The Rich Roll Podcast The Productivity Myth: Oliver Burkeman On Our Broken Relationship With Time, Embracing Our Limitations & Why More Isn’t Always Better
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Nov 24, 2025 
Oliver Burkeman, a bestselling author known for 'Four Thousand Weeks', explores our flawed relationship with time. He delves into the dangers of perfectionism and the infinite to-do list, urging acceptance of our limits to find true productivity. Burkeman highlights how embracing imperfection can foster creativity and argues that saying 'no' preserves our priorities. He also discusses the energizing power of completing tasks and the value of treating interruptions as opportunities. This insightful conversation offers a refreshing perspective on living meaningfully amidst chaos.
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Time Is The Present, Not A Bank
- We wrongly treat time as a resource we can control and stockpile instead of the moment we actually have.
- Accepting that you only ever have the present reduces anxiety and refocuses energy on real choices.
Productivity Is Not Moral Worth
- We equate productivity with moral worth, creating endless striving without limit or satisfaction.
- Meaning depends on what you do and the presence you bring, not how many tasks you finish.
Clarity Comes From Seeing The Situation Is Worse
- Realizing some projects are impossible can paradoxically free you to choose and relax.
- Heavy clarity forces you to put down illusions and focus on what you can actually do.
