11 Crazy Facts About Laundry, Showering, & Getting the “Little Stuff” Done That Will Make You Laugh (and Prove You’re Doing Better Than You Think)

In today’s episode, best-selling author and therapist KC Davis answers the question, "How can you be successful in many areas of your life but fall short on getting the laundry, dishes, or grocery shopping done?"

Which begs the question: why are all the "little tasks" so hard?!

Because when it’s time to get them done, they don’t "feel" so little.

KC’s advice, breakthrough ideas, and research will make you realize you’re not the only one who feels like you’re drowning.

And her compassionate, hilarious approach and simple tools will help you take better care of your home and yourself immediately.

If you’ve ever said:

Why can’t I get it all done?

Why does everyone else do this without a struggle, and I am FAILING?

I should really have my act together….

All the answers you need are in this episode.

And if you (or someone you love) is having a moment where even taking a shower or brushing your teeth feels like climbing Mount Everest, KC Davis is an angel sent from the heavens to lift you up.

This is one of my favorite conversations of all time. It’s so wide-ranging in topics and deeply relatable, laugh-out-loud funny, poignant, and actionable.

Talking to KC is like having an old friend show up at your house with a mug of tea, a mop, and a casserole you can stick in the fridge.

There are so many life-changing realizations that will restore your sanity—and the functionality of your home—that this is only Part One of your time with KC and me.

Today’s episode will change your entire life. You will learn:

• A shocking approach to laundry and anything else in life that changes everything. (This one is so goooood!)
• 3 rules for self-care made simple
• A 5-step tidying method that will improve your life
• A genius trick for when the dishes or laundry are piled sky-high
• KC’s "momentum-building trick" that will make your brain work for you
• Making relaxation your right, not your reward
• Leveraging self-compassion as a motivational tool
• KC’s favorite phrase to say when she feels overwhelmed

My mission today is to prove to you that if you don’t have your sh*t together, you aren’t broken. You’re just like the rest of us – you’re human.

Get ready to laugh and learn as I confess the details of what a disaster I am at home, as we go step-by-step with instructions and affirmations for an empowering and gentle journey to a functioning space.

Xo, Mel

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• 3:30: Why is it sometimes so hard to do even the small things?
• 5:30: This is why you feel so much guilt when you’re not getting it all done.
• 9:15: Your disappointment in yourself goes so much deeper than chores.
• 10:30: Here’s what your piles of laundry say about you. OR don’t.
• 21:30: I confess; this is the only time I’m motivated to do laundry.
• 23:00: Who knew what a WIN it was every time you make it to the shower?
• 35:00: Here’s how brushing your teeth can creep up on you in insidious ways.
• 37:30: Research shows that drowning in shame arrests our psychological functioning.
• 41:45: Alternatives to showers when you just don’t have it in you.
• 45:00: How can you make your space calm?
• 48:00: This reframe of your household chores will change your life.
• 51:00: Ditch the guilt and shame when you realize you didn’t sign up for this.
• 52:30: Here’s why emptying the dishwasher is way worse than loading it.
• 54:00: KC found a system for her laundry and that changed everything.
• 57:00: Here’s a new way to look at tasks when every task feels monumental.

Want more resources? Go to my podcast page at melrobbins.com.

Disclaimer

A window into ADHD

The over abundance thoughts struggle is so real! I found this insightful and fun - thank you, Mel, ignore the haters.

Taking the SHAME out of juggling it all!

This is a great conversation, especially if you, or someone you know, struggles with trying to juggle all of the daily tasks that we think we should be able to manage (from showering & brushing your teeth to laundry & dishes, etc.) These two women “get it”, & discuss how to reframe our thinking, as well as offering tips on how to navigate it all.
I highly recommend this for everyone, and especially those of us who are also neurodivergent &/or navigating any anxiety, depression, a harsh inner critic, etc.

And yes, I will acknowledge that when the guest uses taking a shower as an example to break down all the steps that can sometimes create resistance, it feels a bit intense. BUT, hang in there, because she’s overall pointing out something many of us don’t think about, AND there’s a lot more helpful information in a relaxed conversation after that one example.

I’m looking forward to part 2 of this podcast~ thanks Mel & K.C. Davis!

I am not alone???

OMG! What a inspiration that I am not alone! What a way to get things done- change the perspective! LOVE IT!

Helpful reframe

A lot of what was put forth by the author are conclusions I’ve come to on my own as I’ve dealt with keeping house over the past 7 years with two kids. Helpful to hear this as a formal self help guide. I am able to enjoy my kids more using the perspective that life is a cycle of toys, dishes, cooking, laundry. I remind myself it’s in that cycle that the quality living and loving happens.

It’s great to listen to a conversation about the monotonous housekeeping tasks that are a bore and a chore to discuss. no one wants to take a deep into talking about. It’s not scintillating cocktail party conversation, yet it nags at all of us!

My trick for the laundry (which I started during COVID) is one load per day or every other day, as part of a daily activity. That way the whole task and especially the folding isn’t overwhelming and it’s usually under control. when there are interruptions, I just give a little more time to laundry for as needed when time permits, over a few days I usually get back to a manageable laundry rhythm. Just doing laundry along helps me feel under control but I don’t obsess over it!

Didn’t fit me

All I could think of was, solution, solution, solution, and how inefficient these two are with their ADLs. If you want peace, make it.

Anxiety

The dr talking about showering me was way too much. Lol gave me anxiety!!!! Sheesh. Talk a breath! 🤣

Why is it up to me

All I heard in this episode was ALL the cleaning was up to ME and how I would go about it. What about shared responsibilities???
Why should I pick up after everyone, and isn’t this just reinforcing outdated gender roles.
…and Mel, it’s men and women, not people who identify as a woman. Bit over that malarkey!
Listened to the end hoping for something positive to take from it but alas there was nothing.