We're thrilled to bring another installment of the Flowly Book Review Series. This week, let's join Flowly team member, Christine and embark on an exploration of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman.
What’s it about?
The human lifespan, at just over four thousand weeks for those fortunate enough to reach eighty, is remarkably fleeting. We grapple daily with overflowing inboxes, endless to-do lists, and the elusive quest for work-life balance, all while combating the distractions of modern life. Despite the constant barrage of advice on productivity and life optimization, these efforts often exacerbate our anxiety and leave us feeling hurried and unfulfilled. "Four Thousand Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman delves into the insights of ancient and contemporary philosophers, delivering a practical and profound guide to time and its management. Burkeman advocates for a departure from the conventional fixation on "getting everything done," inviting readers to embrace the reality of our finite existence. He demonstrates that many of our counterproductive time perceptions and management techniques are choices we've collectively and individually made, emphasizing the potential for us to transform our relationship with time in pursuit of a more meaningful life.
Why did you choose to read Four Thousand Weeks?
I've always been obsessed with productivity and time management for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was frustrated about my inability to function at a similar level to all my other peers. (I would later on discover that it's because of the fact that I was a neurodivergent child in a closed bubble of predominantly overachieving 2nd generation Asian-Americans that made me feel this way.) I was hesitant about reading this book because I got very conflicting opinions and reviews about it, but I'm glad I finally decided to pick it up!
What are the main takeaways?
All my takeaways fall into one of the biggest takeaway from this book: in the long run, we're all going to die anyway. This feels very morbid, but it's firmly rooted in stoicisms and ancient philosophy in the sense that by remembering that you will die one day, you end up living a more memorable life because you choose to enjoy life's moments (even the simple ones) more.
The second big takeaway from this book is actually from the author's own motivation for writing this book (and something I witnessed as well): the more you try to do, the less productive you actually feel. It's very counterintuitive, but the more we try to jam into our day and the more we try to be even more productive, the more burnt-out and less productive we actually become.
The third takeaway is what he calls "strategic underachieving." It's something that I've been working on but I also think that it's so true for women in general where we're expected to be able to "do it all". But he stresses the importance of doing the bare minimum or "good enough" in some areas of our lives so that we can focus more effectively on the other areas that need the attention.
How did Four Thousand Weeks affect you?
I think my own journey with productivity and time-management was already heading in this direction. Over the years, I've stopped trying to optimize and learn more about how to increase enjoyment and "soft living". This book not only combined everything that's been swirling in my head into one book but it also gave me that final permission I needed to not feel so guilty about not wanting to accomplish more or not achieving the certain level of "success" as my peers and friends.
Who should read Four Thousand Weeks?
If you're feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, searching for that elusive answer to help you piece your life together, "Four Thousand Weeks" is the book you've been seeking. This captivating read will compel you to reconsider the way you approach life.
At Flowly and among the chronic pain community, we’re all familiar with the concept of ‘spoons,” understanding that our energy is a finite resource. Yet, some among us might be burdened by shame, anger, or guilt for not matching the productivity levels of the broader population. To those individuals, I recommend this book as an essential resource on their journey towards self-acceptance and self-love. "Four Thousand Weeks'' provides the insight and guidance needed to make peace with your unique path and find contentment in the present moment.
Have a book you would like to review and share with the Flowly community? Send us an email at contact@flowly.world.