My Must-Read Recommendation for 2021: The Lazy Genius Way

I consider myself an avid reader and am always looking for new book recommendations. That being said, I am a little burnt out on how-to and self-help at this point. I have read a lot of parenting books, Enneagram books, and books about how to declutter. My time is limited these days so when I have a few minutes to spare, I usually reach for a memoir. That being said, here’s why you should—no, why you MUST—put The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi on your reading list. Not a reader but want to be? I dare you to read this book and claim you still don’t have time for reading. Let’s explore.

The Life Hacks of All Life Hacks 

In short, as accurately stated by the author herself, The Lazy Genius Way “Is a new way to see” (p. 6). In a world where we try to do it all, it can be difficult to prioritize. We simply don’t have the time or energy to utilize every organizational strategy available. Heck! It’s a task just to sift through the strategies themselves. Enter Kendra Adachi, who so wisely and humorously points us back to our own values as a guide for determining how to put these systems to good use. She provides us with thirteen of what she calls “Lazy Genius Principles” which are applicable to any situation or area of life.

Become a Lazy Genius 

Sprinkled with vulnerable moments from her own life, Kendra Adachi gives us the life hacks of life hacks when she says things like “Decide once.” (Spoiler alert: This is Lazy Genius Principle #1 and one of my favorites). Decide once about what, you ask? That is up to you! Kendra shares with us her decision to rock a Monday uniform, eliminating for her the pain of deciding what to wear every Monday morning. (Side note: This “uniform” is pretty cute and thankfully something I thankfully already had in my closet.)

Deciding Once in the Morning

For me, this system was most effective when figuring out how to accomplish one morning run per week. I typically run in the evenings and I really hate getting out of my warm bed in the morning as it is. I do, however, love the time that morning runs afford me the rest of the day, as well as the good mood that follows. One major obstacle to me and my morning runs is waiting until the morning to decide whether I actually want to go. Waiting is just a recipe for a grumpy mood and some cursing while looking for my running shoes. Even worse, sometimes I silence my alarm and decide not to go at all.

Now, on the eve of my pre-scheduled morning run, I prepare. I set out my keys, socks, shoes, winter gear, and breakfast. I even wear my running clothes to bed so that when my alarm goes off at an ungodly hour, the decision has been made. After, I usually reward myself with coffee from my favorite local place. Decide once.

Highlights—but not spoilers!

I would love to share how each of the other principles personally rocked my world, but instead, I will share a few of the titles so that you are compelled to read this for yourself. A few of my other favorite lazy genius principles include the following:

• Ask the Magic Question
• Batch it (read: DO YOUR LAUNDRY AND CLEAN SO MUCH FASTER)
• Schedule Rest
• Go in the Right Order

To read the rest of her nuggets of wisdom, I highly recommend the paperback version as this is likely a book you will want to take notes in. You can find a link to purchase the book here.

You can also find her on Instagram at @thelazygenius.

Cheers to making time for what matters!

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