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Modern Wisdom

#772 - Oliver Burkeman - Why Our Obsession With Productivity Is All Wrong

Apr 18, 2024
Oliver Burkeman, a journalist and author for The Guardian, delves into our obsession with productivity and the emotional toll it takes on us. He discusses the origins of this pursuit, urging listeners to rethink self-worth linked to achievement. Burkeman highlights the importance of embracing imperfections and cultivating self-compassion in personal growth. The conversation explores authentic creativity over empty productivity metrics and emphasizes the need for meaningful connections in our lives.
01:08:46

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Quick takeaways

  • Focus on embracing imperfections and self-compassion over relentless productivity.
  • Practice mindfulness to handle interruptions positively for emotional well-being and productivity.

Deep dives

The Pitfalls of Productivity Obsession

Many individuals find themselves trapped in a never-ending pursuit of productivity, setting impossibly high standards and chastising themselves for any perceived failures. This relentless drive for efficiency raises questions about the underlying reasons behind this obsession and whether constant optimization truly leads to beneficial outcomes.

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