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Productivity Smarts 102 - How To Practice Your Craft While Preserving Your Traditional Values with Steven Melman

May 20, 2025

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with seasoned psychotherapist and author Steven Melman, who brings over 40 years of experience in the mental health world. Their conversation dives into what it really takes to stay productive, grounded, and emotionally resilient—especially for those in helping professions like therapy, coaching, and consulting.

Steven shares insights from his book, Guidance for New Clinicians in a Chaotic World: How to Practice Your Craft While Preserving Your Traditional Values. Whether you’re just starting out or have years under your belt, you’ll find plenty of practical advice on setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and even using humor as a powerful tool in your work.

Gerald and Steven get real about the challenges clinicians face today—from the mental health impact of marijuana legalization to the importance of mentally “clocking in and out.” They also talk about the “goal wheel,” a tool for setting and tracking goals across all areas of life, and how self-discipline plays a key role in staying on track.

If you’re a clinician, coach, or just someone who wants to align your purpose with your productivity, you’ll walk away from this episode with fresh perspective, useful tips, and a renewed sense of direction. Tune in and learn how staying true to your values might just be your most powerful productivity hack.

What We Discuss

  • [00:02:01] Meet Steven Melman: Clinician, author, mentor

  • [00:03:59] How to stay present with clients—and leave work at work

  • [00:06:24] The discipline of mentally “clocking out” and honoring personal time

  • [00:08:11] Tackling procrastination: Use reward-based to-do lists

  • [00:10:38] Creating a goal wheel for a balanced life

  • [00:13:43] Early career productivity traps and how to avoid them

  • [00:20:08] Listening over leading: A therapist’s most powerful tool

  • [00:22:07] The impact of mindful communication in therapy and marriage

  • [00:24:52] Why humor isn’t just a bonus—it’s a strategy

  • [00:26:58] The future of mental health: Staying productive while staying true

  • [00:32:48] Where to find Steven’s book and work

Notable Quotes

  • [00:05:54] “When you leave work, you have to mentally clock out. Otherwise, you’re cheating your family and yourself.” — Steven Melman

  • [00:10:38] “We’re implementing self-discipline, overcoming procrastination, and being productive by reviewing our day and planning for tomorrow.” — Steven Melman

  • [00:22:07] “You don’t learn anything when you’re the one doing all the talking. Truly listen and summarize what you hear.” — Steven Melman

  • [00:24:52] “I take my work seriously—but I use humor to create connection and release tension.” — Steven Melman

Our Guest

Steven Melman is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and mentor with four decades of clinical experience. His latest book, Guidance for New Clinicians in a Chaotic World, serves as a practical and principled guide for new therapists looking to succeed without sacrificing their personal or spiritual values.

Resources

Steven Melman

 

Productivity Smarts Podcast

 

Gerald J. Leonard

 

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