The Lazy Genius Way

Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn't, and Get Stuff Done

From New York Times bestselling author Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius Way is a new way to approach your daily life, giving you the practical tools you need to be a genius about what matters and lazy about what doesn't.

Author:

Kendra Adachi

Published Year:

2020-01-01

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The Lazy Genius Way
Kendra Adachi
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Key Takeaways: The Lazy Genius Way

明智地选择,懒惰地放弃

First, let's look at the core idea: being a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't... *to you*.

“First, let's look at the core idea: being a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't... *to you*.” 明智地选择,懒惰地放弃 - 本书《The Lazy Genius Way》的核心理念是“对于你认为重要的事情要像天才一样对待,对于不重要的事情则可以懒惰”。这并非传统意义上的懒惰,而是强调有意识地选择。这意味着你需要决定将精力投入何处,以及在哪些方面可以放手。 - 许多人每天都在做一些他们认为“应该”做的事情,比如花费数小时准备精致的午餐,或者参加那些耗费精力却对事业无益的社交活动。《The Lazy Genius Way》挑战你去质疑这些“应该”,鼓励你关注真正重要的事情。 - 书中,Kendra分享了她自己的经历,她曾试图时刻保持“在线”状态,既要陪伴家人,又要管理每个人的情绪,还要满足自己的需求,结果精疲力竭。她意识到,再多的生活技巧或励志名言都无法解决这个问题,她需要一种新的“看待”方式,即过滤掉噪音,专注于对她真正重要的事情。 - 你可以这样实践:花几分钟反思你的日常活动。哪些活动让你充满活力?哪些让你精疲力竭?哪些是你出于习惯或义务而做的?诚实地面对自己,这能帮助你获得清晰的认识。列出你一天中做的所有事情,然后在每项旁边写下它是让你充满活力、精疲力竭还是感觉一般。这个简单的练习可以带来很大的启发。

简化为何常常无效

Now, let's talk about why simplifying often doesn't work.

“Now, let's talk about why simplifying often doesn't work.” 简化为何常常无效 - 最常见的建议是“简化”:少做、少拥有、多说不。但Kendra指出,简化绝非易事,没有一种通用的方法。对一个人有效的方法,对另一个人可能是一场灾难。 - 对于有信仰的人来说,“简单生活”的概念尤其令人困惑。Kendra从她的基督教背景出发,强调了耶稣(过着极简主义生活)和箴言31章中的女人(似乎无所不能)的对比。关键在于,没有唯一的“正确”生活方式。重要的是找到适合你自己的方式,在你的价值观和优先事项范围内。 - 大多数简化建议的问题在于它们是规定性的,告诉你什么“应该”重要,而不是帮助你发现什么“真正”重要。这就像试图遵循一份使用你不喜欢的食材的食谱,既不会令人满意,也不会持久。《The Lazy Genius Way》鼓励你找到适合自己的方式。 - 因此,你需要弄清楚什么对你来说是重要的。这就是下一个概念“家规”的用武之地。这些“家规”并非限制你的死板规则,而是支持你的优先事项并帮助你更轻松地做出决策的指导方针。

创建你的“家规”

Here's how to create your own house rules: Think about the areas of your life where you feel the most friction or stress.

“Here's how to create your own house rules: Think about the areas of your life where you feel the most friction or stress.” 创建你的“家规” - “家规”不是僵化的规则,而是支持你的优先事项并帮助你更轻松地做出决策的指南。 - Kendra分享了她自己的几个“家规”示例,有些非常私人,有些则出奇地简单。她最有影响力的规则之一是关于她的衣橱:“不要买别人说我应该买的衣服。”这看似微不足道,但它源于对身体形象和信任自己判断的深层挣扎。多年来,她一直购买别人认为好看的衣服,即使她穿着并不舒服。这条规则帮助她重拾自我意识,并创造出一个真正反映她风格的衣橱。这个例子在《The Lazy Genius Way》中被详细的描述。 - 另一个例子是她的阅读“家规”:“在读完一本书后的24小时内开始读一本新书。”这对某些人来说可能违反直觉,但对Kendra来说,这是保持她阅读动力的关键。她知道如果等待太久,她会失去兴趣。 - 创建你自己的“家规”:思考你生活中感到最摩擦或压力的领域。有哪些反复出现的挑战?你经常纠结于哪些决定?然后,制定一个解决该特定问题的规则。它不必复杂,只需要支持你的优先事项,让你的生活更轻松。例如,如果你总是迟到,一个“家规”可以是,“我前一天晚上把衣服准备好,把午饭打包好”,然后坚持下去。这些都在《The Lazy Genius Way》中有迹可循。

