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October 10, 2024 • 8 mins

This episode of the "Modern Wisdom" podcast features Oliver Burkeman, a journalist and author, discussing his concept of "imperfectionism." He argues that striving for constant productivity and perfectionism often leads to more misery than success. Instead, he encourages listeners to embrace their limitations, accept that they cannot control everything in their lives, and focus on completing meaningful tasks rather than trying to achieve a "perfect" or "sorted out" existence. Burkeman challenges listeners to recognize the pitfalls of "insecure overachieving" and to view life as a series of moments to be savored rather than something to be hoarded. He offers practical strategies for dealing with distractions, overcoming procrastination, and cultivating self-compassion, while emphasizing the importance of finishing tasks and setting realistic expectations for productivity. He encourages a more relaxed approach to life, suggesting that by embracing imperfection, we can better appreciate the present moment and find more joy in the journey.

Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5kUc4LZe34AoiBl6pGTIhG

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