Insights from Lisa Zawrotny, Founder of Positively Productive Systems

On About IBD Podcast Episode 170, I talk to Lisa Zawrotny, a productivity coach, founder of Positively Productive Systems, and host of the Positively Living Podcast. We talk about how people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) or other chronic illnesses have unique challenges when it comes to productivity. Our discussion focuses on how to manage stress and clutter effectively when coping with low energy and flare-ups. Lisa shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s and her experiences with chronic pain, which have profoundly influenced her approach to productivity coaching. In this post, I break down the key insights and actionable advice shared in the episode.

1. The Power of Saying No

Saying no can be difficult, especially for people who are used to helping others. But at times, it’s important to put some boundaries in place. People living with chronic illness sometimes need to protect their energy and capacity.

Tips:

• Think about focusing on the quality of your “yes” rather than the quantity. It’s better to show up less frequently with an emphatic “yes” than try to struggle through commitments that don’t align with your energy level and your goals.
• Take some time before giving an answer to a request or a question.
• Try using phrases like “let me get back to you” to give yourself time to think about your decision.

2. Setting Boundaries

Clear boundaries are an important part of managing what we allow into our lives, especially for those with limited energy due to chronic illness.

Tips:

• Take a beat to consider whether you can genuinely commit to an ask before answering.
• Be honest about your limitations and let others know so that you can set realistic expectations.

3. Creating Systems to Manage Clutter

Putting systems in place to manage your environment can help by having a positive impact on both productivity and mental clarity.

Tips:

• Take a few minutes at the end of the day to clean and organize your space, whether that’s your desk at work or your bedroom or other place in your home.
• Focus on smaller, more manageable tasks like putting away papers or closing out apps, which can create a cleaner and more inviting space for the next day.

4. The Importance of Documenting and Keeping Notes

For people living with chronic illness and their care partners, a dedicated notebook or planner for tracking symptoms, appointments, and important information is crucial.

Tips:

• Keep notes in chronological order by date to make information easier to find and to help make communication with healthcare providers easier.
• Where it makes sense, use digital tools and apps to keep track of important information and set reminders for appointments or daily tasks.

5. Capturing Information

Try using a “mind sweep.” A mind sweep is a way to capture all tasks and thoughts in one place. This helps because once everything is written down, the mental burden of remembering everything may be lessened.

Tips:

• Go through the list every so often to make sure nothing falls through the cracks and to set priorities for tasks.
• Every so often, do a brain dump onto paper or into an app to clear mental clutter and focus on what truly needs to get accomplished.

6. Automate Tasks

Setting up automation for everyday or routine tasks can eliminate or minimize the worry of forgetting things. This helps because it allows you to focus on other priorities.

Tips:

• Use technology to set up automatic prescription refills or for reminders for important appointments.
• Smart devices can also be used to automate some tasks, like turning on or off the lights or setting appliances like a dishwasher to run automatically.

7. Embracing Imperfection

It’s important to avoid letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. Perfection is not always within reach. Becoming okay with letting perfection go by the wayside at times is helpful in being productive.

Tips:

• Make a plan to acknowledge even your small accomplishments, which can help with motivation.
• Recognize that progress can take many forms and adjust your expectations based on your current ability as it relates to your health.

8. Celebrating Wins

Celebrating successes, no matter how small, helps with creating a positive mindset and reinforces the idea that every step forward is worth recognizing.

Tips:

• Find the celebration or acknowledgement that will motivate you. This could be sharing success with friends or taking a break to do something fun that you save for special moments.
• Keep a journal or log of your accomplishments that you can go back to when you  are experiencing challenges.

9. The Impact of Comparison

Comparing oneself to others, especially in the age of social media, can lead to feelings of being less than or left out. It’s best to try to focus on your unique journey and abilities.

Tips:

• Try to reduce time spent on social media to avoid the negative effects of comparison.
• Concentrate on your progress and your personal growth, and continue celebrate your achievements.

10. Finding Peace in Individual Capacity

We all have different capacities, and it can be helpful to recognize and accept them. They may change quickly, even from day to day, so making some peace with it can help in maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Tips:

• Establish realistic and achievable goals based on your current capacity and energy levels. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it’s okay to have limitations.
• Remember that capacity will change over time, and with the ups and downs of the chronic illness.

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Amber and Lisa provide valuable strategies for managing productivity amidst the challenges of chronic illness and caregiving. By prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and celebrating small wins, individuals can create a more manageable and fulfilling life. The conversation serves as a reminder that it’s okay to embrace imperfection and focus on personal growth rather than comparison. Ultimately, the key takeaway is to live within one’s capacity and find joy in the journey.