精要主义的力量

Next, let's dive into the power of essentializing.

“Next, let's dive into the power of essentializing.” 精要主义的力量 - 精要主义不仅仅是整理你的物理空间,尽管这肯定是其中的一部分。它是关于整理你的精神空间、你的日程安排和你的承诺。它是关于剥离所有分散你注意力的东西,让你专注于真正重要的事情。 - Kendra以她在四旬期期间使用Instagram的经历为例。她意识到自己花了太多时间在这个应用程序上,经常是无意识地浏览。她决定在四旬期放弃它,不是因为她认为Instagram本身不好,而是因为她想更有意识地使用它。这在《The Lazy Genius Way》中也有描述。 - 在她离开的这段时间里,她意识到自己错过了什么:与朋友联系,看到创意内容。她*没有*错过的是广告、攀比陷阱以及不断被信息轰炸的感觉。四旬期结束后,她能够以一种更专注的方式重新使用Instagram,专注于真正为她的生活增添价值的东西。 - 关键要点:精要主义不是关于剥夺,而是关于*意图*。它是关于问自己,“在我生活的这个领域,什么对我来说最重要?”然后无情地消除其他一切。Kendra提供了一个简单的三步流程来精要化:首先,说出重要的事。要具体。不要只说“我想更健康”,而要说“我想有更多的精力陪孩子玩”。其次,移除阻碍。是什么障碍阻止你实现重要的事?第三,只保留必需品。什么是支持你优先事项的绝对必备品? - 让我们将其应用于一个常见的压力来源:溢出的餐具抽屉。与其盲目地整理,不如问问自己:关于这个抽屉,什么对我来说最重要?也许是能够快速拿取叉子,而不必在一堆不匹配的餐具中翻找。是什么阻碍了?也许是东西太多,包括你从不使用的物品。必需品是什么?也许是一套配套的餐具、一些服务用具和一些你经常使用的特殊物品。通过这个过程,你可以创建一个不仅井井有条,而且*精要化*到你需求的抽屉。这些方法都在《The Lazy Genius Way》中被提及。

例行程序的重要性

Now, let's talk about routines.

“Now, let's talk about routines.” 例行程序的重要性 - Kendra强调,例行程序不是关于僵化的时间表或成为机器人。它们是关于创建“入口匝道”,帮助你为重要的事情做好准备。它们是关于为成功做好准备。 - 她分享了自己与早晨例行程序的斗争。她尝试了所有“专家”的建议:剧烈的心肺运动、柠檬水、写日记。但没有一个坚持下来,因为它与她的优先事项不符。她真正需要的是一个安静、平和的开始。因此,她创建了一个专注于此的早晨例行程序:在孩子醒来之前起床,煮咖啡,花几分钟阅读或听音乐。这些都在《The Lazy Genius Way》中被提及。 - 关键是从小处着手。不要试图一夜之间彻底改变你的整个生活。选择一件有重大影响的事情并专注于它。Kendra建议从你的晚间例行程序开始。你可以在晚上做一件什么事情,让你的早晨更顺畅,更符合你的优先事项?也许是准备好你的咖啡机,摆好你的衣服,或者只是整理一下厨房。 - 请记住,你可以忽略其他人所推崇的一切。仅仅因为某件事对别人有效,并不意味着它对你也有效。相信你自己的直觉,创建支持*你*独特需求和偏好的例行程序。在《The Lazy Genius Way》这本书中,作者给出了很多建议。

拥抱休息

Finally, let's talk about rest.

