Summer Productivity Tips - Ep 218

Summer tends to bring a lighter schedule—but that can actually make it harder to stay productive. In this solo episode, I share the two core techniques I use to stay on track when motivation dips, plus a bonus tip that came straight out of a client call.

What You'll Learn

• How to structure a weekly to-do list so it stays manageable—not overwhelming
• The left-side / right-side notebook method I use to organize clients, pipeline, and tasks
• Terry Bean's 3-item Post-It note technique for daily focus
• Why open browser tabs can quietly derail your productivity—and what to do about it
• The unexpected benefit of talking through your systems with others
  
  

Episode Highlights

Technique #1: The Left/Right Notebook Method

I use a Full Focus Planner as my weekly to-do notebook. On Monday mornings, I start from scratch—writing down top-of-mind priorities before ever looking at the previous week's list. I split my notebook page into two sides:

• Right side: Retainer clients at the top, followed by prospects in my proposal stage, then low-effort personal/business tasks for end-of-day wind-down
• Left side: My running big-picture to-do list, now much easier to tackle with the pressure removed
  
  

Technique #2: Terry Bean's 3-Item Post-It

I learned this at a networking event with Terry Bean. The technique is simple: write exactly three things you need to accomplish today on a 3×3 Post-It note. Keeping it visible throughout the day cuts through a long list and keeps your attention on what actually matters.

The Browser Tab Problem (Bonus Insight)

During a call with Liz M. Lopez and Elaine Belson, I realized I had four separate Chrome windows open—some with 15–20 tabs each—each tab representing an unfinished task. The takeaway: open tabs are an informal task list, but a risky one. I'm working on cross-referencing my tabs with my written to-do list so nothing falls through the cracks.

Bonus Technique: Saying It Out Loud

Verbalizing your workflows to another person is itself a productivity tool. Hearing yourself describe a system often reveals both what's working and where the gaps are—without needing a formal audit.

People Mentioned

• Tammy Pereira — Business coach and entrepreneur who reminded me: "That's your money—go after it." | linkedin.com/in/tammypereira
• Terry Bean — Networking expert and speaker who taught me the 3-item Post-It daily focus technique | linkedin.com/in/terrybean
• Liz M. Lopez — Friend, client, and fellow entrepreneur | linkedin.com/in/lizmlopez
• Elaine Belson — Also on the call during the browser-tabs conversation | linkedin.com/in/elainebelsonlcsw
  
  

Resources Mentioned

• Marketing with Meller Community: mellermarketing.com/join

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur who could use a productivity reset this summer—and come join our community at mellermarketing.com/join.