for excellence vs perfection  -What should you do when you have a perfectly imperfect day?    Resources:   -Big a$% sticky note https://amzn.to/3DO6Ocx -Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/  -Productivity Lovers Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers  -Organizing Maniacs’ Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/  -Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/  -Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/productivityluv/  -Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs  -Deb Lee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallisonlee/

In today’s episode, we’re discussing “productivity avoidance.” That sounds bad, doesn’t it? This is the term we’ve given to situations where you are being productive – which is great! Except you’re “getting all the things” done so that you can avoid dealing with difficult problems, people, or conversations (insert your difficulty here). Because who hasn’t organized their pantry to avoid having a difficult conversation with that family member, right?   Join us for this provocative conversation inspired by Brene Brown’s audiobook “The Power of Vulnerability.”   Discussion Points:   -What productivity avoidance looks like -Should you do something about it? -How to resolve a situation before it spirals -Can productivity be negative?   Resources:   -The Power of Vulnerability https://brenebrown.com/book/the-power-of-vulnerability/  -Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/  -Productivity Lovers Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers  -Organizing Maniacs’ Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/  -Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/  -Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/productivityluv/  -Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs  -Deb Lee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallisonlee/

We’re back with another episode of the Productivity Lovers Podcast! This week, we’re talking about planners. Is a paper planner more useful than a tech tool? What are the pros and cons of using an app or a set of apps? Whether you love planners or hate them, you’ll want to tune in.   Discussion Points   -Life updates with Cris and Deb -Cris’ New Year intentions vs. reality -What to do if you don’t use your planner regularly -Benefits of both paper planners and digital calendars   -Evernote https://bit.ly/Evernote_Deb  -Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/  -Productivity Lovers Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers  -Organizing Maniacs’ Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/  -Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/  -Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/productivityluv/  -Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs  -Deb Lee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallisonlee/

In this week’s episode, we’re talking about accountability partners and accountability groups. We all know that telling someone about our goals helps us stay on track but if you’ve never heard of an accountability group or never thought about joining one, you may change your mind after this conversation. Don’t miss out on learning more about this awesome productivity booster!   Discussion points:   -How many accountability groups does Cris belong to? -Deb’s favorite tech tools for tracking goals -Where can you find an accountability partner? -Benefits of having accountability -What to look for when choosing a person (or group) to keep you accountable   Resources:   -Evernote https://bit.ly/Evernote_Deb  -Basecamp https://basecamp.com/  -Any.do https://www.any.do/  -Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/  -Productivity Lovers Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers  -Organizing Maniacs’ Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/  -Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/  -Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/productivityluv/  -Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs  -Deb Lee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallisonlee/

What the heck is “cumulative punishment?” In this week’s episode, we explore what it is and how it can affect not only your productivity but your mental health as well. This will be especially helpful to you if you often are very critical of yourself when you miss a deadline or fail to accomplish a goal. We share tips on how to be more kind to yourself during times of stress and how you can get support while figuring out what went wrong. Discussion points: The interesting thing Cris does before every episode What is cumulative punishment? How Cris and Deb show themselves some compassion The 3 step process of experiencing cumulative punishment What’s a Ta-Da list?   Resources: -Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/  -Productivity Lovers Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers  -Organizing Maniacs’ Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/  -Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/  -Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/productivityluv/  -Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs  -Deb Lee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallisonlee/

In today’s episode, we discuss the necessity of meetings. Cris and Deb agree that not all meetings are particularly necessary and spending time in a meeting that’s not relevant to you when you could be doing something else is a sure-fire way to get nothing done. As the pandemic rumbles on and some of us are nearing our century Zoom call, we wanted to share some tips on how to maximize the productivity of a meeting.   Discussion Points: What put Deb in a ‘poopy mood’ Cris’ days as the ‘meeting patrol’ Best practices for a productive meeting How to get out of a meeting you don’t need to be in Apps that make meetings a little easier Who hoards their meeting notes?   Resources   Robert’s Rules of Order https://robertsrules.com/  Fellow.App https://fellow.app/  Evernote https://bit.ly/Evernote_Deb (Deb’s referral link) Adobe Scan https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/mobile/scanner-app.html  Scannable https://evernote.com/products/scannable  Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/  Productivity Lovers Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers  Organizing Maniacs’ Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/  Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/  Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/productivityluv/  Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs  Deb Lee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallisonlee/