“Finally, let's talk about rest.” 拥抱休息 - 这可能是《The Lazy Genius Way》中最激进的概念。Kendra认为,休息不是奢侈品;它是作为人类的基本组成部分。它不是你通过高效工作而获得的东西;它是你应得的,仅仅因为你存在。 - 她分享了一个朋友的故事,这位朋友将“余地”安排到她的一周中——没有具体计划的时间段,只是呼吸和充电的空间。这在推崇忙碌的文化中可能看起来违反直觉,但实际上非常强大。 - 挑战:将休息安排到你的一周中,就像你安排任何其他重要约会一样。它不必是一整天。它可以是一小时、三十分钟,甚至只有十五分钟。关键是要有意识地去做。关掉手机,远离待办事项清单,做一些真正滋养你灵魂的事情。 - 《The Lazy Genius Way》最让我惊讶的是它对自我同情的强调。它不是关于追求完美或试图达到别人的标准。它是关于拥抱你的不完美,接受你的局限性,并找到一种感觉真实和可持续的生活方式。

What the Book About

  • Be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't... *to you*. This is the core mantra of "The Lazy Genius Way".
  • Intentionality: Choose where to invest your energy and where to let go. Question the "shoulds."
  • Identify: What energizes you? What drains you? What are you doing out of habit or obligation?
  • Simplification often backfires: There's no one-size-fits-all approach. "The Lazy Genius Way" emphasizes finding what works for *you*.
  • "The Lazy Genius Way": Create "house rules": Guidelines that support your priorities and help you make decisions.
  • House rule examples: "Don't buy clothes that someone else says I should buy," "Start a new book within twenty-four hours of finishing the last one."
  • Essentializing: Declutter your mental space, schedule, and commitments. Strip away distractions.
  • Essentializing process: Name what matters, remove what gets in the way, keep only the essentials.
  • Routines: Create "on-ramps" to prepare for what matters. Start small, focus on one impactful change. "The Lazy Genius Way"
  • Ignore what everyone else swears by: Trust your intuition and create routines that support *your* needs.
  • Right order: Remember what matters, calm the crazy, trust yourself. "The Lazy Genius Way"
  • Rest: Not a luxury, but an essential. Schedule it intentionally. "The Lazy Genius Way" emphasizes this.
  • Self-compassion: Embrace imperfections, accept limitations, find a sustainable way to live.
  • "The Lazy Genius Way": It's about doing what matters *more*, not just doing more.
  • "The Lazy Genius Way" by Kendra Adachi offers a refreshing perspective.

Who Should Read the Book

  • Overwhelmed individuals: People feeling constantly drained and juggling multiple responsibilities, seeking a way to manage their to-do lists and prioritize tasks.
  • Perfectionists and "should"-doers: Those who feel pressured to live up to external expectations and struggle with feeling "on" all the time, needing to question societal "shoulds."
  • Simplification skeptics: Individuals who have tried simplifying their lives but found it unhelpful or unsustainable, needing a personalized approach.
  • Routine resisters: People who struggle with rigid schedules and routines, seeking flexible "on-ramps" to support their priorities.
  • Rest-deprived individuals: Those who view rest as a luxury or feel guilty for taking breaks, needing to embrace rest as an essential part of well-being.
  • Self-compassion seekers: Individuals looking for a productivity approach that emphasizes self-acceptance and authenticity, rather than striving for perfection.
  • Anyone seeking to align there actions with values.

Core Idea

"The Lazy Genius Way" by Kendra Adachi is about being a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't *to you*. It's about intentionality, choosing where to invest energy, and letting go of obligations based on personal priorities, not external pressures.

Key Strategies

The book, "The Lazy Genius Way", offers several key strategies:

  • Identify Your Priorities: Determine what truly energizes and drains you, distinguishing between genuine needs and obligations.
  • Create "House Rules": Establish personal guidelines that support your priorities and simplify decision-making.
  • Essentialize: Declutter not just physical spaces, but also mental space, schedules, and commitments, focusing on what adds value.
  • Build Supportive Routines: Create flexible routines that act as "on-ramps" to prepare for what matters, starting small and focusing on one impactful change.
  • Embrace Rest: Schedule intentional rest as a non-negotiable part of life, recognizing it as essential for well-being.

