The Lazy Genius Podcast Episode #396: What’s on My Someday List
Release Date: December 16, 2024
Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
Introduction
In Episode #396 of The Lazy Genius Podcast, titled “What’s on My Someday List”, host Kendra Adachi delves into the concept of a "Someday List"—a personal reimagining of traditional goals and dreams. This episode, released on December 16, 2024, offers listeners an introspective look into how reframing aspirations can alleviate the emotional weight often associated with conventional goal-setting.
The Concept of the Someday List
Kendra begins by introducing the Someday List as a transformative approach to setting personal aspirations. She explains that while traditional goals and dreams can be emotionally charged and laden with expectations, the Someday List offers a more flexible and pressure-free alternative.
“Goals and dreams are too emotionally fraught... They feel laden with pressures and expectations.”
— Kendra Adachi [05:20]
Instead of striving rigidly toward specific objectives, the Someday List allows for a more relaxed and hopeful compilation of activities and aspirations that one desires to pursue without the stress of immediate action or accomplishment.
Personal Reflection: Kendra’s Someday List
Kendra shares her own Someday List, providing listeners with a tangible example of how this concept manifests in real life. She outlines several items from her list, some of which she has already accomplished, demonstrating the fluidity and adaptability of the Someday List.
Original Items from "The Plan" (Early 2023):
- Take a family trip to New York City.
- Go to New Zealand.
- Learn to play the drums.
- Own a vacation home by the water.
- See Sara Bareilles in a Broadway show.
- Take a long trip with the family to some national parks.
- Have a huge birthday party.
- Go back to London.
- See Jacob Collier in concert.
- Paint something to hang in her house.
Kendra updates her audience on her progress:
“Three of those have been done. I went back to New York with Jamie. I saw Jacob Collier in concert with my oldest kid, Sam. It was so fun. And I have one of my paintings on display in my actual house.”
— Kendra Adachi [12:30]
Letting Go of the Someday List
A significant aspect of the Someday List is its flexibility. Kendra emphasizes that maintaining a loose structure allows her to feel less attached and pressured by the list items. She illustrates this with the example of seeing Sara Bareilles on Broadway:
“Seeing Sarah on Broadway has moved from Someday to I mean, yeah, that’d be cool. I'm likely not going to make logistical arrangements to make that specific thing happen, right?”
— Kendra Adachi [16:45]
This approach signifies that it's acceptable for items to naturally transition off the list without guilt or disappointment, promoting a healthier relationship with personal aspirations.
New Additions to the Someday List
Expanding her list, Kendra introduces new aspirations that align with her current interests and lifestyle, highlighting the dynamic nature of the Someday List.
New Items:
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Take a Reading Retreat with Friends:
A restful getaway focused on reading and minimal interruptions.“Doesn't sound like a perfect weekend? I definitely, definitely want to do that someday.”
— Kendra Adachi [20:10] -
Ride on a Scenic Train Journey:
A family-friendly trip by train, allowing for visual enjoyment without extensive physical exertion.“I might have just solved this road trip problem. Maybe right now, maybe we take a family train trip.”
— Kendra Adachi [21:35] -
Overnight Trips with Each Child Individually:
Creating special memories by traveling one-on-one with each child before they graduate high school.“I want to take them on a trip. It's too exhausting to maximize every moment, but I do want to be wise and intentional about doing the things that really matter while he's still at home.”
— Kendra Adachi [24:50] -
Make Homemade Croissants:
Embarking on the challenge of baking croissants, inspired by her love for baking and shows like The Great British Baking Show.“I just love baking. Almost certainly this is on my list because I've been watching the Great British Baking Show.”
— Kendra Adachi [28:15]
Advice to Listeners: Crafting Your Own Someday List
Kendra offers practical advice for listeners interested in creating their own Someday List. She encourages starting with existing passions and interests, suggesting that inspiration can stem from activities one already enjoys.
“Think about what you already love doing and branch out from it, mining your existing life for ideas.”
— Kendra Adachi [31:40]
She also reassures listeners that having a Someday List is not a necessity but a tool for those who find joy and permission in envisioning future possibilities.
“Only do it if it's exciting to think about, if it gives you a little bit of permission to expand your thinking beyond your regular life.”
— Kendra Adachi [35:05]
Embracing Flexibility and Self-Acceptance
A key takeaway from the episode is the importance of flexibility and self-compassion in personal development. Kendra emphasizes that changing one's mind about list items is a natural and acceptable part of growth.
“If you change your mind, you're not undisciplined or flighty or dishonest with yourself. You're just a person who has a different thought now. It's totally fine.”
— Kendra Adachi [38:20]
This perspective fosters a healthier approach to personal aspirations, where individuals can evolve without fear of failure or inadequacy.
Lazy Genius of the Week: Amy Winchell
In a segment celebrating listener contributions, Kendra recognizes Amy Winchell as the Lazy Genius of the Week. Amy shares her innovative use of an Amazon wish list titled "Books Only," which includes comments detailing why she wants each book and who it's for. This method not only helps her remember desired reads but also makes gift-giving more personalized.
“I use an Amazon wish list called Books Only and it is a running list of all the books I want to read. There is a comment area in the wish list where I add a short note to myself about where I got the idea from too.”
— Amy Winchell [40:10]
Kendra praises Amy's approach, noting the added value of contextualizing each wish list item, thereby enhancing both personal clarity and the gifting experience.
Conclusion
Kendra wraps up the episode by reiterating the essence of the Someday List: maintaining a loose, flexible compilation of personal aspirations that align with one's current state and interests. She encourages listeners to honor their evolving selves by allowing their lists to change without judgment or pressure.
“Keep it loose and fun. Don't feel bad if things don't stay on the list and honor who you are in the process.”
— Kendra Adachi [43:50]
The episode serves as both an introspective guide and a motivational tool for listeners seeking a balanced approach to personal goals, emphasizing self-compassion and adaptability.
Notable Quotes
-
On Reframing Goals:
“Goals and dreams are too emotionally fraught... They feel laden with pressures and expectations.”
— Kendra Adachi [05:20] -
On Flexibility:
“If you change your mind, you're not undisciplined or flighty or dishonest with yourself. You're just a person who has a different thought now. It's totally fine.”
— Kendra Adachi [38:20] -
On Personal Aspirations:
“Only do it if it's exciting to think about, if it gives you a little bit of permission to expand your thinking beyond your regular life.”
— Kendra Adachi [35:05]
Key Takeaways
-
Someday List vs. Traditional Goals: The Someday List offers a less pressured, more flexible alternative to conventional goal-setting, allowing for personal growth without the fear of failure.
-
Personalization and Adaptability: Individual aspirations can change over time, and the Someday List accommodates this fluidity, promoting self-acceptance.
-
Inspiration from Existing Interests: Crafting a Someday List can begin by expanding upon current passions and hobbies, making the process intuitive and enjoyable.
-
Community and Sharing: Sharing personal lists can inspire others and foster a sense of community, as exemplified by the recognition of listener Amy Winchell.
Final Thoughts
The Lazy Genius Podcast Episode #396 offers valuable insights into reimagining personal goal-setting through the Someday List concept. Kendra Adachi adeptly balances personal anecdotes with practical advice, empowering listeners to approach their aspirations with flexibility and kindness toward themselves. This episode is a testament to the podcast’s mission: “to help you be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't.”