Episode 98

98 - Create New Standards for Time and Life

In this episode, I dive into Oliver Burkeman's book "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" and explore some powerful ways to break free from productivity traps and focus on what truly matters. Burkeman has some great advice, like limiting task lists to just a few items, focusing on one thing at a time, and even embracing boring technology. But one of my favorite takeaways is the idea of deciding what to fail at. It may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes letting go of certain tasks or goals can actually free up more time and energy to pursue what's truly important.

So, I challenge you to take a page out of Burkeman's book and think about four things you can get rid of or plan to fail at. It might be tough at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. And don't forget to pay attention to the small things in life, research your relationships, practice generosity, and even take some time to do nothing. You'll be surprised at how much more fulfilling life can be when you focus on what truly matters.

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

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

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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.