In today’s episode, we discuss Manoush Zomorodi’s book “Bored and Brilliant - How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self” and talk about some of the interesting statistics and challenges around technology, how much we use our smartphones, and what this might be doing to our brains.    Manoush is the host of NPR’s TED Radio Hour and a co-founder of Stable Genius Productions. She is also the co-host and co-creator of ZigZag, the business podcast about being human. Last but not least, Manoush created, hosted, and was managing editor of the podcast Note to Self in partnership with WNYC Studios, which was named Best Tech Podcast of 2017 by The Academy of Podcasters.    Discussion Points:  Cris’ expanding family and more changes at Deb’s house!  The Bored and Brilliant 7-Day Challenge   The benefits of just letting your brain wander  What research says about the impact of social media on your working memory  The stats on how many times we change tasks during time spent online  The “shocking” results of what happened when people in a locked room got bored  Resources   Book: “Bored and Brilliant” http://www.manoushz.com/book    ZigZag Podcast https://zigzagpod.com/  Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/      Productivity Lovers Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers     Organizing Maniacs’ Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/     Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/     Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/productivityluv/    Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs    Deb Lee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallisonlee/  

Today we go back in time to remember a moment where Deb felt like she went off the rails a little bit with her emotions after a particularly negative interaction with a plumber at her home during renovations. We talk about what she did to deal with those emotions, both in that moment and throughout the minutes and hours after in order to remain productive. We also answer our very first listener question.   Discussion Points: The “Poopy Plumber” story Ways to deal with emotions when trying to be productive Coping strategies to help you in difficult moments Listener question answered: How to become “Magically Productive”  Resources  Submit Your Questions https://bit.ly/PLPQuestions Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/ Productivity Lovers Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers    Organizing Maniacs Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/    Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/    Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/productivityluv/   Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs   Deb Lee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallisonlee/

We jump right into Cris’ recent close encounter with a major pet peeve: constant reminders! We also try to figure out why we, as a society, now need to be reminded about every appointment -- often several times. We discuss the vicious cycle that seems to require multiple texts, emails, phone calls, and nudges all in an effort to get us to show up where we’re supposed to be when we’re supposed to be there. As you know, we love all things related to productivity, and today’s chat makes us question whether reminders help or hinder our ability to get things done -- and more importantly, to simply be responsible. Discussion Points: The problem with the constant need for reminders Are reminders even necessary? Learning to be responsible - where it starts What reminders mean to Cris and Deb Are people who need reminders irresponsible? Has technology made us more reliant on reminders? Resources Productivity Lovers Website   https://productivitylovers.com/ Productivity Lovers on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers Organizing Maniacs (Free Training Fridays) https://organizingmaniacs.com/online-diy/free-training-fridays/ Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/

Today is the day! We are catching up and sharing how our “No Phone Sunday” challenge went. We both had a different experience and it may surprise you what we missed the most during our 24-hour phone fast. While neither of us had a perfect day, we both walked away with a renewed sense of how important disconnecting from our screens is. At the same time, we also realized that these devices can serve a good purpose in our daily lives. We highly recommend having a regular “no phone” day and sharing your feedback with us!  Discussion Points: The Mission Recap: No Phone For 24 Hours How it went for Deb and Cris on “No Phone Sunday” Deb’s mega-list of things she would have done if she had her phone Was it worth it to do the 24-hour phone fast? The pros and cons of “always connected” Our key takeaways and what we would have done differently Shout out to participants and winners of the Amazon GC giveaway! Resources Productivity Lovers Website https://productivitylovers.com/  Productivity Lovers Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers  Organizing Maniacs Website https://organizingmaniacs.com/  Deb Lee’s Website https://dallisonlee.com/ Book -- Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29502354-rest  Productivity Lovers on Instagram https://instagram.com/productivityluv Cris Sgrott on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theorgmaniacs  Deb Lee on Instagram https://instagram.com/dallisonlee