The Lazy Genius Podcast

Join bestselling author Gretchen Rubin, a leading voice on habits and happiness, as she navigates the complexities of New Year's goals. Discover why better beats perfect, and how starting tasks early can ease anxiety. They discuss the importance of prioritizing what truly matters while letting go of less meaningful activities. Explore the balance between planning and flexibility, and learn the value of scheduled rest and reconnecting with lost pleasures. Gretchen's top advice for January? Prioritize sleep for a fresh start!

Explore the liberating concept of not having to strive for greatness in every aspect of life. Learn how choosing to be 'mid' in certain areas can reduce pressure and enhance your well-being. Hear personal examples and practical tips for prioritizing what truly matters. The conversation invites you to reflect on your own choices while embracing the power of saying 'no.' Plus, enjoy a pep talk on navigating disappointment with compassion.

As the holiday clutter settles in, a winter house reset becomes tempting. Discover the importance of mindset and compassion for housemates before diving in. Learn a magical question to simplify decluttering and practical packing tips for holiday decorations. Kendra emphasizes small, impactful fixes over overwhelming projects and the value of focusing on one room at a time. She also shares a personal touch with her 2026 word of the year, 'flourish,' and offers encouragement to find positivity amid winter's challenges.

Discover the top favorites of 2025, from Kendra's love for the Netflix show The Diplomat to her family’s go-to Albanese Gummy Bears. She highlights B-word sauce and Merit Beauty products, while praising the Mane Ready or Not hairbrush. Cozy sheets and sleeping posture hold surprising benefits, and Kendra enjoys tiny kitchen tools and efficient storage solutions. A newfound passion for weightlifting joins her routine, alongside night baking as a soothing activity. Plus, pep talks on slowing down and supporting small businesses add to the mix!

Navigating the shift from holiday hustle to downtime can be tricky. The host discusses how to approach unstructured time with a light plan in mind. She emphasizes the importance of deciding the purpose of your downtime—whether it's for rest, play, or connection with family. Listeners are encouraged to manage expectations and find joy in the reality of holiday breaks. The warm insights tap into the often messy, yet beautiful, dynamics of family time during the holidays.

Discover how slowing down can unlock the wonder in everyday moments. The host shares personal stories and practical habits to help you notice the beauty around you. Learn to let children explore at their pace and be a source of joy for others. Gain insights into the art of hosting with the perfect food math formula. Plus, find validation for those who struggle to enjoy the holiday season. Embrace a year-round practice of noticing and spark moments of wonder in your life!

Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do lists? Discover why shorter lists beat lengthy ones for tackling tasks effectively. Learn to gather scattered to-dos into manageable chunks and how breaking time into smaller segments helps you stay focused. Kendra shares tips on writing individual tasks on slips and organizing them by urgency. Plus, find out how to adapt your plans when unexpected tasks pop up. Enjoy a mini pep talk on managing unmet expectations while pairing your chores with fun activities like movie nights!

Life gets hectic, especially in December, but keeping up with chores can bring calm. Discover why busy seasons aren't the best time to create new systems. Kendra dives into seven chore categories like food, clothes, and cleaning. She emphasizes the importance of assessing existing routines and making small tweaks rather than overhauls. Learn about practical tools to streamline chores and the concept of 'zones' to organize unfinished tasks. Plus, get travel tips and a pep talk on setting boundaries during busy times!

Feeling overwhelmed during the holiday season is a common struggle. Discover a five-step Lazy Genius path to identify what’s maxing you out, focusing on your schedules, expectations, and more. Kendra shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on setting priorities and establishing boundaries. You’ll learn to plan effectively while preserving your peace. Plus, she offers a delicious granola recipe and a motivational pep talk about compassion in the face of misunderstanding. A perfect blend of inspiration and actionable tips!

Explore tips to simplify holiday gatherings with ease. Learn how to prioritize what truly matters and let your meal serve as the centerpiece. Discover the benefits of ordering from local bakeries and limiting complex dishes. Engage your guests with fun games like Overrated/Underrated and thought-provoking questions. Embrace a 'yes and' mindset to foster smooth interactions, and lighten up gratitude traditions for a more inclusive atmosphere. Celebrate connection, not perfection, this holiday season!