The 13 Lazy Genius Principles and How to Use Them
What are the 13 Lazy Genius principles?
The 13 Lazy Genius principles are practical ways to focus your energy on what matters to you and simplify what doesn’t. Created by Kendra Adachi, they offer a flexible approach to everyday decisions, routines, and responsibilities—without asking you to do everything perfectly.
Here’s how you can put each principle to work:
1. Decide once
Make a recurring decision ahead of time so you don’t have to keep revisiting it. You might choose a regular grocery day or a dependable weeknight meal.
2. Start small
Choose one manageable action rather than attempting a complete overhaul. Clearing one countertop can be a useful first step toward a more functional kitchen.
3. Ask the magic question
Ask, “What can I do now to make life easier later?” A few minutes spent packing a bag or preparing ingredients can make a busy morning smoother.
4. Live in the season
Let your current circumstances shape your expectations. A routine that worked last year may need to change when your schedule or responsibilities shift.
5. Build the right routines
Create repeatable steps that support your priorities. Keep a routine simple enough to use on an ordinary day, not just an unusually calm one.
6. Set house rules
Agree on guidelines that make shared life easier, such as where shoes belong or when the kitchen gets tidied. Useful rules reduce repeated negotiations.
7. Put everything in its place
Give frequently used items a practical home near where you use them. A designated spot makes things easier to find and put away.
8. Let people in
Invite others to help and share responsibilities. You don’t have to manage every task alone or wait until everything is perfect to welcome someone in.
9. Batch it
Group similar tasks together. For example, you can answer messages during one planned window instead of stopping throughout the day.
10. Essentialize
Identify what is truly necessary for the result you want. You can simplify a gathering, project, or purchase by focusing on its essential purpose.
11. Go in the right order
Consider which step needs to happen first. Defining what you need to store before choosing an organizer can prevent an unnecessary purchase.
12. Schedule rest
Make room for rest before your calendar fills up. A protected break can be brief, regular, and suited to your life.
13. Be kind to yourself
Respond to setbacks with compassion rather than criticism. Adjusting a plan is a practical way to keep moving forward.
For more ways to turn these ideas into useful plans, explore our Lazy Genius content ideas and checklist guide.
FAQ
How do you choose which Lazy Genius principle to try first?
Start with a recurring frustration and pick the principle that addresses it. If you keep losing an everyday item, for example, give it a designated place.
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