Podcast
Positively Living®: Shame-Free Productivity Conversations
Hosted by Lisa Zawrotny · EN
The Positively Living® Podcast brings you shame-free productivity conversations for the overwhelmed multi-passionate creatives, caregivers, and multi-taskers who never clock out, juggle countless responsibilities, and quietly wonder if there's a better way.
Hosted by Lisa Zawrotny, Productivity Coach and founder of Positively Productive Systems, the show replaces rigid productivity rules with flexible approaches that respect your energy and priorities. Through solo episodes, expert interviews, and live coaching sessions, Lisa covers the topics that actually affect your ability to move forward: stress management, habits and systems, decluttering, self-awareness, boundaries, mindset, entrepreneurship, and more.
This is productivity for real life, helping you breathe easier, move forward sustainably, and make space for what matters most to you.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Build Habits You Can Keep
Mar 1600:19:04Tap to summarizeText your thoughts and questions!Does this sound familiar? You start a new routine with the best of intentions, only to have it vanish the moment your schedule shifts or your energy drops. So many of us struggle with habit failure, often blaming a lack of discipline or willpower. I am here to tell you that’s not always the case, and there is something you can do about it! This week, episode 305 of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast is about building habits you can keep. In this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I explore why many productivity systems fail (they are built for ideal conditions rather than the reality of actual life) and give you actionable advice to start building personalized habits that actually stick. Key Takeaways: Instead of building habits for your best days, create versions that fit your typical energy levels; consistency matters far more than intensity. Habits feel like constant resistance if they conflict with who you are; your routines should reflect your unique nature and deep-seated "why".Life is constantly fluctuating; give yourself permission to adjust your habits rather than abandoning them entirely.By removing obstacles in your environment and making the "start" of a habit as easy as possible, you dramatically increase your chances of following through.Which habit in your life currently feels like a struggle? Ask yourself: "Does this habit fit the life I'm actually living right now, or does it only fit the 'ideal' version?" I encourage you to pick one habit this week and shrink it down until it feels "too easy" to fail. That’s where you need to start to succeed!Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Positively LivingⓇ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/Stop trying to fit into someone else’s productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)Habits Podcast PlaylistDance Song Playlist V1, V2, V3Music by Ian and Jeff ZawrotnyStart your own podcast with Buzzsprout!Request this Toolkit and other free resources at the Resources Page.
Transcribe →Journaling to Help You Move Forward
Mar 900:13:28Tap to summarizeText your thoughts and questions!Journaling is often framed as a tool for reflection, emotional processing, or deep introspection. And while these approaches can be incredibly valuable, they’re not the only way that journaling can support you. Journaling can also function as a decision-making and clarity tool, especially when your brain feels noisy, conflicted, or mentally stuck. This week, episode 304 of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast is about how to use journaling to help you move forward!In this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I’m exploring how you can use journaling as a practical tool to take action so that you can turn your mental noise into visible, actionable information that helps you start doing. I cover the following topics:How moving thoughts from your working memory to a visual surface reduces cognitive load and creates immediate mental relief. Why high-speed practical journaling is often more effective for forward momentum than traditional, deep reflective writing. Using the mind sweep technique to clear out general mind clutter before attempting to use journaling for complex problem solving. A series of specific journal prompts designed to bypass your inner critic and identify the smallest, most workable step forward. Clarity doesn't come from thinking harder; it comes from getting your thoughts out of your head so you can process them. Your journal is the bridge between being overwhelmed and being in motion.For the resources mentioned, head to positivelyproductive.com/resources. And if you’re interested in a coaching session with me, you can find more details at positivelyproductive.com/coaching. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Positively LivingⓇ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/Stop trying to fit into someone else’s productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)Ep 303: How Action Gives Us ClarityDance Song Playlist V1, V2, V3Music by Ian and Jeff ZawrotnyRequest this Toolkit and other free resources at the Resources Page.
