The Lazy Genius Podcast: Episode #395 - How to Finish Last Minute Lists

Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Description: In this episode, Kendra Adachi dives into the common December dilemma—last minute lists. She provides actionable strategies to help listeners efficiently tackle urgent tasks without succumbing to stress. By focusing on the three E's—Energy, Execution, and Enjoyment—Kendra empowers you to manage your to-do lists with grace and ease.

1. Introduction: Embracing Last Minute Lists

The holiday season often brings an influx of last minute tasks, from gift shopping to event planning. Kendra acknowledges the unique pressure December places on individuals, highlighting the perpetual cycle of urgency and the overwhelming nature of seemingly endless to-do lists. She sets the stage by empathizing with listeners who juggle multiple responsibilities, ensuring them that it's okay to feel stressed and that strategies are available to manage these demands effectively.

2. The Three E's Framework

Kendra introduces the Three E's—Energy, Execution, and Enjoyment—as a comprehensive approach to finishing last minute lists.

A. Energy

Understanding and managing your energy is crucial when facing a mountain of tasks.

• Assess Your Current Energy Levels: Kendra emphasizes the importance of recognizing how you feel at the moment. Whether you're overwhelmed or motivated, these feelings are transient.

  "How you're feeling now is not how you're going to feel forever." [15:30]

• Identify Your Energy Patterns: Reflect on your typical energy fluctuations during the season. Are you more productive in the mornings, or do you need breaks to recharge?

  "Notice the energy you have had available to you in the last week or so and name what you'll likely have from now until your list is due." [16:45]

• Personal Example: Kendra shares her own strategy of carving out alone time to recharge, which enhances her productivity.

  "Without a couple of hours of silence and being alone, I turn into a shell very quickly." [17:20]

B. Execution

Executing tasks efficiently can transform a daunting list into manageable actions.

• Organize by Urgency and Type: Kendra advises grouping tasks first by their urgency (e.g., now, soon, later) and then by the type of task (e.g., errands, computer work).

  "Group your last minute list two ways. First, group it by urgency and next, group it by type." [20:10]

• Flexible Strategies: She acknowledges that not everyone thrives on meticulous planning. For some, simply tackling the next task without overthinking is more effective.

  "If you are not a task triage person, don't make yourself be...do the next thing on it." [22:05]

• Practical Example: Kendra recounts a personal experience where she efficiently completed her Christmas shopping in two hours by prioritizing tasks based on her available energy.

  "I buckled down and I spent two hours getting that done. That was the best use of my energy." [23:40]

C. Enjoyment

Incorporating enjoyment into task completion can alleviate stress and make the process more pleasant.

• Reframing Tasks: Kendra suggests viewing tasks as opportunities to create joy, such as preparing a cozy environment for the holidays.

  "You're creating an environment for your family or yourself to enjoy the holidays." [27:15]

• Incorporate Fun Elements: Whether it's listening to an audiobook, dancing while you work, or watching a favorite show while wrapping gifts, integrating enjoyable activities can boost motivation.

  "One of my favorite ways to make a task enjoyable during the actual task is that I wrap all the Christmas presents while I watch Lord of the Rings." [29:50]

• Personal Reflection: Depending on whether you prefer enjoyment during or after tasks, tailor your approach to what best sustains your motivation.

  "Make the task enjoyable during or give yourself a little reward after, depending on how you're wired." [31:25]

3. Implementing the Three E's

By applying the Three E's, listeners can transform overwhelming last minute lists into structured and manageable plans. This method not only breaks down large tasks into smaller, actionable steps but also reduces the emotional burden associated with them. Kendra emphasizes that this approach shifts the perspective from seeing the list as insurmountable to recognizing it as a series of achievable tasks, making the entire process less daunting.

4. Lazy Genius of the Week: Mary Dudley

Kendra celebrates Mary Dudley as the Lazy Genius of the Week for her inspiring approach to balancing family responsibilities and personal rest.

• Mary’s Challenge: As a parent who primarily handles cooking while her husband manages cleaning, Mary struggled to find restful Sundays amidst her busy schedule.

  "Cooking dinner on Sunday is not restful for whoever cooks and cleaning up from it isn't restful for whoever cleans."

• Mary’s Solution: Mary prioritized rest by opting for frozen dinners on Sundays, allowing her to relax without the pressure of daily cooking. She systemized her meal prep by doubling recipes and freezing portions, ensuring she always had a fallback option.

  "I systemized whenever I make something that will freeze well, I double the recipe and freeze the second portion."

• Outcome: This adjustment provided Mary with restful Sundays, enhancing her well-being and making the start of each week more pleasant.

  "Now my Sundays are more restful and I find myself entering the week feeling like myself."

Mary’s story exemplifies the essence of being a Lazy Genius—prioritizing what matters most and creating systems that support personal well-being without sacrificing family needs.

5. Conclusion

In Episode #395, Kendra Adachi equips listeners with practical tools to conquer last minute lists through the Three E's framework. By assessing energy levels, strategizing execution, and finding enjoyment in tasks, individuals can navigate the hectic December period with reduced stress and increased efficiency. The episode underscores the importance of flexibility and self-compassion, reminding listeners that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Celebrating stories like Mary Dudley’s reinforces the message that prioritizing what truly matters leads to a more balanced and fulfilling holiday season.

Be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't.