April 2026

We’ve talked about seasons before but it deserves more attention. Seasons aren’t always in terms of time frames, sometimes it’s more about our needs, and the needs of those around us. 

I know that my needs change, and I can feel them in my moods and in my productivity. This winter, I was in hibernation mode. That’s what I needed. Now, I’m feeling like I need to change things around because what was working last month doesn’t feel like it’s working anymore.

For example, my breaks are usually at night, when I’ve historically had the least amount of energy and focus and want to just be, or do something relaxing. But, recently, I’ve noticed that I need to add in a break during the day, and that’s ok. I’m planning for a real lunch break while reading, and I’m walking with my dog, Bailey. 

Planning doesn’t have to be rigid, and it shouldn’t be.

I learned more about the science behind energy cycles recently in Daniel Pink’s book, When: The Scientific Secrets to Perfect Timing. In it, he discusses the fluctuations people have in their energy throughout the day. It’s called chronobiology and is worth exploring if you want to understand people’s biological rhythms.

I’ll share my biggest takeaway: We have to understand our own energy cycles and work within those, recognizing they may change season to season whether that’s an actual season or just a time in our life. 

As I said, I’m exploring a midday break right now. Before I convinced myself to try it, I was thinking about how I’m able to work for long periods of time and don’t need a midday break. 

Pink’s book pointed out that the majority of people have energy cycles that dip in the middle of the day and then rebound again. Maybe I’m one of those people and taking a break in the middle of my day will allow me to have more energy the back half of the day? Maybe I’m not? Maybe I wasn’t, but I am now? 

I won’t know until I try. This could be a new season and new routine for me. So far, I’m sure Bailey appreciates the effort!

- Ronna

My Favorite Things 

Last month I had the privilege of being a guest at a discussion of the Business Minds Book Club, a virtual book club of women business owners. I was invited to discuss my favorite productivity book, Slow Productivity by Cal Newport.

This experience fits perfectly in My Favorite Things for this newsletter because it brought together so many of my favorite things: my favorite productivity book, collaborating with women whose businesses I believe in and respect, and engaging with an audience in a conversation about something I love. 

Many of us value things in relation to whether or not they’re “worth my time.” We know I don’t like wasting time, and this was worth every minute! 

Thank you to Jillian Bernstein of The Wellness Extension and to Suzanne Scheer, JD, CLTC for this opportunity and for bringing so many of my favorite things together. If you’d like to sign up for their next Business Minds Book Club on May 19th, we’ll be discussing Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. You can register here.

What I’m Thinking About

“Do one thing that makes you feel more like yourself.” 

These wise words from Kendra Adachi of The Lazy Genius Collective really resonate with me. When she and Gretchen Rubin were chatting on Rubin’s podcast, they addressed how often people get lost in their roles – in parenthood (both women and men), in an empty-nest phase of life, or whatever it is that encompasses most of their time. 

It made me think about where I am in my life, and I realized that I’ve never felt more like myself than I do when I’m working in my business. It’s taken me a while to get here, with many years where I felt lost in my role as a mom. I was searching so long for the feeling that I felt during my days when I worked in television, another time when I truly felt like myself. It’s exhilarating to think about because I know that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing, but didn’t know it until it happened. 

Teaching people how to be productive in a sustainable way makes me feel like myself because I have so much passion for and belief in my processes for me and all of you. I work toward improvement and growth in my business day after day and truly love helping others. And the more I do it, the more I feel like myself.

Are you ready to explore how to avoid burnout, relieve stress and be more productive with customized time-management tools?

Fill out my contact form to set up a free 30-minute consultation.

One More Thing…

Don’t miss next month’s Admin Hour on May 12th from 1-2:15pm CT!

This is a FREE, monthly Zoom session where anyone can join me to work for a dedicated hour. After an hour of quiet work time together you can hop off or spend 15 minutes with me while I host an “Ask Me Anything.” I will answer your most pressing productivity or time-management questions. 

You’re welcome to attend once, every time, or whenever it works in your schedule. I will be there, holding myself accountable to getting tasks done and connecting with many of you. 

Register for the May Admin Hour here.

Don't miss my 2026 Facebook Workflow! 

For those of you who are Chicago business owners, you just might be missing some of the best marketing opportunities out there!

Did you know that there are dozens of Facebook Groups that allow you to promote your business for free? And they have thousands of members in these groups for moms, female entrepreneurs, professional moms and more. I want to make sure you take advantage of these – I have a 2026 Facebook Workflow for you listing all the days that you can post! You can purchase it here.