Podcast Summary: "The Plan with Kendra Adachi"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Here's Where It Gets Interesting
- Host: Sharon McMahon
- Episode: The Plan with Kendra Adachi
- Release Date: October 7, 2024
- Description: Sharon McMahon explores unheard American stories with notable thought leaders, delving into history, culture, and politics to inspire thoughtful, well-informed citizenship.
Introduction to Kendra Adachi and "The Plan"
At the outset of the episode, Sharon McMahon warmly welcomes her guest, Kendra Adachi, to discuss her newly released book, "The Plan." Unlike conventional time management books that focus on maximizing productivity, The Plan offers a fresh perspective on managing time by emphasizing integration over hustle. Sharon expresses her enthusiasm, stating, "I absolutely loved it. I just cannot recommend it enough." (02:27)
A Hurdle: Books Lost at Sea
Kendra shares an amusing yet frustrating incident where a shipping container containing 30,000 copies of her previous book was lost at sea, delaying its availability by six to ten weeks. This anecdote not only highlights the unpredictability of life but also sets the stage for discussing systemic challenges in traditional time management systems. Kendra remarks, "It's great. It's great." (02:51)
The Flaws of Traditional Time Management
Sharon and Kendra delve into why traditional time management strategies often fail, especially for women. They argue that these methods are predominantly designed by men, disregarding the additional mental and emotional loads women typically bear. Kendra states, "93% of time management books are written by men... the system is rigged against you." (04:13)
The Productivity Industrial Complex
A central theme introduced is the "productivity industrial complex," a term Sharon uses to describe society's obsession with optimizing every aspect of life. This relentless focus on productivity often sidelines personal well-being and flexibility. Kendra echoes this sentiment, pointing out that technology, instead of freeing time, often demands more from individuals due to ingrained cultural values of hustle and potential. (06:31)
Integration Over Greatness
Contrasting the conventional goal of achieving greatness, Kendra proposes integration as a more attainable and fulfilling objective. Integration involves being whole and kind to oneself in the present moment, without the pressure to constantly optimize or prepare for an ideal future.
Notable Quote:
"The goal is integration. The goal is being who you are, where you are. It's being whole." — Kendra Adachi (11:37)
Introducing The Plan Pyramid
Kendra introduces The Plan Pyramid, the foundational framework of her book, which stands for:
- P: Prepare
- L: Live
- A: Adjust
- N: Notice
At the pyramid's core is "Live," emphasizing living authentically in the present season of life. Each component supports the others equally, fostering a balanced approach to time management that honors one's current circumstances and priorities.
Notable Quote:
"The base of this pyramid is what matters most to you in your season right now. Now, everything relies on that." — Kendra Adachi (25:13)
Living in Your Season
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on living in one's season, a concept that encourages individuals to recognize and adapt to the current phase of their lives without forcing drastic changes. Kendra provides practical examples, such as adding a chair to a room for quiet time instead of purchasing a new house during a tumultuous period.
Notable Quote:
"Live in your season. Be kind to yourself and it actually makes it easier to practically get your stuff done when that's your mindset." — Sharon McMahon (44:29)
Practical Strategies for Integration
Kendra outlines several strategies to implement integration in daily life:
- Naming What Matters: Identifying and acknowledging personal priorities without guilt or shame.
- Small Adjustments: Making minor changes that align with current needs instead of overhauling entire lifestyles.
- Flexibility and Compassion: Being adaptable and compassionate towards oneself during life's unpredictable turns.
She emphasizes the importance of these strategies in maintaining balance and reducing the overwhelming pressure to constantly excel.
Notable Quote:
"The best compliment anyone can give the plan is when they say, I finished reading it and I felt so good about myself." — Kendra Adachi (10:39)
Challenges and Societal Pressures
Both hosts discuss societal pressures that complicate the pursuit of integration. The comparison between individuals striving for high productivity and those content with a simpler approach creates unnecessary divisions. Kendra highlights the detrimental effects of such dichotomies, advocating for mutual respect and understanding of differing life choices.
Notable Quote:
"What we need to be willing to do first, foundationally, is to name what matters to us without shame or guilt or apology." — Kendra Adachi (24:27)
Real-Life Applications and Personal Anecdotes
Sharon shares personal anecdotes, such as managing anxiety around book tours, to illustrate the practical application of The Plan's principles. These stories underscore the effectiveness of small, mindful adjustments over grand, unsustainable plans.
Notable Quote:
"How about we just make a small adjustment and see where we are?" — Sharon McMahon (40:56)
Conclusion and Encouragement to Embrace Integration
The episode concludes with heartfelt encouragement from both Sharon and Kendra for listeners to embrace integration. They stress that living authentically and honoring one's current season leads to a more fulfilling and less stressful life.
Notable Quote:
"If something's not working, you don't have to light your whole life on fire, nor do you have to live in a constant state." — Sharon McMahon (39:12)
Key Takeaways:
- Integration vs. Productivity: Emphasizing living authentically in the present over striving for constant optimization.
- The Plan Pyramid: A balanced framework comprising Prepare, Live, Adjust, and Notice to manage time effectively.
- Living in Your Season: Adapting to the current phase of life with small, meaningful adjustments.
- Challenging Societal Norms: Acknowledging and resisting the societal pressures that equate productivity with self-worth.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- "The goal is integration. The goal is being who you are, where you are. It's being whole." — Kendra Adachi (11:37)
- "Live in your season. Be kind to yourself and it actually makes it easier to practically get your stuff done when that's your mindset." — Sharon McMahon (44:29)
- "What we need to be willing to do first, foundationally, is to name what matters to us without shame or guilt or apology." — Kendra Adachi (24:27)
- "If something's not working, you don't have to light your whole life on fire, nor do you have to live in a constant state." — Sharon McMahon (39:12)
Final Thoughts:
Sharon McMahon and Kendra Adachi collaboratively highlight the necessity of redefining time management to align with personal well-being and current life circumstances. The Plan serves as a tool for individuals seeking a balanced and compassionate approach to managing their time, emphasizing that true productivity lies in living authentically and honoring one's present season.
Listeners are encouraged to explore Kendra Adachi's "The Plan" to delve deeper into these transformative strategies for a more integrated and fulfilling life.