Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

Julie Fast on Getting It Done When You’re Depressed: Practical Strategies for Productivity


Listen Later

In this episode we revisit a conversation with Julie Fast, author of Getting It Done When You’re Depressed: 50 Strategies to Help You Achieve Productivity Even with Depression, Anxiety, or ADHD. She shares her expertise on how to overcome productivity barriers caused by mental health struggles. Julie, who has lived with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and ADHD, offers strategies and real-life insights on how to get things done even when your brain isn’t cooperating.


In this conversation, we explore:

  • Understanding Depression and Productivity: Julie explains how depression can make it nearly impossible to get started, and why it’s important to develop a system to help push through the inertia and achieve even small tasks.

  • The Myth of Motivation: We discuss why motivation doesn’t come first and how action leads to motivation, especially for those struggling with depression.

  • Building a Plan for the Basics: Julie talks about the importance of having a plan for simple daily tasks, like brushing your teeth or answering emails, and why these are the foundation for larger accomplishments.

  • Feeling the Depression and Doing It Anyway: Julie discusses the power of acknowledging your depression and still taking action, even when you don’t feel like it, and why this is crucial for maintaining progress.

  • Creating a Realistic Workspace: We explore how setting up a manageable work environment and using time limits, like the Pomodoro technique, can help get things done despite depression or ADHD.

    Julie’s approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and actionable advice for anyone struggling to balance mental health and productivity. This conversation is for those who need practical strategies for getting things done without the pressure to be perfect.

    Learn more about Julie and her work at JulieFast.com and find Getting It Done When You’re Depressed on Amazon and other retailers.

    Connect with Erik:

    • LinkedIn 
    • Facebook 
    • Bluesky

    • This Podcast is Powered By:

      • Descript
      • Descript 101
      • Castmagic
      • Ecamm
      • Podpage
      • Rodecaster Pro
      • Top Productivity Books List
      • Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors!

        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

        See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store

        Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and LifeBy Erik Fisher

        • 4.5
        • 4.5
        • 4.5
        • 4.5
        • 4.5

        4.5

        827 ratings


        More shows like Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

        View all
        Getting Things Done by GTD®

        Getting Things Done

        457 Listeners

        Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement by Justin Malik

        Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement

        3,076 Listeners

        Modern Mentor by QuickAndDirtyTips.com

        Modern Mentor

        694 Listeners

        Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields / Acast

        Good Life Project

        3,328 Listeners

        The 5 AM Miracle: Healthy Productivity for High Achievers by Jeff Sanders

        The 5 AM Miracle: Healthy Productivity for High Achievers

        727 Listeners

        Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod by Hal Elrod

        Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod

        1,332 Listeners

        Organize 365 Podcast by Lisa Woodruff

        Organize 365 Podcast

        1,307 Listeners

        The Productivity Show by Asian Efficiency

        The Productivity Show

        502 Listeners

        How to Be Awesome at Your Job by How to be Awesome at Your Job

        How to Be Awesome at Your Job

        1,032 Listeners

        The Double Win by Michael Hyatt & Megan Hyatt-Miller

        The Double Win

        1,435 Listeners

        The Modern Manager by Mamie Kanfer Stewart

        The Modern Manager

        184 Listeners

        Focus on This by Full Focus

        Focus on This

        621 Listeners

        It's About Time | Time Management & Productivity for Work Life & Balance by Anna Dearmon Kornick

        It's About Time | Time Management & Productivity for Work Life & Balance

        239 Listeners

        Best Laid Plans by Sarah Hart-Unger

        Best Laid Plans

        801 Listeners

        The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

        The Mel Robbins Podcast

        20,247 Listeners