Episode 96

96 - Our Damaging Concept of Time

96 - Our Damaging Concept of Time

I review book called "4,000 Weeks, Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman. It changed my perspective on time management and the pressure we put on ourselves to constantly be productive. Burkeman challenges the traditional concept of time management and argues that it's impossible to ever feel like we're doing enough. The problem lies in our attitude towards time, which sets up a game that can never be won.

After reading this book, I realized that it's important to focus on what's truly important and learn to say no to distractions. We also need to acknowledge that it's okay to have unpleasant moments and not everything needs to be perfect all the time. By doing so, we can reduce the stress and depression caused by time management and distractions.

I highly recommend checking out this book if you're feeling overwhelmed by the constant pressure to be productive. It's a game-changer!

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3253

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/ruthlessly-eliminate-noise/

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3267

https://www.oliverburkeman.com/

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Start with Small Steps
Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

Listen for free

About your host

Profile picture for Jill McKinley

Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.