On Imperfectionism and the Art of Living Well | Oliver Burkeman

What if the time is never coming when you’re ‘on top of things’, or finally feel like you know what you’re doing?

For years, New York Times Bestselling author Oliver Burkeman has dared to ask provocative questions like these.

The sort of questions that invite us to examine popular cultural views about what it means to work and live well.

In his beautiful and brilliant books, his longtime column in the Guardian, and other writings,

Oliver has been a leading voice helping to unravel myths about the often celebrated idea that we can 'do it all'.

Rather than chasing perfectionism he invites us to embrace our imperfections,

To confront our mortality,

and to explore deeper questions about what matters, and what will bring us fully alive in the brief time we’re here.

Today we are re-releasing this inspiring conversation from 2024 - one of the most popular we've ever had on the show.

In it we’ll thoroughly explore how and why imperfectionism may actually be the path to experiencing a more meaningful, productive, absorbing and energizing life –

not later, but right here in the midst of the overwhelm, the distraction, and the anxiety-inducing news headlines.

For more on today's themes be sure to check out Oliver's profound new book, Meditations for Mortals, which you can pick up wherever books are sold. 

Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:

• On Wholeness, Service, and Enduring Happiness | Stephanie Harrison
• On Unwinding Toxic Productivity | Israa Nasir

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More about Oliver:

Oliver Burkeman is a best-selling author and keynote speaker. His books include Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts, Four Thousand Weeks, as well as The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking. For many years Oliver wrote a popular weekly column on psychology for the Guardian. His work has also appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Psychologies and New Philosopher. For more please visit: Oliverburkeman.com

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