Many of us wake up each day feeling the weight of endless tasks, the need for control, and the pressure to keep pace with everyone around us. We’re driven by a sense that, someday, we’ll finally have it all figured out—that we’ll reach a point where everything falls into place. But in Meditations for Mortals, Oliver Burkeman challenges this notion, suggesting that this pursuit is a bit of a mirage. In a world that constantly pushes us to do more and be more, Burkeman offers a refreshing alternative: maybe we don’t need to have everything under control.
Meditations for Mortals contains an exploration of what happens when we embrace our limitations as humans. Burkeman argues that we live in a world brimming with infinite tasks and opportunities, all while facing an unpredictable future and navigating relationships with others who, inconveniently, have their own agendas. The book suggests that this isn’t a problem to be solved but rather the essence of what it means to be alive. Instead of focusing on getting everything under control, Burkeman encourages us to find joy and meaning in the unpredictability.
The book unfolds over a 4-week journey, with each day offering a new reflection on how to live more fully within our limits. Burkeman reminds us that it’s impossible to do everything in our limited time, especially in a chaotic and demanding world. He gently nudges us to reconsider what truly matters, given that we have such little control over our time and actions.
Reading Meditations for Mortals brought up some mixed feelings, especially when it came to Burkeman’s view on how we consume news. Today, it’s easier than ever to stay connected to a constant stream of updates and headlines. Burkeman says that we should choose our battles wisely, taking a step back to protect our mental health by limiting exposure to this endless flow of information. It’s a perspective I understand—after all, scrolling through nonstop bad news can be overwhelming.
However, there’s another side to consider. In a world where political shifts and economic changes directly affect our lives, staying informed doesn’t just feel optional; it feels essential. For some, choosing not to engage with the news could mean missing out on crucial information that shapes our understanding of what’s happening around us. Striking the right balance between staying informed and maintaining our peace of mind can be challenging, but it’s a balance worth finding.
One of the most intriguing ideas that I find is about control and creativity. In Meditation for Mortals, you can find that sometimes the best way to produce great work is to stop obsessing over the quality and instead focus on the quantity. This counterintuitive approach argues that by allowing ourselves to create freely, without the constant pressure of perfection, we open the door to unexpected insights and breakthroughs.
Fans of Burkeman will find Meditations for Mortals resonates with his previous work, Four Thousand Weeks. There’s a familiar rhythm to his writing, marked by his characteristic parenthetical dashes that add depth and a conversational tone. It’s like having a thoughtful friend gently guide you through some of life’s biggest questions.
Meditations for Mortals challenges us to rethink how we approach life’s endless demands. It’s not about giving up or doing less, but rather finding peace in accepting that we can’t do it all. By embracing our limitations, Burkeman suggests, we might just discover a more meaningful and joyful way of living.
Summary
We often perceive life as a constant challenge, filled with endless things to master, learn, or conquer. It’s easy to believe that a fulfilled life requires us to gain more control, make things more predictable, and secure until we can finally relax. However, this belief doesn’t align with the reality of being human.
Accepting Our Limitations
As finite beings, we can never achieve total control or security, even though many of us believe our well-being depends on it. The truth is, there will always be more meaningful things to do than the time available to do them. We’ll face unexpected challenges and emotions, and we can only partially influence how our time unfolds.
And here’s where imperfectionism comes in. This mindset recognizes these limitations not as failures but as liberating truths. Understanding and accepting that life is filled with hard choices, potential regrets, and imperfect outcomes is actually freeing. It allows us to take action and experience life more fully without being paralyzed by the impossible standards we set for ourselves.
The Freedom in Imperfection
One of the most freeing realizations is that life as a finite human is even more limited than we think. We cannot possibly bring every idea to perfection or meet every ideal in our minds. Yet, this is good news. It means we don’t have to burden ourselves with impossible expectations.
Many of us wake up each day feeling a sense of “productivity debt,” as if we need to accomplish enough to break even by the day’s end. This feeling is common among what psychologists call “insecure overachievers”—people whose impressive achievements are driven by deep-seated feelings of inadequacy. Often, this mindset starts in childhood, where one feels valued only when excelling.
This constant striving can turn success into a punishment, where every new achievement raises the bar for the next one. It becomes harder and harder to feel satisfied or “paid off.”
How to Break Free from Productivity Debt
A simple yet powerful way to combat this feeling is to keep a “done list.” Unlike a to-do list, a done list helps you see what you’ve accomplished, no matter how small. It shifts your perspective from paying off a never-ending debt to celebrating each small victory. By recognizing even minor achievements, you can make more meaningful choices about how to spend your time and feel more accomplished at the end of the day.
For insecure overachievers, it’s crucial to understand that actions don’t always have to be hard-earned struggles. They can be joyful expressions of who you are. Finishing tasks doesn’t have to drain your energy; it can actually recharge you, making it easier to continue being productive.
Mastering the Art of Completion
To avoid the misery of starting and never finishing projects, redefine what “finished” means to you. Instead of seeing completion as something that happens only after a long, grueling process, break down your tasks into smaller, manageable “deliverables” that you can achieve in a single sitting. This approach not only makes projects feel less overwhelming but also builds momentum and a sense of accomplishment.
Also, limit yourself to about 3-4 hours of intense mental focus each day. This is because our energy is finite, and focusing intensely during peak hours is more effective than trying to push through all day. Plus, creativity often benefits from the brain’s downtime when you’re not actively focusing.
By embracing imperfection and redefining our approach to productivity, we can find more joy and fulfillment in our daily lives. Accept that you’re not meant to do it all or get it all perfect, and that’s okay. It’s about making the most of your limited time and enjoying the journey, rather than endlessly striving for an unreachable ideal.
Thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the ARC. I’m glad I had the opportunity to explore this book and share my insights.
Author: Oliver Burkeman
Publication date: 8 October 2024
Number of pages: 208 pages