Transcribe →How Action Gives Us Clarity
Mar 200:11:17Tap to summarizeText your thoughts and questions!If you’re an overthinker and overanalyzer like me, you already know how difficult taking action can be. You also know the frustrating feeling of not taking action because you simply cannot decide what to do. But here’s the twist. Sometimes you have to pull an Uno Reverse card on your brain because sometimes, it’s the action itself that brings the clarity you were trying to find. This week, episode 303 of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast is about how action gives us clarity!In this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I’m sharing why your brain gets stuck in analysis paralysis and how you can break the loop of overthinking to move forward and gain clarity along the way. Key takeaways:Feeling stuck is often a result of your brain not having enough data to make a decision; taking a small step can provide the feedback your brain needs to resolve uncertainty. Analysis paralysis is often driven by perfectionism, and recognizing this as the barrier it is allows you to prioritize action over a flawless (but non-existent) plan.We are taught that clarity must precede action, but often, it is the action itself that creates the clarity you’ve been searching for.Clarity isn't always something you find; sometimes, it’s something you create through movement. I encourage you to find the one "smallest safe step" you can take today to move past a decision that has you stuck.If you need help quieting the mental noise before you dive into action, check out the Guided Mind Sweep on the resources page atpositivelyproductive.com/resources. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Positively LivingⓇ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/Stop trying to fit into someone else’s productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)Dance Song Playlist V1, V2, V3Music by Ian and Jeff ZawrotnyStart your own podcast with Buzzsprout!Request this Toolkit and other free resources at the Resources Page.
Transcribe →Start Here: Shame-Free Productivity That Works for Real Life
Feb 2500:09:29Tap to summarizeText your thoughts and questions!What if you could get more done without doing more, burning out, or blaming yourself for struggling?The Positively Living® Podcast brings you shame-free productivity conversations for the overwhelmed multi-passionate creatives, caregivers, and multi-taskers who never clock out, juggle countless responsibilities, and quietly wonder if there’s a better way.Hosted by Lisa Zawrotny, Productivity + Life Coach and founder of Positively Productive Systems, the show replaces rigid productivity rules with flexible approaches that respect your energy and priorities. Through solo episodes, expert interviews, and live coaching sessions, Lisa covers the topics that actually affect your ability to move forward: stress management, habits and systems, decluttering, self-awareness, boundaries, mindset, entrepreneurship, and more.This is productivity for real life, helping you breathe easier, move forward sustainably, and make space for what matters most to you.Mom's Spring Break Bundle: For $27, you get immediate access to 26 practical resources designed to help you make small, sanity-saving changes that stick!
Transcribe →Five Simple Ways to Treat Yourself Better
Feb 2300:17:51Tap to summarizeText your thoughts and questions!If you have ever felt like you should be treating yourself better but have no idea where to start, or maybe the idea of being nice to yourself feels strange, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with a harsh internal monologue, feeling isolated in our stress or trapped by rigid societal expectations. That’s why, in this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I am sharing five simple ways to treat yourself better!In this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I show you how you can move from the theory of self-compassion to practical, daily application, reducing shame along the way.The five tips I cover in this episode include: Audit your internal monologue by first noticing how you speak to yourself in times of stress.Practice needs-based self-compassion, understanding it as an indulgence. Listen to your body’s signals of depletion and take them as a sign to regulate your nervous system. Embrace common experiences, reminding yourself that you’re not alone in how you feel.Utilize permission statements, allowing yourself to show up imperfect, change your mind, or set limits. Self-compassion isn't built through grand gestures; it’s built through small moments of noticing and recalibrating. This week, don't try to master all five techniques. Instead, choose one single practice, try it for a few days and see what unfolds.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Positively LivingⓇ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/Stop trying to fit into someone else’s productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)Ep 301: Why Self-Compassion Matters More Than You ThinkDance Song Playlist V1, V2, V3Music by Ian and Jeff ZawrotnyStart your own podcast with Buzzsprout!Mom's Spring Break Bundle: For $27, you get immediate access to 26 practical resources designed to help you make small, sanity-saving changes that stick!
