What does it take to flourish? We started Flourish FM to share cutting edge research from world experts on how to thrive, so you can take away big ideas and practical steps to enhance your life, the lives of others, and, ultimately, make the world a better place.
Flourish FM is hosted by Dr. Jon Beale and Dr. Nick Holton, and in collaboration with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, the Department of Education at the University of Oxford, and The Shipley School.
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What does it take to flourish? We started Flourish FM to share cutting edge research from world experts on how to thrive, so you can take away big ideas and practical steps to enhance your life, the lives of others, and, ultimately, make the world a better place.
Flourish FM is hosted by Dr. Jon Beale and Dr. Nick Holton, and in collaboration with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, the Department of Education at the University of Oxford, and The Shipley School.
Episode #63: How to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, with Oliver Burkeman
Flourish FM
51 minutes 26 seconds
10 months ago
Episode #63: How to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, with Oliver Burkeman
Oliver Burkeman is a British journalist, author, and speaker whose work focuses on productivity, time management, and finding meaning in our fast-paced world. He graduated from the University of Cambridge, where he studied Social and Political Sciences, informing his critical examination of societal expectations around productivity and success.
Burkeman’s focus often centers on rethinking productivity and well-being, as he explores the limitations of traditional time management strategies in his popular book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, which has sparked broad interest for its unique perspective on finding balance in a finite life. His most recent book is Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts (2024), which offers a map for a liberating journey towards a more meaningful life, beginning with where we actually find ourselves, not with a fantasy of where we’d like to be.
His unique approach has resonated with readers worldwide, and his regular newsletter, The Imperfectionist, delves into themes of productivity, mortality, and intentional living. Previously, Burkeman was a longtime columnist for The Guardian, where he explored the intersection of psychology and self-help.
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Links:
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Most recent book: Meditation for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts (2024)
Previous books: Four Thousand Weeks, The Antidote and Help!
Newsletter: The Imperfectionist
Blog
Timestamps:
[01:57] Finite nature of our lives.
[06:40] Imperfectionism as a solution.
[09:34] Acceptance of human finitude.
[12:51] The limits of optimization.
[22:09] Being vs. doing in life.
[29:30] Toxic productivity vs. healthy productivity.
[30:33] Human discomfort with mortality.
[35:27] Burnout and productivity relationship.
[39:58] Dysfunctional attempts at spirituality.
[43:25] Meaningful life and flourishing.
[45:26] Confronting life’s finitude and discomfort.
[50:54] The role of discomfort in growth.
[53:08] Living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Flourish FM
What does it take to flourish? We started Flourish FM to share cutting edge research from world experts on how to thrive, so you can take away big ideas and practical steps to enhance your life, the lives of others, and, ultimately, make the world a better place.
Flourish FM is hosted by Dr. Jon Beale and Dr. Nick Holton, and in collaboration with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, the Department of Education at the University of Oxford, and The Shipley School.
