4000 weeks is the average lifespan of a human nowadays, that is when we are lucky to get to live to 80 that is. When you see the number it seems very little. As Burkeman states it: The average human lifespan is absurdly, ridiculously, offensively short.
Burkeman advises not to focus too much on time management and Getting Things Done techniques, but encourages the reader to accept their limitations and focus on what truly matters.
Getting (more) things done can lead to stress and often result in getting even more things to do. It’s better to accept that we can’t do everything and choosing what’s worth our time.
It might be because I have already spent over half of my weeks, that is when I'm lucky to live upto 80, that I find this book very interesting.
I read the complete book in one week. Also I have been trying some getting things done techniques because there is just so much that I can and like to do. This book really gave me another view on time and how to spend it.
In the following part of the review I will dive deeper into the book with some examples. I've placed it in a spoiler tag because I think you should really read the book instead of just my summary.
In fact; when you don't have time to read the book, you should definitely read the book.
If you're not convinced, then read on!
! [Burkeman states that using time management to get more things done can have the opposite effect as expected. You might think you can save time when you are more prodictive; for instance when you handle all your emails quickly.
But the side effect might be that people notice you are someone that is quickly answering mails, so you'll probably see more emails coming your way. Being more productive only makes you feel more rushed.
Also new technologies that should save us time since the expectations also raise. Labor-saving devices like washing machines and vacuum cleaners didn’t free up time; they just raised hygiene standards.
And when things go fast, we often want it to go even faster. It seems that it's never enough. When it takes over 10 seconds to load the website where we want to order something it's too long.
Digital services make everything faster and easier, but at the cost of losing real human interaction. For instance receiving a handwritten card feels more valued than an electronic message. It’s not the thought that counts, but the effort taken.
Finitude
One of the thoughts of Burkeman is that we have to accept that life is finite and that we can’t do everything. Life could be over today, tomorrow, or next month.
We should actually be grateful that we even were granted time on this earth and focus on what truly matters rather than trying to achieve endless productivity.
Tips
The book also has a couple of good tips to improve your life.
For instance to say no to things. Choosing not to join social activities or trends can give you the “joy of missing out”, the counterpart of FOMO.
When it comes to time, pay yourself first. There is an equivalent for money where you tranfer money in your savings account as soon as you get your salary. This way you don't spend this money on other less important things later that month. You should do the same with your time.
Be present with your attention; a meal in a fine restaurant is no better than a frozen pizza if you don't pay attention to it.
Give important things the attention you would give it if you knew it was the last time.
We are often striving for things in the future. Most people want to travel more when they retire. But you might not even get the chance for that.
Live in the now!
Try to enjoy the small pleasures in life. More and more psychological studies are revealing the positive effects of these small pleasures.
Accepting that life is short gives you the chance to let go of an impossible ambition. You don't have to be the most efficient, capable, invulnerable, and independent person. Just enjoy life day by day.
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FriendlyMoose
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