

How To Stop Giving 110%
Jul 8, 2025
Kate Levitt, a busy parent and community organizer from San Francisco, joins author Oliver Burkeman, known for his insightful work on productivity. They dive into the challenges of balancing numerous commitments while preventing burnout. The discussion emphasizes the importance of prioritizing joy and self-care amidst chaos. They highlight the value of accepting human limitations and the significance of indulgent, solitary moments for personal growth. Together, they explore how to embrace life's complexities without losing sight of one's well-being.
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Kate's Overwhelming Daily Juggle
- Kate's typical day involves rushing between dance rehearsals, PTA tasks, caregiving, and family duties.
- She often feels overwhelmed but still tries to manage everything with dedication and care.
Life's 4,000 Weeks Limit
- Human lifespan averaging about 4,000 weeks reframes our understanding of time scarcity.
- Accepting life’s limits helps to focus on meaningful priorities rather than futile attempts to do everything.
Accept and Schedule Scaling Back
- Accept that some limitations can't be avoided and picking fewer things at once is OK.
- Use calendar reminders to revisit paused interests so you know scaling back isn't permanent.