Important Note

"The Lazy Genius Way" emphasizes self-compassion and trusting your intuition. It's about finding a sustainable way to live that feels authentic, rather than striving for perfection or external validation. The book, "The Lazy Genius Way", is a guide to help you find your own way.

Plot Devices

Characters

FAQ

How does 'Decide Once' work in Kendra Adachi's The Lazy Genius Way?

  • Reduced Decision Fatigue: Decide once reduces decision fatigue by making a single decision that eliminates the need for repeated choices.
  • Wardrobe Example: Choosing to always wear a certain color on a specific day, like "blue on Tuesdays," simplifies your wardrobe choices.
  • Increased Productivity: By reducing the number of decisions, you conserve mental energy for more important tasks, leading to increased productivity.

What are practical applications of 'Live in the Season' according to The Lazy Genius Way?

  • Acceptance of Current Phase: Living in the season means accepting and embracing the current phase of your life, rather than fighting against it.
  • Example with Young Children: If you have young children, your season might involve less sleep and more hands-on care, and that's okay.
  • Stress Reduction: This acceptance reduces stress and allows you to focus on what truly matters in your present circumstances.

How does The Lazy Genius Way redefine 'The Magic Question' in modern life?

  • Proactive Planning: The Magic Question, "What can I do now to make life easier later?", helps you proactively address potential future challenges.
  • Morning Routine Example: Preparing your outfit and lunch the night before makes your morning routine smoother.
  • Efficiency Boost: This proactive approach reduces stress and increases efficiency by anticipating and mitigating future obstacles.

In The Lazy Genius Way, how does Kendra Adachi suggest we 'Name What Matters'?

  • Identifying Core Values: Name What Matters involves identifying your core values and priorities to guide your decisions and actions.
  • Family Connection Example: If family connection is a priority, you might schedule regular family dinners or game nights.
  • Increased Life Satisfaction: Focusing on what truly matters to you increases life satisfaction and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.

How can we 'Build the Right Routines' according to Kendra Adachi's principles in The Lazy Genius Way?

  • Supportive Routines: Build the Right Routines focuses on creating routines that support your values and goals, rather than following arbitrary rules.
  • Morning Routine Example: A morning routine might include exercise and meditation if those activities align with your priorities.
  • Structure and Consistency: Well-designed routines create structure and consistency, leading to increased productivity and reduced stress.

What is the significance of 'Go in the Right Order' in The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi?

  • Logical Sequencing: Go in the Right Order is a principle that suggests tackling tasks in a logical sequence to maximize efficiency.
  • Cleaning Example: When cleaning a room, you might start by decluttering, then dusting, and finally vacuuming.
  • Preventing Wasted Effort: Following a logical order prevents wasted effort and ensures that tasks are completed effectively.

According to The Lazy Genius Way, why is it crucial to 'Schedule Rest'?

  • Intentional Downtime: Schedule Rest encourages intentionally planning for relaxation and downtime to prevent burnout.
  • Examples of Rest: This could involve setting aside specific times for reading, hobbies, or simply doing nothing.
  • Improved Well-being: Prioritizing rest improves overall well-being and enhances your ability to handle stress.

How does Kendra Adachi emphasize the importance of 'Be Kind to Yourself' in The Lazy Genius Way?

  • Self-Compassion: Be Kind to Yourself promotes self-compassion and understanding, especially when facing challenges or setbacks.
  • Learning from Mistakes: Instead of criticizing yourself for mistakes, you acknowledge them and learn from them without harsh self-judgment.
  • Positive Mindset: Self-kindness reduces stress and anxiety, fostering a more positive and resilient mindset.

Inspirational Quotes & Insights

Start small. Do the next right thing. Embrace the imperfect. Name what matters. Build routines, not roadmaps. Be kind to yourself. Ask for help.

Mindmap of The Lazy Genius Way

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