We all know that feeling: you sit down to start something challenging, and suddenly, everything else feels more appealing. Your phone, a snack, even cleaning out your sock drawer. Anything to avoid the hard thing in front of you.

But here’s the truth: being able to do hard things is one of the most valuable skills you can develop.

In this episode, I’m sharing seven practical strategies to help you move forward when something feels impossible. These aren’t vague “push through it” tips—they’re real, actionable techniques that help you break tasks down, shift your mindset, and get started even when your brain is screaming NOPE.

You’ll also hear how procrastination, overwhelm, and cognitive distortions get in the way—and how to outsmart them.

Hard things don’t have to take you out at the knees. Let’s do this.

Never stop learning.

🎙️Other Episodes + Resources Mentioned

• Episode website (with transcript)
• Episode 36: How to Stop Procrastinating
• Episode 38: How to Be a Resourceful Person Who Can Figure Things Out
• Episode 52: Episode 52: SOPs and Workflows
• ⭐Enroll in SchoolHabits University

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

Please follow the show and leave a review if what you hear is helpful. Doing so helps me more than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

LET'S CONNECT

Sign up for my (pretty darn good) newsletter that I very craftily named ReportCard.

For hundreds of tutorials featuring tips on studying, productivity, organization, learning, time management and more, head to my blog: SchoolHabits.com.

Subscribe on YouTube(@LearnAndWorkSmarter)
Connect on Instagram (@SchoolHabits)
Connect on Facebook (SchoolHabitsKatie)

You know how satisfying it is to have a good, solid productive day — a day where we accomplish what we set out to accomplish and make progress on our goals. 

We feel balanced, rested and like it was a day well spent.

In this episode of the Learn and Work Smarter podcast, I share my personal strategy for having a productive day. I’ve been using this method for years (can I call it a method? I’m going to) and I figured if sharing it on the show helps just one person, it’s worth it.

Nowhere in this episode will you hear me say “work harder” or ”stay up later” to check off tasks on your to-do list. 

Instead, I teach you my three-bucket approach to intentionally prioritizing your tasks so you close out your day feeling balanced and satisfied.

After all -- we never stop learning, right?

🎙️Other Episodes + Resources Mentioned

• Episode website (with transcript)
• Episode 17: Tips for Project Management and Planning Study Sessions
• Episode 21: How to Plan Your Ideal Week (Weekly Planning Tips)
• Episode 54: The Secret Ingredient Behind Every Accomplishment Ever

⭐Enroll in SchoolHabits University

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

Please follow the show and leave a review if what you hear is helpful. Doing so helps me more than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

LET'S CONNECT

Sign up for my (pretty darn good) newsletter that I very craftily named ReportCard.

For hundreds of tutorials featuring tips on studying, productivity, organization, learning, time management and more, head to my blog: SchoolHabits.com.

Subscribe on YouTube(@LearnAndWorkSmarter)
Connect on Instagram (@SchoolHabits)
Connect on Facebook (SchoolHabitsKatie)

In this episode of the Learn and Work Smarter podcast, I tackle two questions submitted by listeners – both about email overwhelm and procrastination. If your inbox feels like a chaotic mess or you find yourself avoiding certain emails, you're not alone!

📩 Question 1: Where do I start when my entire email inbox is a mess? The unread emails are out of control and I'm tempted to delete everything and start fresh.

📩 Question 2: Why do I feel paralyzed when I get an email that I need to respond to? I have no trouble writing emails, but whenever I get an email from someone asking me to do something or respond in some way, I keep putting it off for days or weeks, even though I know I shouldn't.

🎙️Other Episodes + Resources Mentioned

• Episode website (with transcript)
• Episode 03: What’s an Admin Block and Why You Need One
• Episode 15: Email Management Tips

⭐Enroll in SchoolHabits University

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

Please follow the show and leave a review if what you hear is helpful. Doing so helps me more than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

LET'S CONNECT

Sign up for my (pretty darn good) newsletter that I very craftily named ReportCard.

For hundreds of tutorials featuring tips on studying, productivity, organization, learning, time management and more, head to my blog: SchoolHabits.com.

Subscribe on YouTube(@LearnAndWorkSmarter)
Connect on Instagram (@SchoolHabits)
Connect on Facebook (SchoolHabitsKatie)

Preparing for meetings isn't just about avoiding embarrassment. (Although it's certainly about that too!) 

