The Plan
A review of

The Plan

Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius

Kendra Adachi • Convergent Books • 2024
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Productivity, Rewritten for Women

by Patricia Sanders

Standard productivity models often ignore the invisible labor and shifting demands many women navigate daily. Productivity guru Kendra Adachi proposes a refreshing, gentle alternative built on a realistic view of women’s lives.

If you’re a woman and you’ve struggled to find a productivity system that works for you, it’s probably not your fault. According to productivity guru Kendra Adachi, today’s leading productivity approaches likely will fail you, no matter how dedicated or motivated you are — because they’re not written for you.

Most top productivity mavens are men, Adachi says, and they speak to a default audience of men, who enjoy a level of schedule flexibility and career autonomy that many women lack. These male experts rarely acknowledge that women often must juggle their careers with unpaid domestic labor and caregiving duties, so following their advice is more likely to lead to exhaustion than meaningful change. Adachi offers an alternative that’s more suited to women’s complex and often unpredictable lives, and more likely to lead to the presence and attunement that many women crave.

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    r. A. 3 days ago
    In Productivity, Rewritten for Women, Patricia Sanders offers a timely and thoughtful critique of traditional productivity models, many of which are rooted in linear, male-centric ideals that don’t reflect the complex realities women face. Through clear prose and compassionate insight, Sanders sheds light on the often invisible labor women perform—emotional caregiving, household management, and the constant juggling of professional and personal responsibilities. In doing so, she challenges readers to rethink their definitions of productivity and success, advocating for a more inclusive approach that values collaboration, flexibility, and self-care. Ultimately, Sanders empowers women to reclaim their time and redefine their contributions in both personal and professional spheres.

    Drawing inspiration from productivity expert Kendra Adachi, Sanders introduces a more humane and flexible framework for productivity. Instead of rigid routines or guilt-inducing checklists, she promotes a mindset grounded in grace, adaptability, and intentional rest. This approach acknowledges that women’s time is often fragmented and that success can look different for everyone, depending on life stage, support systems, and internal priorities.

    Sanders blends personal anecdotes with expert commentary, making the book both relatable and practical. She challenges the "hustle culture" mindset and replaces it with a more sustainable rhythm of life that centers self-compassion and context-aware choices. Her advice is particularly resonant in a post-pandemic world where burnout is high and expectations remain unrealistic.

    One of the book’s standout features is its inclusivity—recognizing not all women share the same struggles, Sanders addresses productivity in the context of motherhood, caregiving, solo living, and career ambition, offering tailored strategies that feel achievable rather than aspirational.

    Overall, Productivity, Rewritten for Women is not just a guide—it’s a permission slip. It invites women to redefine what it means to be productive on their own terms, with empathy and realism at the core. Whether you’re a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or somewhere in between, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to reclaim their time and energy with confidence and clarity.