The freedom in embracing our finitude, with Oliver Burkeman

What if the pursuit of happiness is NOT the path to greater life satisfaction? What if being more productive and getting more done isn’t actually the way to get ahead?

In this episode, I’m revisiting my conversation with author Oliver Burkeman about some of the ways in which we might want to re-examine our relationship to goals, happiness, and the things that are most important to us.

This is sometimes a bit painful. because so much of it has to do with confronting some of the hard limits that we like to pretend don’t exist. But, as you’ll hear, there is ultimately a profound relief and freedom to be found in facing finitude. 

Key Takeaways

  1. Try to find satisfaction in the journey toward your goals, rather than postponing fulfillment until they are achieved​​.
  2. Cultivating your ability to be present to everyday, even mundane, moments can lead to a deeper appreciation of life as it unfolds.
  3. Understand that every choice has its consequences, and it’s impossible to avoid negative outcomes entirely.
  4. Some of the most meaningful experiences in life are not the result of meticulous planning or pursuit but unexpected and unplanned.
  5. Being present is a skill that can be practiced in everyday situations like waiting in line or working in the office​​–and not just on the meditation cushion or yoga mat.

Mentioned in this Episode

Upcoming Live Events for Meditations for Mortals

The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking

4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

50K Mile Tune-up Listening Guide and Workbook

We now return to your Future Self

Ready for some time travel? Your Current Self was once your Future Self. And I’m guessing that Past You had big plans for Current You (previously, Future You).

In this episode, we’re exploring how our lives and habits have and haven’t evolved in the ways we expected or hoped, and how we can use that information to our (current and future) advantage. 

Plus: It’s time to open a Change Academy time capsule!

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How to find (and fix) your rate-limiting step

Sometimes, the system isn’t broken—it’s just bottlenecked.

In this episode, we’re continuing our series on translating business strategies into personal growth tools by looking at bottlenecks: those hidden chokepoints where progress stalls and good intentions quietly fall apart.

You’ll learn how to spot these sneaky sources of friction, and explore simple ways to loosen them—so your habits feel easier, not harder, to follow through on.

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How to “Recession-Proof” Your Commitments to Yourself

When the economy gets rocky, smart businesses don’t panic—they prepare. They focus on what really matters, streamline what they can, and make sure they’re flexible enough to weather the storm.

In this episode, we’re borrowing that same mindset and translating it into the way we think about our own self-care routines and health habits. Because whether it’s travel, stress, a challenging diagnosis, or just a really busy season, life will test your systems.

We’ll explore six ways businesses recession-proof themselves—and translate them into strategies you can use to build more resilience into your own routines. Not to control every variable, but to stay steady when things get wobbly.

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Success always lags. Here’s how to take the lead.

Will you succeed in reaching your next big goal? Only time will tell. Because success (or failure) generally comes at the end of the process.

Except that every success or failure is actually made up of countless smaller successes or failures that happened along the way. And paying more attention to those can save us a lot of frustration and disappointment.

In this episode, I’m borrowing a powerful concept from the world of business that can help you notch more wins, build confidence, and feel more in control of your progress—whatever you’re working toward.

Continue reading “Success always lags. Here’s how to take the lead.”

A sure-fire way to set yourself (and others) up for failure

Are you guilty of holding yourself (or others) to impossibly high standards?

In this episode, we’re exploring the concept of Ought implies can—the notion that we can only be obligated to do what we’re actually capable of. But how do we know where the limits of ability really are?

Are we being too hard on ourselves (or others)? Or are we making excuses?

Learning how to tell the difference can help you set fair, realistic, and empowering expectations—for yourself and everyone around you.

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Transcending the grind: How to thrive in the job you have now

Feeling stuck in the daily grind? Quitting isn’t the only way out. In this episode, Dr. Jessica Grossmeier shares how to find meaning, connection, and even transcendence in the job you have now.

We explore:
✅ How small shifts in perspective can reignite purpose and satisfaction
✅ The power of workplace connections and why they matter more than you think
✅ Simple, science-backed practices to reset, refocus, and thrive at work
✅ Why transcendence is a job skill—and how to cultivate it

Whether you love your job, feel stuck, or are considering a change, this episode will challenge you to think differently about work—and yourself.

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