Preparing adequately for meetings not only makes it easier to do our job, but doing so also gives the impression that we take our jobs seriously.

Plus, being unprepared is unprofessional -- and that's not a look we're going for, is it?

In this week's episode of the Learn and Work Smarter podcast, I share 7 strategies for how to prepare for meetings. The tips are for you if you're new to the workforce AND if you've been to a thousand meetings already.

After all -- we never stop learning, right?

🎙️Other Episodes + Resources Mentioned

• Episode website (with transcript)
• Episode 15: Email Management Tips
• Episode 31: How to Take Notes at Meetings
• Episode 46: How to be Professional
• ⭐Enroll in SchoolHabits University

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

Please follow the show and leave a review if what you hear is helpful. Doing so helps me more than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

LET'S CONNECT

Sign up for my (pretty darn good) newsletter that I very craftily named ReportCard.

For hundreds of tutorials featuring tips on studying, productivity, organization, learning, time management and more, head to my blog: SchoolHabits.com.

Subscribe on YouTube(@LearnAndWorkSmarter)
Connect on Instagram (@SchoolHabits)
Connect on Facebook (SchoolHabitsKatie)

Workplace conflict is inevitable. That's because relationships with our colleagues are just like any relationship: they require communication, compromise and compassion.

In this interview with international HR expert Jessica Alvarez (think JetBlue and HubSpot!), we have a strategy-packed conversation about how to handle workplace conflict productively and effectively -- while using it as an opportunity for growth.

New professionals and long-time professionals: this is for you.

🎙️Other Episodes + Resources Mentioned

• ⭐Episode Website ⭐(with the transcript and all the helpful things)
• Enroll in SchoolHabits University

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

Please follow the show and leave a review if what you hear is helpful. Doing so helps me more than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

LET'S CONNECT

Sign up for my (pretty darn good) newsletter that I very craftily named ReportCard.

For hundreds of tutorials featuring tips on studying, productivity, organization, learning, time management and more, head to my blog: SchoolHabits.com.

Subscribe on YouTube(@LearnAndWorkSmarter)
Connect on Instagram (@SchoolHabits)
Connect on Facebook (SchoolHabitsKatie)

Getting and staying organized can be challenging for people with ADHD. While intricate systems and high-tech tools might seem appealing at first, they often don’t align with how the ADHD brain works.

In this episode of the Learn and Work Smarter podcast, I share seven practical organization strategies designed specifically for students and professionals with ADHD. These approaches are simple, effective, and rooted in executive function principles.

Listen in to discover seven ADHD-friendly organization tips that can help you manage school, work, and home life — without the overwhelm.

🎙️Other Episodes + Resources Mentioned

• ⭐Episode Website ⭐(with the transcript and all the helpful things)
• ⭐Episode 9: The 3 Most Important Areas to Organize
• ⭐Episode 28: Paper Organization Tips
• ⭐Episode 41: 100 Organization Tips Part 1 (Tips 1-50)
• ⭐Episode 42: 100 Organization Tips Part 2 (Tips 51-100)

Enroll in SchoolHabits University

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

Please follow the show and leave a review if what you hear is helpful. Doing so helps me more than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

LET'S CONNECT

Sign up for my (pretty darn good) newsletter that I very craftily named ReportCard.

For hundreds of tutorials featuring tips on studying, productivity, organization, learning, time management and more, head to my blog: SchoolHabits.com.

Subscribe on YouTube(@LearnAndWorkSmarter)
Connect on Instagram (@SchoolHabits)
Connect on Facebook (SchoolHabitsKatie)

In this week's Q&A episode, I answer two questions submitted by listeners.

Question 1: A working professional headed to graduate school asks about choosing online grad programs vs. in-person grad programs.

Question 2: A college student asks whether they should explore internships or go back to their standard summer job this summer.

🎙️Other Episodes + Resources Mentioned

• Episode 22: Tips for Student Internships and Working with ADHD
• ⭐Enroll in SchoolHabits University
• ⭐Episode Website (with the transcript and all the helpful things)

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

Please follow the show and leave a review if what you hear is helpful. Doing so helps me more than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

LET'S CONNECT

Sign up for my (pretty darn good) newsletter that I very craftily named ReportCard.

