Big Think Stop avoiding your problems and start addressing them | Oliver Burkeman for BT+
5 snips
Oct 29, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, bestselling author Oliver Burkeman delves into embracing life's problems as a path to meaning. He argues that believing life should be problem-free only adds to our suffering. By confronting challenges, we find resonance and purpose. Burkeman shares practical strategies to tackle avoidance behaviors, such as visualizing initial steps and transforming daunting tasks into manageable ones. He highlights how discomfort often signals growth and encourages taking tiny actions towards meaningful change.
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Problems Are The Source Of Meaning
- Expecting a life without problems is absurd because limits always meet reality and demand action.
- Oliver Burkeman argues that confronting limits is what gives life resonance and meaningful activity.
Friend's Epiphany: Problems Were The Job
- A friend realized the problems at work were actually the job and the place where her creative ability mattered.
- Burkeman says if a job had no unforeseen challenges it would be dull and likely automated away.
Befriend Your Avoided Tasks
- Do stop avoiding tasks that trigger fear and instead build a psychological relationship with them.
- Burkeman recommends bringing avoided tasks into acknowledged reality by visualizing first steps or writing them down.