Transcribe →Why Self-Compassion Matters More Than You Think
Feb 1600:17:01Tap to summarizeText your thoughts and questions!So many of us are quick to say things like, “I need to be kinder to myself,” and I think we truly believe that. But the minute we fail to get something done, lose track of time, or struggle, our inner voice turns harsh. For us high achievers, especially, this is an unfortunate natural reaction. The problem is that we don’t realize how much that critical inner voice is costing us. This week, episode 301 of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast is about why self-compassion matters more than you think!In this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I’m diving into why the “try harder” mentality often backfires, and I give you actionable steps to take right now to practice self-compassion as the necessary foundation for true productivity and emotional regulation. Key takeaways:Self-compassion isn’t a vague feeling; it’s a system of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. While self-awareness is the ultimate productivity tool, self-compassion is the environment that makes those tools work. Your brain interprets self-criticism as a threat, triggering increased cortisol and bodily tension. In contrast, self-compassion helps regulate your nervous system. Self-compassion is not about lowering your standards but about being honest without being cruel, making it more likely that you’ll take responsibility and repair mistakes.Self-compassion is a skill that can be practiced and developed over time, even if it feels unnatural at first.Self-compassion isn't about being nice to yourself when things are going perfectly; it’s about how you respond in the moments you lose momentum or fail to meet the plan. This week, try to simply notice your inner dialogue without trying to fix it. Awareness without judgment is your first step toward a more resilient life.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Positively LivingⓇ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/Stop trying to fit into someone else’s productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)Ep 189: Why Compassion is Essential to Be More ProductiveDance Song Playlist V1, V2, Mom's Spring Break Bundle: For $27, you get immediate access to 26 practical resources designed to help you make small, sanity-saving changes that stick!
Transcribe →300 Episodes In: How Positively Living Works for Your Life
Feb 900:49:06Tap to summarizeText your thoughts and questions!Productivity is best when it’s shame-free and done in a way that honors your life. That is the message I started this podcast with, and it remains true 300 episodes later. Yes, you read that right. Today we’re celebrating 300 episodes of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast. And joining me to commemorate this landmark episode is my friend and podcast producer, Alesia Galati, as we flip the script and she interviews me. In our conversation, we reflect on my journey of podcasting and how listeners can make the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast work for their lives. Alesia and I cover the following topics:Expressing gratitude for the achievements this podcast has hit. Reflecting on the impact of this podcast through listener reviews. Taking a look at how this podcast has evolved and where it’s headed in the future. How to use this podcast as a tool for productivity (without the overwhelm).Five things you may not know about me. As we celebrate 300 episodes–and 10 years of Positively Productive Systems, the business behind the podcast–I want to thank you, because you are what makes this possible. Whether you’ve been here from the start or just started listening, your support means the world to me. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Positively LivingⓇ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/Stop trying to fit into someone else’s productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)For more episodes and playlists, visit the podcast page of my website!Ep 299: 10 Lessons to Celebrate 10 Years of Positive ProductivityDance Song Playlist V1, V2, V3Music by Ian and Jeff ZawrotnyStart your own podcast with Buzzsprout!Mom's Spring Break Bundle: For $27, you get immediate access to 26 practical resources designed to help you make small, sanity-saving changes that stick!
Transcribe →10 Lessons to Celebrate 10 Years of Positive Productivity
Feb 200:18:59Tap to summarizeText your thoughts and questions!In honor of a huge milestone —10 years of the business behind the podcast—I am reflecting on the last 10 years and the conversations I've had with clients, listeners, and my fellow multi-passionate entrepreneurs. So today in episode 299 of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, instead of focusing on one topic, I’m celebrating by sharing 10 lessons of positive productivity that I’ve learned over the last decade. In this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I’m focusing on 10 lessons that connect to the same theme: productivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. You must find what works for you and honor that. The 10 lessons I cover in this episode include: Productivity is personal, not universal. Fluctuating energy is normal. Plan for it. Good enough beats perfect. Decluttering is a whole-life practice.Rest is not a reward; it’s a requirement. Joy fuels productivity. Shame is the worst motivator. Systems don’t need to be complicated. Let the season you’re in guide your choices. Start where you are, grow as you go. I want to celebrate with you! Find me on social media and message me, sharing what you’re celebrating today—big or small—and if this episode resonated with you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify to help others join this important conversation. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Positively LivingⓇ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/Stop trying to fit into someone else’s productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)Dance Song Playlist V1, V2, V3Music by Ian and Jeff ZawrotnyStart your own podcast with Buzzsprout!
