If there’s someone who epitomizes discipline and personifies efficient time management, that would be my graduate school groupmate, Evgeniya Evans. To Zhenya, time seems like a bag of valuable gold coins. While she allots enough to share with others, she mindfully spends the rest and invests them wisely. The inspiring action woman’s journey began in Russia.
Zhenya’s path to becoming a dietitian and positive psychology practitioner in Chicago was a mix of trials, personal growth, and determination over a decade ago.
“I came to the U.S. at 21, full of hope but without a clear plan, strong English skills, or financial savings, just a strong desire to receive a quality education and discover my true passion,” she explains. “In many ways, this was my American dream. I knew I wanted to do something meaningful and felt stuck in the Russian educational system, but finding my calling took time, trial, and error.”
“Through perseverance, I built my English skills to a college level, met the love of my life, and found my passion for helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives,” Zhenya continued to narrate her story.
Her journey was deeply transformative, and everything she learned along the way, both personally and professionally, became the foundation for her work as a dietitian and positive psychology practitioner.
The commitment to health and well-being led Zhenya to design the Zesty Life 365 Planner, a tool that blends productivity and self-care in a way few planners do. The idea sparked when her husband Marty noticed how picky she was about planners and suggested she create her own.
At first, Zhenya laughed at the idea, but after completing her Master’s in Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, the inspiration for something unique began to crystallize.
“I wanted to design a planner that wasn’t just about productivity but also well-being, one that integrated both structure and self-care, helping people not just stay organized but truly thrive,” Zhenya said. “A final push came from my mentor, who told me, ‘Zhenya, you have something special here. It’s time to put pencil to paper.’ That was my moment of commitment, and Zesty Life 365 was born.”
The Zesty Life 365 Planner is deeply rooted in the principles of positive psychology, focusing on the PERMA model by Dr. Martin Seligman or the Father of Positive Psychology, signature strengths, and self-reflection.
“I developed the Zesty Life 365 Model as a life evaluation system I’ve used for years to maintain my balance across various life domains, especially as someone who left home at a young age and had to build a life from scratch,” Zhenya shared.
This model is evidence-based and incorporates well-known concepts in positive psychology to help users maintain a sense of balance while focusing on personal growth.
One of the key features of the planner is its focus on creating lasting habits.
“Zesty Life 365 is rooted in the science of positive psychology,” Zhenya explained. “Every strategy included is based on evidence and expert insights. As a clinical dietitian, I’ve seen firsthand the power of small, sustainable actions. The planner is designed to guide users toward lasting positive habits, not quick fixes.”
The planner encourages users to take gradual, mindful steps, ensuring that they remain motivated to build a life that feels both productive and fulfilling.
Another standout feature is how the planner incorporates self-care and mindfulness.
“In multiple ways! Daily reflection prompts help train attention toward what’s truly important. Journaling sections encourage users to check in with their thoughts, emotions, and priorities,” Zhenya reveals. “The planner’s structure also incorporates intentional pauses, moments to step back, reset, and reconnect daily with one’s goals and well-being. To me, this is not just a productivity tool; it’s a companion for self-care and mindful living.”
When it comes to her practices, Zhenya is committed to a daily routine that prioritizes mindfulness.
“I prioritize a few key non-negotiables in my life that help me stay balanced and aligned,” she says. “Daily meditation keeps me centered, while yoga, ballet, swimming, and walking keep me energized and sharp. Time in nature with my puppy Mila grounds me, and a weekly gratitude practice helps me stay positive. I also set intentions each morning and reflect at night, small habits that keep me present, focused, and aligned with my goals.”
Zhenya envisions Zesty Life 365 expanding far beyond just a planner. “I see Zesty Life 365 as just the beginning, a small seed that will grow into something much bigger, like a beautiful, majestic citrus tree,” she shared enthusiastically. “In the future, I envision expanding into fun workshops and courses to provide deeper guidance on mindful productivity and well-being and foster an international community where users can connect and support each other.”
She is already working on versions of the planner in Russian and Spanish, aiming to make it more accessible worldwide. “This planner is just step one; my goal is to continue creating resources that empower people to live with intention, balance, and zest!”
For more information, visit zestylife365.com. If you have random thoughts to share with the author, e-mail Kate at randomrepublika@gmail.com.