Oliver Burkeman, author of 'Four Thousand Weeks', dives deep into the art of embracing imperfectionism and the liberation that comes from accepting our transience. He discusses the fallacy of the 'everything's done' mindset and why small, imperfect actions often hold more value than grand plans. Burkeman explores how embracing life’s unpredictability, viewing problems as growth opportunities, and letting go of societal pressures can lead to a more meaningful existence. His insights challenge listeners to prioritize genuine engagement over perfection.
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insights INSIGHT
Imperfectionism
"Imperfectionism" means accepting our limitations.
Start from the understanding that there will always be too much to do.
insights INSIGHT
Empowering Limitations
Accepting limitations is empowering, not settling for mediocrity.
It allows wholehearted engagement in meaningful activities now.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Miserably Productive
Oliver Burkeman was miserably productive in his early career, always chasing the next deadline.
He postponed important things, waiting for a sense of control.
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Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking
Oliver Burkeman
In 'The Antidote', Oliver Burkeman challenges the traditional self-help approach by introducing the concept of the 'negative path' to happiness. He argues that our constant efforts to eliminate negative emotions and achieve happiness through positive thinking often lead to anxiety, insecurity, and unhappiness. The book draws from various philosophical traditions, including Stoicism and Buddhism, and features insights from psychologists, terrorism experts, and business consultants. Burkeman suggests that genuine happiness can be achieved by embracing uncertainty, insecurity, and the realities of everyday life, rather than trying to avoid them. The book is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of what truly constitutes happiness and success.
Emotional Intelligence
Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
Daniel Goleman
In 'Emotional Intelligence,' Daniel Goleman presents a compelling argument that emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for success, happiness, and virtue. Drawing on research in psychology and neuroscience, Goleman explains how EI, which includes self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy, shapes our destiny. The book details five key skills of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, managing emotions, motivation, recognizing emotions in others, and social skills. Goleman shows how these skills can be nurtured and strengthened throughout adulthood, benefiting our health, relationships, and work performance[2][3][4].
4,000 Weeks
Time Management for Mortals
Oliver Burkeman
The liberation that comes from realizing that you’re never going to get everything done.
Oliver Burkeman is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Four Thousand Weeks, The Antidote, and most recently, Meditations for Mortals. His work has also appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Psychologies and New Philosopher. He has a devoted following for his writing on productivity, mortality, the power of limits, and building a meaningful life in an age of bewilderment.
Oliver is one of many great teachers featured on Waking Up, a top-notch meditation app with amazing teachers and a ton of courses for all levels. If you subscribe via this link: wakingup.com/tenpercent, you’ll get a 30-day free trial—and you’ll be supporting the 10% Happier team, too. Full and partial scholarships are available.
In this episode we talk about:
What the term “imperfectionism” means
The illusion of reaching a point where "everything's done"
Why there’s liberation in seeing how finite we are
Why small, imperfect actions are more valuable than perfect plans
Why overplanning is a kind of avoidance
How to make decisions
The importance of finishing things
Who you should develop a taste for problems
Why effort doesn't always equal value
Why we need to stop protecting other people’s feelings
And the paradox of mattering immensely and not at all
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
