In this episode of Minds & Mics, I talk with author and journalist Oliver Burkeman about the problem with shallow time management and how we mere mortals ought to think about managing our time instead.
You can listen to the episode in your podcast player of choice:
Show Notes
Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:
- Time management for 4-year-olds
- The Narrow vs Ultimate meaning of time management
- The importance trap and the temptation to “clear the decks”
- Anti-skills, negative capability, and the superpower that is emotional tolerance
- The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking
- Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic
- The relationship between expectations and control
- David Cain’s Raptitude
- Weirdly modern conceptions of time
- Meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein
- Are all expectations unhealthy?
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
- The case for wasting time and atelic activities
- Oliver’s to-do list recommendations
- Cal Newport’s Deep Work
- James Hollis’ Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life
- Susan Jeffer’s Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway and Embracing Uncertainty
- What’s wrong with the self-help genre?
- The wounded healer
- Jesse Singal and cranky self-help
- David Brook’s The Second Mountain
- Marilynne Robinson
- “Will this choice enlarge me or diminish me?”
- Douglas Harding’s On Having No Head
- Seneca’s On the Shortness of Life
- Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
You can learn more about Oliver and his work here:
- Oliver’s book: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
- Oliver’s website and (excellent) weekly newsletter: OliverBurkeman.com
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8 Comments
Add YoursYou misspelled David Cain’s name
Good catch—thank you!
Look forward to listening! I’d be curious to hear your perspective on spirituality/spiritual growth and if it’s possible to talk about it divorced from any supernatural standpoint?
I love this topic. Thanks for talking about it!
This podcast episode with Oliver Burkeman sounds like a thought-provoking exploration of time management beyond the usual productivity tips. I’m intrigued by the focus on deeper themes like emotional tolerance and questioning expectations. Can’t wait to listen!
I can’t wait to listen to your insights! I’m particularly interested in hearing your perspective on spirituality and spiritual growth. I’m curious to know if you believe it’s possible to discuss these topics without involving any supernatural elements. It would be fascinating to explore how one might approach spirituality from a purely secular or philosophical standpoint. I’m sure your thoughts will offer a unique and enlightening perspective on this intriguing subject.
I am deeply appreciative for your kindness and support. I am so appreciative for the spiritual support you provide.
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your blog. The content is consistently top-notch, offering fresh insights and detailed analysis that are both informative and engaging.