Transcribe →How Your Strengths & Personality Can Be Your Advantage
Jan 2600:19:40Tap to summarizeText your thoughts and questions!If you’ve listened to the podcast before, you know that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to productivity. So if you feel like you’re constantly fighting against your own brain, forcing yourself to use productivity systems that just don’t stick, and feeling overwhelmed in trying to be disciplined, you’ve likely been trying to operate in systems that weren’t designed for your unique wiring. This week, on episode 298 of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I am continuing my special series guiding you through my Positively Productive Toolkit and talking about how your strengths and personality can be used to your productivity advantage. In this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I share why self-awareness is your number one productivity tool and outline how you can use my Assessments Workbook to help you quit forcing strategies that don’t fit and start choosing the habits and tools that support you. The assessments I cover in this episode include:The Big Five (OCEAN): Think of this as your trait blueprint, measuring 5 broad traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) on a spectrum.The Four Tendencies: This framework by Gretchen Rubin categorizes you as an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel based on how you handle inner and outer expectations, revealing your natural motivation style.VIA Strengths: Unlike performance-based tests, this identifies your top character strengths and uncovers which qualities you naturally express to help you lean into what is already strong and meaningful within you.16 Personalities: Considered a modern version of the Myers-Briggs test, this assesses how you instinctively think, relate, and connect with the world.Your strengths, personality, and tendencies are not obstacles to overcome. Rather, they are your greatest advantages. Stop trying to fit into someone else's system and start designing a life that fits you.Stop trying to fit into someone else’s productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)Ep 1: The #1 Tool to Achieve ProductivityEp 88: Play to Your Strengths with Julia de'CanevaEp 181: How to Improve Your Productivity Using the Four TendenciesEp 267: How the Big 5 Personality Quiz Helps You Achieve MoreEp 268: Build Strong Habits Based On Your Personality
Transcribe →The Joy List: Your Key to Self-Care
Jan 1900:26:19Tap to summarizeText your thoughts and questions!Many of us struggle with the guilt of taking time for ourselves, often viewing self-care as a luxury we can only afford once everything else is done. But here’s the truth: when we neglect ourselves, we welcome exhaustion, resentment, and burnout. This week, on episode 297 of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I am continuing my special series guiding you through my Positively Productive Toolkit, with the key to self-care: the Joy List. In this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I’m diving into my Joy List, reframing self-care not as an indulgence, but as essential maintenance for your mind and body, helping you map your way back to yourself through the science of positive emotions and the art of “compassionate productivity.”Key takeaways:Self-Care as Energy Maintenance: Why joy is a biological necessity to expand your mental lens, foster creativity, and help you recover from stress faster.The Science of Nervous System Regulation: How small "glimmers" of joy act as cues to shift you out of "fight or flight" and into a state where you can solve problems with clarity.The Overlap of Values and Joy: Whether you value connection, beauty, or freedom, identifying specific joyful activities makes your values tangible and actionable.The Sliding-Scale Approach: Three levels of joy so you can practice self-care, no matter how busy you are.Your joy is not a frivolous "extra", it’s the fuel that keeps you whole. This week, start by identifying three quick ways you can sprinkle joy into your day. Whether it’s listening to a favorite song or taking three deep breaths outside, notice how your energy shifts when you choose yourself.Haven’t downloaded your Positively Productive Toolkit yet? You can find it at positivelyproductive.com/PLPKit Learn more about Positively LivingⓇ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/Stop trying to fit into someone else’s productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)Ep 241: Why Being Cozy Can Make You More ProductiveEp 204: Why Bringing Nature Inside Will Help You Focus Better with Kasey RileyEp 296: Core Values: A Foundation of Sustainable ProductivityDance Song Playlist V1, V2,
Transcribe →