Seven ways to spend our 4000 weeks well
Time is short so do what moves us
A young monk, seeking the secret to mastering time and life, joins a monastery. Under the guidance of an ageing, wise monk, he’s given a single task each day: Just sit, breathe and be present. Over time, the young monk grows restless, craving tasks that feel productive, something that leads him closer to a sense of mastery or purpose. Frustrated, he finally asks the elder monk, How will I ever achieve anything if all I do is sit? In response, the old monk says, Achievement is not the same as fulfillment.
Many of us spend our lives chasing achievements, but feel unfulfilled. We haven’t learned to live within our time. The book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman takes a philosophical and somewhat paradoxical approach to time management. Instead of offering traditional productivity hacks, Oliver dives into the deeper idea that our time is limited. If we live to our 80s then we have about four thousand weeks to spend. We should embrace this finitude rather than resist it.
Seven techniques from Four Thousand Weeks help me use my limited time well.
1. Embrace limits
Restrictions fuel creativity. When you can’t do everything, you must do something different. - Rory Sutherland
Rather than aiming to do it all, embrace the natural constraints of time. Prioritise meaningful activities by recognising that not everything needs doing. I find this perspective liberating.
2. Prioritise the vital few
If you have more than three priorities, you don’t have any. - Jim Collins
Focus on the vital few tasks that truly matter to you. Let go of trivial distractions or low-impact activities. Narrowing down on the project I could contribute most to led to me being recognised for my contribution by Vodafone’s CEO.
3. Embrace imperfection
There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in. - Leonard Cohen
Accept that tasks will often remain incomplete and we will not achieve a perfect life balance. By lowering the expectation to have everything in order, we create space for the work and relationships that matter most. My garden is not the tidiest; the wildlife love it and so do I.
4. Confront FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
The problem with FOMO is that it keeps you in a constant state of comparison. Once you stop competing with others, you find peace in what you already have. - Naval Ravikant
Instead of trying to experience everything, be intentional in what we say yes to. I am very content with my major life choices.
5. Accept the natural pace of time
What matters isn't what a person has or doesn't have; it is what he is afraid of losing. And time is what we fear most, yet have no control over. - Nassim Taleb
Slow down and appreciate the moment. Push against the productivity mindset that demands constant achievement. Jimmy Carr said, The purpose of life is to enjoy the passage of time. I embrace this idea.
6. Set boundaries
Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not. - Cal Newport
Protect focus and attention. Set clear boundaries around our time, especially in the age of digital distractions. Say no, in a considered way, often.
7. Be a light hearted stoic
Begin at once to live and count each separate day as a separate life. - Seneca
Have a sense of playfulness and lightness around the limited time we have. Instead of dreading limits, joyfully accept them. I find limited time and resources force me to be more creative which is great fun.
Other resources
How Productivity Ruins Your Life interview with Oliver Burkeman
Three Ways I Achieve More post by Phil Martin
Make Time post by Phil Martin
Oliver Burkeman sums it up. The world is bursting with wonder, and yet it’s the rare productivity guru who seems to have considered the possibility that the ultimate point of all our frenetic doing might be to experience more of that wonder.
Have fun.
Phil…
