The Lazy Genius Podcast: Episode #399 - It’s a New Year… Let’s Name What’s Working

Release Date: January 6, 2025

Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius

Introduction

In Episode #399 of The Lazy Genius Podcast, Kendra Adachi dives into a refreshing approach to starting the New Year by focusing on what’s already working in our lives. Instead of the usual push for major overhauls and big changes, Kendra encourages listeners to recognize and celebrate the small yet powerful systems and routines that bring stability and joy. This episode is particularly timely for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of January resolutions or the chaos that often accompanies the start of a new year.

Main Content

Embracing Small Solutions

Kendra begins by contrasting the "slow go" approach with the "big black trash bag energy" often associated with New Year’s resolutions. She emphasizes the value of identifying minor issues and implementing small, manageable solutions that lead to sustainable changes over time.

Notable Quote:

“It's a slower go compared to big black trash bag energy where you just start everything over. But it lasts longer because you don't keep starting everything over.”
— Kendra Adachi [03:45]

Three Rules for Naming What’s Working

To guide listeners in identifying what’s functioning well in their lives, Kendra introduces three essential rules:

1. The Smaller, the Better: Focusing on specific, small elements rather than broad categories allows for a clearer understanding of what truly works.
2. Working Doesn’t Mean Perfect: Acknowledging that things are functioning effectively without striving for unattainable perfection encourages self-compassion and realistic assessments.
3. Now Isn’t Forever: Recognizing that what works in the present may evolve ensures flexibility and prevents stagnation.

Notable Quote:

“Working doesn't mean perfect. We're naming what's working. We're not naming what's perfect.”
— Kendra Adachi [06:30]

Three Questions to Identify What’s Working

Kendra provides a structured approach with three key questions to help listeners delve deeper into understanding why certain aspects of their lives are successful:

1. What problem does this solve?

   • Identifying the specific issue a solution addresses can highlight its significance and effectiveness.

2. What do I like about this?

   • Understanding the enjoyable aspects reinforces positive behaviors and routines.

3. How does this make me feel like myself?

   • Ensuring that solutions align with one’s authentic self promotes long-term satisfaction and well-being.

Notable Quote:

“How does this make me feel like myself? It might not be the most happy, fulfilled unicorn and rainbows version of yourself, but it could be something like visual tidiness that keeps you connected to yourself.”
— Kendra Adachi [15:10]

Three Categories to Focus On

To systematically identify what’s working, Kendra suggests examining three broad categories:

1. Time of Day:

   • Mornings, mid-mornings with kids, transitioning from work to home, dinner routines, bedtime, evenings, etc.
   • Example: Taking a consistent lunch break helps solve the problem of never slowing down intentionally.

2. Regular Events:

   • Recurring tasks or activities such as meals, carpooling, commuting, meetings, or weekly gatherings.
   • Example: Using a drink spinner in the kitchen to keep cups organized addresses the issue of visual clutter.

3. Rooms in Your House and Life:

   • Different spaces serve various functions, from the kitchen’s organization to the workspace’s efficiency.
   • Example: Decorating decisions or cozy setups in specific rooms can enhance daily experiences and functionality.

Notable Quote:

“Different rooms have different functions. So literally walking into a room in your home, it can help you notice what's working there.”
— Kendra Adachi [21:45]

Practical Application and Encouragement

Kendra encourages listeners to adopt a mindset of appreciation and recognition for existing systems instead of constantly seeking improvements. By celebrating what’s working, individuals can reduce stress and gain a sense of accomplishment, fostering a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Notable Quote:

“The point of these ideas is not to fix things. In fact, it's the opposite. We are noticing what's working so that we stop the spin out of thinking that everything isn't.”
— Kendra Adachi [28:00]

Personal Insights and Resources

Kendra shares references to her previous episodes and books that further explore the concepts discussed. She highlights Episode #349 ("10 Small Changes I'm Glad I Made") and Episode #366 ("20 Helpful Decisions I Keep Repeating") as practical examples of effective small changes and repeated decisions that contribute to a steady and efficient system.

She also recommends revisiting her book, "The Lazy Genius Way," which delves into 13 principles that help individuals navigate life with compassion and efficiency. This resource is particularly beneficial for those looking to reinforce their understanding of the lazy genius philosophy.

Notable Quote:

“This is the little engine that could book just plugging along, still selling copies over four years later.”
— Kendra Adachi [33:15]

Lazy Genius of the Week

Kendra celebrates Ashley Eidson as the Lazy Genius of the Week for her innovative approach to holiday gift-giving using credit card rewards. By saving rewards throughout the year and budgeting them during the holiday season, Ashley effectively manages gift expenses without financial strain.

Notable Quote:

“The rewards just do it for you. Love how practical and helpful this is, so thank you for sharing, Ashley.”
— Kendra Adachi [40:30]

Conclusion

Kendra wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating what’s working in our lives. She encourages listeners to adopt a compassionate and grounded approach to the New Year, focusing on sustainable small changes rather than overwhelming overhauls. By doing so, individuals can create lasting rhythms and systems that enhance their well-being and productivity.

Final Thought:

“Be where you are. Notice what's happening today. Celebrate the changes you've made. The smaller, the better. Working doesn't mean perfect and now isn't forever.”
— Kendra Adachi [44:50]

Resources Mentioned:

• The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
• Previous podcast episodes: #349 and #366

Stay Connected: For more insights and practical tips, listen to The Lazy Genius Podcast weekly, available on all major streaming platforms.

This summary captures the essence of Episode #399, providing a comprehensive overview of Kendra Adachi’s strategies for starting the New Year by naming and appreciating what’s already working in our lives.