The PLAN: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius: By Kendra Adachi (Book Review)

Kendra Adachi’s latest offering, The PLAN: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius, presents a refreshing approach to time management, particularly tailored for women. Building upon her previous works, Adachi introduces the PLAN framework—Prepare, Live, Adjust, Notice—to help readers navigate their daily lives with intention and compassion.

A Compassionate Approach to Time Management

Traditional time management literature often emphasizes relentless productivity and optimization, frequently overlooking the unique challenges faced by women. Adachi addresses this gap by acknowledging that many existing systems are designed by men and may not account for the complexities of women’s lives, including hormonal fluctuations and diverse responsibilities. She advocates for a more humane approach, encouraging readers to focus on what truly matters in their current season of life.

The PLAN Framework

Central to the book is the PLAN framework:

• Prepare: Emphasizes thoughtful planning that aligns with one’s current circumstances and priorities.
• Live: Encourages embracing the present moment and being fully engaged in daily activities.
• Adjust: Highlights the importance of flexibility and making small, intentional changes as needed.
• Notice: Focuses on self-awareness and observing one’s experiences with kindness and without judgment.

This framework is designed to be adaptable, allowing individuals to tailor it to their unique needs and life stages.

Integrating Hormonal Cycles into Planning

A standout aspect of Adachi’s approach is her inclusion of women’s hormonal cycles in the planning process. She discusses how energy levels and productivity can fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and offers strategies to align tasks with these natural rhythms. For instance, she suggests scheduling creative or deep work during the follicular phase, when energy levels are typically higher, and allowing for rest and reflection during the menstrual phase.

Practical Tools and Strategies

Beyond the overarching framework, Adachi provides practical tools to assist readers in managing their time effectively:

• Lighten the Load To-Do List: A method for organizing tasks based on urgency and importance, helping to prioritize without feeling overwhelmed.
• The PLAN Pyramid: A visual tool to help readers balance various aspects of life, ensuring that what matters most remains at the forefront.

These tools are designed to be straightforward and adaptable, making them accessible to a wide audience.

Addressing Common Challenges

Adachi doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the common pitfalls in time management. She offers “pep talks” for situations such as when plans fall apart, when guilt arises, or when motivation wanes. These sections provide encouragement and remind readers that setbacks are a natural part of the process, advocating for self-compassion and resilience.

Reception and Impact

The PLAN has been well-received for its compassionate and practical approach. Reviewers have praised Adachi’s ability to blend humor with actionable advice, making the book both engaging and useful. The emphasis on tailoring time management to individual needs, especially for women, has resonated with many readers seeking a more personalized and humane approach to productivity.

Conclusion

Kendra Adachi’s The PLAN: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius offers a refreshing departure from traditional time management books. By focusing on compassion, flexibility, and alignment with one’s current life season, Adachi provides readers with tools to manage their time in a way that honors their unique experiences and needs. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to approach productivity with kindness and intentionality.

Also Read: To Die For: By David Baldacci (Book Review)