The Lazy Genius Podcast

12 Ways to Be a Better Problem Solver, Part 1

January 12, 2026

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  • The foundational step to becoming a better problem solver, as discussed in "12 Ways to Be a Better Problem Solver, Part 1" of The Lazy Genius Podcast, is to consistently make the problem as small as possible. 
  • Effective problem solving requires acknowledging your current season of life, naming what matters early and often to guide solution selection, and actively listening for the invisible, underlying issues. 
  • Catastrophic language (using words like 'always,' 'never,' or 'everything') must be noticed because it inflates problems, obscures the truth, and hinders the ability to implement effective, smaller solutions. 

Segments

Podcast Introduction and Ethos
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The Lazy Genius Podcast prioritizes contentment and compassion over unsustainable hustling, focusing on being genius about what matters.
  • Summary: The episode introduces the Lazy Genius philosophy, which rejects unsustainable hustling in favor of contentment and compassion. Host Kendra Adachi states the show favors small steps over big systems. This episode, “12 Ways to Be a Better Problem Solver, Part 1,” will cover five of the twelve methods.
Sponsor Messages Break
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Blue Apron now offers meals without a weekly subscription commitment, and Dermalogica’s daily microfoliant is a gentle, daily exfoliant.
  • Summary: Blue Apron has upgraded to allow ordering chef-designed meals without a subscription, offering both assemble-and-bake and fully prepared options. Dermalogica’s daily microfoliant is a gentle powder that activates with water to smooth texture and brighten skin daily. Sponsors also include Pura smart diffusers and Lemonade Pet Insurance.
Problem Solving Way 1: Make Small
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(00:08:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Solving problems that are too large, like ‘overwhelmed by dinner,’ requires immediate reduction because big problems demand solutions that are too time-consuming to generate or implement.
  • Summary: The first way to be a better problem solver is to make the problem as small as possible, as large problems necessitate large, energy-draining solutions. Problems categorized broadly (like ‘parenting’ or ‘chores’) are too big and must be broken down. Small problems naturally lead to smaller, easier-to-try solutions with low risk.
Problem Solving Way 2: Remember Season
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(00:09:58)
  • Key Takeaway: Problem solving improves by viewing current challenges through the lens of the present season of life, avoiding comparison to past, easier phases.
  • Summary: Generalizing problems or viewing them through the lens of a past, easier season (the grass is always greener) hinders resolution. Life factors like family structure, health, and proximity constantly change, defining one’s current season. Becoming a better problem solver means acknowledging and locking into the specific needs of the current season.
Problem Solving Way 3: Name What Matters
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(00:12:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Identifying the core priorities of a solution early and frequently ensures the chosen path aligns with what truly matters, preventing ineffective solution selection.
  • Summary: Naming what matters early in the process provides the smoothest path to a functional solution, especially when dealing with smaller problems that may have multiple answers. If the specific need (e.g., needing laughter versus silence during a commute) is not named, a random solution might be chosen that exacerbates the issue. Naming what matters often prevents drifting toward solutions that don’t serve the core need.
Problem Solving Way 4: Listen for Invisible Problem
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(00:16:08)
  • Key Takeaway: The visible problem (like cleaning the kitchen) often masks an invisible issue, such as grief over a changing family dynamic or resentment over unequal labor distribution.
  • Summary: Problems are often made too big by failing to acknowledge the true, underlying issue beneath the surface. For example, kitchen cleaning frustration might actually stem from grief over older children not helping anymore, or resentment toward a partner not noticing the shift. Validating the invisible problem through listening to oneself and others can often solve the issue entirely, as people primarily want to be heard.
Problem Solving Way 5: Notice Catastrophic Language
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(00:19:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Noticing the use of absolute, catastrophic language like ’never’ or ‘always’ is crucial because it obscures the truth of the actual problem, making it impossible to solve accurately.
  • Summary: Overwhelmed individuals often use generalizing, catastrophic words that make problems bigger and potentially inaccurate, discouraging emotional well-being. The goal is not necessarily to stop using these words immediately, but to notice their impact on one’s ability to see and solve the real, smaller situation. Correcting this language allows for more honest assessment and fair interaction with loved ones.
Recap and London Travel Story
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(00:22:25)
  • Key Takeaway: The first five problem-solving steps support the primary goal of making problems smaller, and the host shared a chaotic travel story demonstrating the value of pivoting.
  • Summary: The first five steps—making problems small, remembering the season, naming what matters, listening for invisible problems, and noticing catastrophic language—all serve to support the main effort of problem reduction. The host then recounts a highly chaotic, canceled flight experience to London, emphasizing the importance of pivoting when plans fail. Practicing kindness and focusing on what matters allowed the family to navigate the 16-hour ordeal successfully.
Lazy Genius of the Week
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(00:35:20)
  • Key Takeaway: A functional laundry rhythm can be established by checking the laundry situation every other day, adopting the rule: skip one day, but never two in a row.
  • Summary: Amber from Northwestern Ontario shared her Lazy Genius of the Week regarding dysfunctional laundry rhythms. She adapted Gretchen Rubin’s habit rule to her laundry routine: check the situation every other day. This small, manageable step helps maintain awareness without the pressure of a daily load, perfectly illustrating making a problem smaller and living in one’s current season.
Mini Pep Talk on Great Days
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(00:37:53)
  • Key Takeaway: The pursuit of replicating a ‘perfect day’ is a lie that drains energy; a day’s value is not measured by its organization or ease, but by pursuing kindness and stewardship.
  • Summary: The host warns against chasing the perfect day or using one’s best day as the standard for measuring all others. Days that are chaotic or feel like a ‘hot mess’ count just as much as orderly ones. Measuring value by external achievements like ready dinners or napping children is a lie that leads to unnecessary stress and attempts to replicate unsustainable perfection.