Podcast Summary: The Lazy Genius Podcast Episode #423 - "How to Get Unstuck When Your Space Is a Mess"
Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Kendra Adachi, known as The Lazy Genius, delves into the common struggle of feeling stuck in a messy environment in episode #423 of her podcast, "How to Get Unstuck When Your Space Is a Mess." Drawing from personal experiences and practical wisdom, Kendra offers a thoughtful approach to transforming not just our physical spaces but also our mental states associated with clutter and disorder.
Understanding the Root of the Mess
Kendra begins by distinguishing between mere physical clutter and the emotional "stuckness" that often accompanies it. She emphasizes that while the mess itself can be daunting, it's frequently the underlying feelings of being overwhelmed or trapped that need addressing.
“Most of the time, mess is not just stuff that needs to be put away. It's not really the mess, it's the stuckness.” — [05:30]
Five Key Questions to Get Unstuck
To guide listeners through the process of overcoming the paralysis caused by a chaotic space, Kendra introduces a series of introspective questions designed to identify and address the core issues.
1. Do I Feel Stuck Today or All the Time?
Kendra highlights the importance of distinguishing between temporary feelings of being overwhelmed and chronic stress. Recognizing whether your discomfort is situational or persistent can inform the appropriate response.
“If you are feeling stuck in your messy space, but you didn't feel that way yesterday or last week, you can relax a little.” — [07:15]
Action Step: If the feeling is temporary, consider a brief, focused tidying session without letting it extend into ongoing chores.
2. Is This a Problem or Is This a Season?
Here, Kendra encourages listeners to assess whether their messy situation is a temporary phase—such as summer with more people at home—or a more ingrained problem, like a broken appliance contributing to clutter.
“Live in the season. That doesn't mean you have to just let a mess run rampant, but remember that you're living in a season.” — [09:45]
Action Step: Identify seasonal factors and implement small, targeted solutions that cater to the current phase without striving for long-term perfection.
3. Is This Big Black Trash Bag Energy?
Kendra warns against adopting an overly aggressive approach to cleaning, which she terms "big black trash bag energy." This mindset, rooted in societal pressures to optimize and perfect, often leads to frustration and ineffective outcomes.
“Big black trash bag energy is divisive. It's entitled. It can be a little bit mean.” — [15:30]
Action Step: Avoid sweeping problems under the rug or attempting drastic overhauls. Instead, approach clutter with kindness and patience, fostering a more sustainable cleaning routine.
4. Is It the Space or Is It the Mess?
This question prompts listeners to examine whether the challenge lies in the actual clutter or the physical space itself. Sometimes, a messy space may continue to feel chaotic because the room lacks proper organization systems or aesthetic appeal.
“Once you've remembered the value of small steps and you've breathed through your big black trash bag energy, it's time for... is it the space or is it the mess?” — [20:00]
Kendra shares a personal anecdote about her bedroom, illustrating how redesigning the space—by adding beloved furniture and decor—transformed her relationship with the area, making her more inclined to maintain its cleanliness.
Action Step: Evaluate your space to ensure it supports your organizational needs. Invest in furniture or storage solutions that make the area more functional and enjoyable, thereby reducing the tendency for clutter to accumulate.
5. Do My Expectations Match the Energy I'm Willing and Able to Give?
Kendra underscores the importance of aligning expectations with one's current energy and capacity. Unrealistic standards can lead to burnout and decreased motivation.
“Don't hack your energy to meet your grand expectations. Match your expectations to the energy you're willing and able to give.” — [25:00]
Action Step: Set achievable goals based on your present energy levels. Adjust your cleaning and organizing plans to match what you can realistically maintain, fostering a sense of accomplishment without exhaustion.
Starting Small to Achieve Big Changes
Emphasizing incremental progress, Kendra advocates for beginning with manageable tasks to build momentum.
“Everything starts with a small start. It starts with throwing away the trash. It starts with taking a deep breath.” — [28:15]
Action Step: Identify a small, specific action you can take immediately, such as clearing last night's dishes or inviting family members to help with a brief tidying session. These minor steps can create a foundation for more significant changes over time.
Recap and Practical Application
Kendra summarizes the key questions:
- Do I feel stuck today or all the time?
- Is this a problem or is this a season?
- Is this big black trash bag energy?
- Is it the space or is it the mess?
- Do my expectations match the energy I'm willing and able to give?
- How can I start small right now?
She encourages listeners to utilize these questions to gain clarity and devise a personalized strategy for overcoming clutter-induced stagnation.
Additional Resources
Kendra recommends her book, The Lazy Genius Way, which elaborates on the 13 lazy genius principles that help individuals navigate and resolve feelings of being stuck in various aspects of life, including clutter and organization.
Lazy Genius of the Week: Julie Morris
In this episode, Julie Morris is celebrated for her ingenious method of managing grocery lists. By using a large lined sticky notepad divided down the middle, Julie and her family collaboratively maintain a continuously updated shopping list. She ingeniously attaches the list to the shopping cart handle, ensuring it remains easily accessible and eliminating the frustration of lost or misplaced lists.
“Sticking it to your cart. Holy moly. That tip alone is a great idea.” — [45:30]
Key Takeaway: Personalized and simple systems can significantly enhance daily routines and reduce the stress associated with maintaining order.
Conclusion
Kendra Adachi's episode offers a compassionate and structured approach to dealing with messy spaces. By encouraging self-reflection and actionable steps, she empowers listeners to move beyond superficial cleaning and address the deeper emotional barriers that hinder their ability to maintain an organized environment. The emphasis on small beginnings, realistic expectations, and self-kindness provides a sustainable path to reclaiming control over one's space and well-being.
Final Thought:
"Be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't." This guiding principle encapsulates the essence of Kendra's advice—prioritizing what truly affects your life while allowing yourself the grace to let go of unnecessary pressures.