WE LEARN IT TOO LATE: You’re Wasting the Only Life You’ll Ever Have (4,000 Weeks)- Oliver Burkeman

Rangan Chatterjee

Jun 7, 2025

Episode description

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The average person has 4,000 weeks on earth. It doesn’t sound like much does it? You’re probably doing mental arithmetic right now trying to work out how many weeks you might have left. But if that sounds like a pessimistic start to this podcast, fear not. My guest today is Oliver Burkeman, journalist and author, whose latest book is Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management For Mortals. And in this conversation, he shares a positive philosophy that can help us all overcome the overwhelm, make better choices, and build a meaningful relationship with time.

This conversation is full of mind-blowing facts and insights but it’s also really empowering and contains simple, practical tips that all of us can use to improve our lives.

#feelbetterlivemore #feelbetterlivemorepodcast

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Episode description

This episode is brought to you by:
VIVOBAREFOOT: Get 20% off your first order: https://bit.ly/3Ta2Sv5

Download my FREE Habit Change Guide HERE: https://bit.ly/3VCaV34

Order MAKE CHANGE THAT LASTS. US & Canada version https://amzn.to/3RyO3SL, UK version https://amzn.to/3Kt5rUK

The average person has 4,000 weeks on earth. It doesn’t sound like much does it? You’re probably doing mental arithmetic right now trying to work out how many weeks you might have left. But if that sounds like a pessimistic start to this podcast, fear not. My guest today is Oliver Burkeman, journalist and author, whose latest book is Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management For Mortals. And in this conversation, he shares a positive philosophy that can help us all overcome the overwhelm, make better choices, and build a meaningful relationship with time.

This conversation is full of mind-blowing facts and insights but it’s also really empowering and contains simple, practical tips that all of us can use to improve our lives.

#feelbetterlivemore #feelbetterlivemorepodcast

-----
Follow Dr Chatterjee at:
Website: https://drchatterjee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchatterjee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee/
Newsletter: https://drchatterjee.com/subscription

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Choose options that enlarge you over those that simply promise happiness

When facing a major life choice, instead of asking what will make you happy, ask which option will enlarge you and which will diminish you.

Say no to desirable opportunities for a meaningful life

To live a meaningful life, you must not only say no to things you don't want to do, but also to desirable opportunities that you do want to pursue.

Synchronize your time with community for fulfillment

The modern ideal of having total control over your schedule is often lonely, and there is great value in synchronizing your time with a community, like with a weekly hobby or a Sabbath.

Commit to choices instead of keeping options open

Keeping your options open isn't a neutral act of waiting; it is an active choice to commit your finite time to a life of non-commitment.

Embrace seasonal balance for realistic work-life harmony

Instead of striving for a perfect daily work-life balance, it can be more realistic and freeing to take a seasonal approach, accepting that different periods of life will be intentionally imbalanced.

Confront limitations to overcome procrastination

We often procrastinate on important tasks not out of laziness, but to avoid the discomfort of confronting our own limitations, such as the risk of imperfection or failure.

Balance inbox efficiency to manage email overload

Becoming highly efficient at clearing your email inbox often results in receiving even more email, as you become known for being responsive.

Recognize you are time to embrace life fully

Viewing time as a resource you manage from the outside alienates you from your life; it's more accurate to realize you don't have time, you are time.

Increase foot strength by 60% with Vivo Barefoot shoes in four months

A trial showed that wearing Vivo Barefoot shoes for four months can increase foot strength by around 60%.

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