For hundreds of tutorials featuring tips on studying, productivity, organization, learning, time management and more, head to my blog: SchoolHabits.com.

Subscribe on YouTube(@LearnAndWorkSmarter)
Connect on Instagram (@SchoolHabits)
Connect on Facebook (SchoolHabitsKatie)

Adding a part-time job to your student resume has many benefits: skill building and college applications just to name a few.

But working while going to school is also very demanding, which is something that many students don't consider beforehand.

In this episode of the Learn and Work Smarter podcast, I share 20 practical strategies that can help students balance school and a part-time job -- without going bananas or sacrificing their grades.

🎙️Other Episodes + Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 20: How to Use Active Recall
• Episode 33: Resume Tips for Students
• Episode 36: How to Stop Procrastinating: Tips that Actually Work
• Episode 55: How to Use Body Doubling to Boots Focus (with or without ADHD)
• Enroll in SchoolHabits University

⭐Episode Website ⭐ (with the transcript and all the helpful things)
⭐Free Weekly Planning Template⭐ (download here)

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

Please follow the show and leave a review if what you hear is helpful. Doing so helps me more than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

LET'S CONNECT

Sign up for my (pretty darn good) newsletter that I very craftily named ReportCard.

For hundreds of tutorials featuring tips on studying, productivity, organization, learning, time management and more, head to my blog: SchoolHabits.com.

Subscribe on YouTube(@LearnAndWorkSmarter)
Connect on Instagram (@SchoolHabits)
Connect on Facebook (SchoolHabitsKatie)

It’s the first interview episode on the Learn and Work Smarter podcast!

I have an enlightening conversation with college and career expert Lisa Marker Robbins of Flourish Coaching. 

Lisa sheds light on the importance of choosing a college major with intention and clarity — and shares a valuable resource for high school students (and their parents) to ensure they’re fully informed of their college major options.

We Cover:

→ When to start planning for your college major (hint: it’s sooner than you think!)

→ When or when not to declare as undecided

→ Insights into the highly competitive business major (what it means, when to pursue it, and what can prevent you from being accepted)

→ For parents: How to initiate the college major conversation with your high schooler

→ How to connect with colleges to better understand their policies around choosing majors

🎙️Resources Mentioned

• (Free College Major Guide) The Ultimate Blueprint to Understanding Admissions by Major: The Complete Guide + Email Templates
• (Free on-demand video training) How to Guide Your Teen to Choose the Right Major

⭐Episode Website ⭐(with the transcript and all the helpful things)

✅Enroll in SchoolHabits University - the ultimate school habits and study skills course that teaches you HOW to learn so that school doesn't feel so hard.

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

Please follow the show and leave a review if what you hear is helpful. Doing so helps me more than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

LET'S CONNECT

Sign up for my (pretty darn good) newsletter that I very craftily named ReportCard.

For hundreds of tutorials featuring tips on studying, productivity, organization, learning, time management and more, head to my blog: SchoolHabits.com.

Subscribe on YouTube(@LearnAndWorkSmarter)
Connect on Instagram (@SchoolHabits)
Connect on Facebook (SchoolHabitsKatie)

Ever heard of body doubling? If not, you’re SO in the right place. 

In this episode of Learn and Work Smarter, I talk about the power of body doubling to improve focus and productivity.

Body doubling is fairly well-known in the ADHD community, but the cool thing about this strategy is that it can be effective for people without ADHD too.

We cover:

→ What body doubling is

→ Why body doubling works (the psychology)

→ How to choose the ideal body double

→ When to use body doubling

→ How to run effective body doubling sessions

→ What to do when you can’t find a body double

🎙️Other Episodes + Resources Mentioned

• Episode 14 → How to Use the Pomodoro Technique
• Body Double Study

⭐Episode Website ⭐(with the transcript and all the helpful things)

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

Please follow the show and leave a review if what you hear is helpful. Doing so helps me more than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

LET'S CONNECT

Sign up for my (pretty darn good) newsletter that I very craftily named ReportCard.

For hundreds of tutorials featuring tips on studying, productivity, organization, learning, time management and more, head to my blog: SchoolHabits.com.

Subscribe on YouTube(@LearnAndWorkSmarter)
Connect on Instagram (@SchoolHabits)
Connect on Facebook (SchoolHabitsKatie)