Author Kendra Adachi discusses simplifying choices by deciding once and being the boss of our decisions. They explore finding the balance between being a lazy genius and relieving decision fatigue. They also discuss the power of 'deciding once' in various aspects of life, such as gift-giving and home decor. Staying present and making daily decisions shape our lives and can help relieve decision fatigue.
Deciding once in certain areas of life can free up mental energy and create space for focusing on what truly matters.
Setting boundaries through deciding once allows for freedom and creativity by freeing up mental and emotional energy.
Deep dives
The Lazy Genius Way: Simplifying Choices
In this podcast episode, Emily P. Freeman invites Kendra, the author of 'The Lazy Genius Way', to discuss simplifying choices and the power of deciding once. They emphasize the importance of naming what matters, as it allows for more intentional decision-making. They share personal examples, such as giving the same gift to teachers each year and deciding on a wardrobe color palette, to illustrate the benefits of deciding once. They explain that deciding once can free up mental energy and create more space to focus on what truly matters. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to practice deciding once in areas that cause decision fatigue, leading to a more intentional and less overwhelming life.
Applying the Principle of Deciding Once
Emily and Kendra discuss the principle of deciding once and its practical application in daily life. They highlight how deciding once can be a remedy for decision fatigue and save time and energy. They emphasize that deciding once doesn't mean being stuck with one choice forever, as decisions can be revisited and changed if needed. They encourage listeners to pay attention to areas where they often say, 'I don't want to think about it right now,' as it indicates an opportunity to decide once. Personal examples, such as choosing a consistent gift for teachers or a specific color palette for a wardrobe, demonstrate the positive impact of deciding once and reducing decision-making stress.
The Freedom of Limitations and Practicing Decide Once
The podcast hosts discuss the idea that limitations can actually lead to freedom and creativity. They emphasize that deciding once sets boundaries and allows individuals to focus on what truly matters. By making fixed decisions in areas of life that don't require constant choices, such as wardrobe colors or gift selections, mental and emotional energy is freed up. They encourage listeners to practice deciding once in lighthearted decisions to develop the muscle memory of intentional decision-making. The episode concludes with the reminder that deciding once doesn't mean never changing a decision, but rather finding freedom within the constraints of intentional choices.
Next Right Thing: Not Thinking Ahead
As the conversation comes to a close, Emily and Kendra discuss the importance of staying present and not getting overwhelmed by future decisions. Kendra shares that her next right thing is to not think about what comes after the book launch week, to fully embrace the present moment. They highlight the value of being fully engaged in the current experience without the distraction of future concerns. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace the practice of not thinking ahead and finding peace in focusing on the immediate and important tasks at hand.
I have invited one of my best friends in the world, author Kendra Adachi, to sit down and talk with us about simplifying our choices by deciding once (when we can) and remembering that we are the boss of our decisions and not the other way around. Listen in.