Why Self-Improvement Is Holding You Back | Oliver Burkeman


Episode Artwork
1.0x
0% played 00:00 00:00
Mar 02 2025 78 mins   32

Oliver Burkeman joins us to explore the power of imperfectionism and why waiting for the “perfect moment” is a trap. We discuss how perfectionism, productivity myths, and self-improvement frameworks can hold us back—and why embracing uncertainty is the key to doing meaningful work. Whether you’re looking to improve daily habits or rethink your approach to time and purpose, this conversation will inspire you to take action despite life’s inevitable messiness.


©2025 Behavioral Grooves


Topics

[00:00] Introduction & Why We Wait for the Perfect Moment


[4:15] Meet Oliver Burkeman: Author of Meditations for Mortals


[9:40] The Illusion of Control & The Productivity Trap


[15:30] What “Imperfectionism” Really Means


[22:45] Why Life Isn’t a Problem to Be Solved


[30:10] How Small Actions Create Big Meaning


[38:00] The Power of Letting Go & Taking the First Step


[45:50] Oliver’s Music Picks & The Importance of Everyday Moments


[1:00:00] Grooving Session: Final Takeaways & How to Apply This Philosophy Today


©2025 Behavioral Grooves


Links

Oliver Burkeman


Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts


Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals


Join the Behavioral Grooves community


Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube


Musical Links

The Divine Comedy - To The Rescue


Fountains of Wayne - Someone To Love


Lin Manuel Miranda - Surface Pressure