The Plan (and Planning!) with Kendra Adachi EP 216
Sep 16, 2024
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In this discussion, Kendra Adachi, a NYT bestselling author and the voice behind The Lazy Genius, shares her fresh perspectives on planning and time management. She dives into the importance of compassionate goal setting, especially for women navigating hormonal cycles. The conversation highlights how to redefine productivity away from constant optimization, emphasizing adaptability during transitions like back-to-school. Kendra also introduces her 'plan pyramid' concept, encouraging a flexible approach to family and personal life.
Kendra Adachi highlights the necessity of adopting a flexible planning approach that emphasizes present living rather than relentless pursuit of perfection.
The podcast critiques the male-dominated productivity literature, advocating for more inclusive conversations that resonate with women's unique experiences and challenges.
Deep dives
The Qualities of Effective Planning
Effective planning begins with the notion that every day does not have to be perfect or ideal. Kendra Adachi explores the notion that we often place undue pressure on ourselves to optimize every moment for an unseen future, which can lead to exhaustion. Instead of striving for perpetual perfection, it is vital to learn to exist in the present and embrace the current stage of life without always feeling the need to quantify success in terms of productivity and accomplishments. By altering the focus from rigid goals to a more flexible approach, individuals can cultivate a sense of freedom and fulfillment in their daily lives.
Challenging the Productivity Paradigm
Kendra emphasizes the importance of viewing the productivity industry critically, particularly its male dominance. With 93% of productivity literature authored by men, there exists a gap in perspectives, specifically those relevant to women. This disparity leads to a generalized narrative that leaves many people, especially women, feeling inadequate or pressured to conform to unrealistic standards. By fostering discussions that genuinely reflect diverse experiences, there is potential for a more nuanced understanding of productivity that encompasses care for one’s mental health and a more compassionate approach to time management.
Planning with Compassion and Flexibility
Adopting a compassionate approach to planning means recognizing that not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Kendra introduces the idea of a planning framework consisting of preparation, living, adjusting, and noticing. Each component plays a vital role in creating a fluid planning method that allows for personal and situational adjustments rather than adhering to a strict agenda. Embracing this flexibility enables individuals to respond to real-life challenges while emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and accepting that plans can evolve as circumstances change.
Cycles and the Nature of Goals
The concept of cycles, both in terms of personal rhythms and broader life transitions, is crucial to effective planning and setting goals. Kendra advocates for understanding one’s energy levels as they change in relation to various life stages, suggesting that big dreams and ambitions can coexist with gentler, more compassionate aspirations. Goals should not be seen as definitive benchmarks of worth but rather as personal journeys shaped by context and individual capacity. In doing so, one can cultivate a healthier relationship with ambition, allowing for personal growth that respects their current situation.
In today's episode, Kendra Adachi joins Sarah to chat about all things planning-adjacent including her new book, The Plan! Kendra is a NYT Bestselling author and podcaster at the Lazy Genius, and she brings her compassion and unique perspective to planning, goal setting, and time management in her latest book, The Plan. Sarah and Kendra discuss goals, compassionate planning, planning challenges women face, planning along with hormonal swings, and so much more.
Preorder The Plan wherever books are sold, and you will receive a free Pep Talk series from Kendra (either written or audio) every single Monday until the end of 2024. Find preorder bonus details and more about the book here: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/theplan
Episode Sponsors:
Green Chef: Go to greenchef.com/plansclass for 50% off your first box + 50 FREE Credits with ClassPass!
Jenni Kayne: Gorgeous apparel and home pieces. Visit jennikayne.com; listeners get 15% off your first order when you use code PLANS at checkout.
Amazfit: Find awesome health tracking watches and more at www.amazfit.com/PLANS (coupon code will provide 15% off!) or look for Amazfit at your favorite major retailer.