✏️ Doodle Highlights of 2025


Hello friend,

With the end of 2025 being so close, I'm in a reflective mood. I thought it would be fun to look back at the year through my doodles.

I created 150 doodles this year. Because there are so many, I have selected my top 12 to share in today’s digest. Choosing favourites was difficult. While I am pleased with the artwork in some, most were chosen because of the message they convey. I encourage you to read the short essays that accompany each one. You might find it helpful to bookmark them if you do not have time to read them all now.

I plan to be less prolific with my doodling in 2026. This is a conscious shift to prioritise quality over quantity, though I still find it an enjoyable way to share ideas. There is definitely more to come.

In other news, I recently added a small new product to my website. I will share more details on that in a moment. I also have an exciting challenge planned for 2026 that I look forward to sharing with you.

Let's go...


✏️ Doodle Essays

In no particular order, here are my top 12 doodle essays from 2025 (click each image to be taken to the essay on my blog, or use the list of links underneath the doodle gallery):

  1. What Type of Worry is This?
  2. Work Versus Work About Work
  3. Will You Notice Any Glimmers Today?
  4. The Stories We Tell Ourselves Matter
  5. A Powerful "Yes"
  6. Keep a Smile File
  7. 47 Things I've Learned
  8. The Jevons Paradox and Sustainable Productivity
  9. Rethinking the 8-Hour Work Day (Because You’re Not a Robot)
  10. Breaking Projects Down Into Tasks: How Small is Small Enough?
  11. What is Confidence?
  12. There are No Journalling Rules

I wonder which one was your favourite. If you have a few minutes, reply to this email to let me know. I'd love to hear what resonates with you.


📘 New Product

As I mentioned in my introduction, I added a new product to my online shop this week: The Personal Systems Pack.

This 20-page PDF ebook offers a detailed overview of my personal systems, from my daily start-up and shut-down routines to annual goal-setting. The focus is more on the what and why of my systems, rather than the specific tools, so you can adapt them to whatever task manager, notes app, or notebook you already use. I have included screenshots from the tools I use purely as examples.

If you want some help with structuring your annual review and goal-setting, or you've been thinking about improving your personal systems in 2026, this ebook is the perfect place to start. Get your copy today for the launch price of just £9.00.


📚 Library

2025 was a solid reading year for me. At the time of writing, I have read 56 books (that's a few more than I initially thought).

If you'd like to see the odd mix of fiction and non-fiction titles that caught my eye this year (along with my star ratings and short reviews), you can visit my online Library in Tana. I include Amazon affiliate links in each entry, but please don't forget about your local library.


🏃Challenge

Finally, I wanted to let you know about one of my health and wellbeing goals for next year: to complete a half-marathon. Gulp...

In fact, it is not really a goal anymore; it's more of a concrete plan, because I have a place in the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April, as part of the National Autistic Society's team.

The event is on Sunday, 12 April 2026, so if you happen to be in the area, I'd love it if you came to cheer me on.


This is my last email newsletter until the new year, as I am taking a couple of weeks off. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. Have a glorious holiday period, and here's to a fabulous 2026.

Best wishes,

Martine


Whenever you’re ready, here are a few ways I can help:

  • Coaching: Book a free call to explore one-to-one coaching.
  • Digital Products: Browse my growing collection.
  • Skill Sessions: Book a one-hour session for your team.
  • Training: Learn about my tailored sessions on sustainable productivity, communication, and confidence.

You can also read what others have said about working with me here.

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Martine Ellis

Sustainable productivity starts with wellbeing. Each weekend, I share practical strategies, short essays, doodles, and recommendations to help you live and work in a way that supports your wellbeing.

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