August 2025

One of my college best friends told me recently that I should try to be less rigid, that I should take random phone calls during the day and let myself be more flexible. She’s a straight-shooter, and I value that in her, but in this case I think she’s misread me. So it seems it’s a good idea now to tell all of you more about my attitude around productivity and time management.

Yes, I plan monthly, weekly and daily for myself, and generally I stick to the plan. But I wouldn’t say I’m rigid, and I wouldn’t expect any of my clients to be either. I plan with intention and a dash of aspiration because, for me, I’m happier and healthier with structured and productive days.

Sometimes I’m concerned about a perfection perception – that the productivity expert has all her shit together, all the time. But, really, I’ve become an expert in this space only after years of developing processes. Now, I really want to share them with you, which is why I launched this business. And, I never want anyone to be intimidated.

Do I follow my plans perfectly? No. I follow the processes, but I do let life get in the way – sometimes! – and when it does, I get back on track. Just like any habit, it’s always a work in progress.

When we work together, we’ll figure out what works for you based on your understanding of how YOU work and function best. I’ll use best practices from my life and my experiences with other clients. My productivity and time-management attitude for all of you is far from rigid – it’s focused on your happiness, your success and identifying what you need.

- Ronna

One of the tabs on the task list

My Favorite Things 

This month I’ll humbly and proudly share with you that my favorite thing is my Workflows by Ronna College-Bound Task List. I’m moving my daughter to college next week, and so I’ve been deep into getting her ready and using one of my own tools to keep the process smooth, paced and collaborative.

I created the College-Bound Task List last year and shared it as a free download on commitment day – May 1st. Considering it’s an exhaustive, thoughtful, organized list of all the to-dos, it didn’t come as that much of a surprise that people have loved it. I know now, too, how useful it is because I’ve been actively using it.

The tool has made me feel calm, organized and confident that I won’t forget anything. It has been extra satisfying to check things off as we get closer and closer to the big day. And, my daughter and I can both work from it – it’s in Google Sheets so we’re sharing the workload and the experience, creating learning opportunities for us both as we take on this major life milestone for her. And that best friend I told you about? Her daughter is my daughter’s roommate, and they’re also shared on the document, ensuring that we’re all on the same page.

It’s easy for me to share my favorite thing this month because it’s mine to give you. Click here if you want it! And email me at ronna@workflowsbyronna.com if you’ve used it. I’d love to hear how it’s going.

My December in-person Notebooks with Ronna workshop in Highland Park, IL

What I’m Thinking About

I’ve hosted 52 people at my Notebooks with Ronna workshops since the launch last year. Each and every person has come to the process as their unique selves, with many sharing in conversation or chat in some way. (There’s never an expectation of sharing thoughts or experiences during the workshop, but there are opportunities to do so at times.)

I’m launching a new way to participate in Notebooks with Ronna workshops: 

Notebooks with Ronna in personalized groups – your friends, your family, your co-workers, your people!

You pull together a group of friends, family or co-workers and host a private Notebooks with Ronna session just for you so that it’s a fun, comfortable, supportive setting.

If you’ve done the workshop already, there’s a perk in it for you if you pull together a group.

If you’re intrigued but not comfortable coming to a Zoom or in-person event with people you don’t know, this is your chance.

There is much more information on Notebooks with Ronna here. I’m very enthusiastic about this additional approach to workshops – I look forward to being in one of your living or dining rooms (in person or virtually) really soon as we work together to build Notebooks that will help make everyone happier with more time to do what really matters most. Email me at ronna@workflowsbyronna.com if you’re interested in putting your own group together, or visit my website for more information on my upcoming December and January workshops.

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.