How to pronounce "navigational"
Transcript
most of us live our lives in a deep
most of us live our lives in a deep
most of us live our lives in a deep state of denial about how finite uh our
state of denial about how finite uh our
state of denial about how finite uh our lives are it's not that we don't know
lives are it's not that we don't know
lives are it's not that we don't know we're going to die I mean we know we're
we're going to die I mean we know we're
we're going to die I mean we know we're going to die if anybody here didn't
going to die if anybody here didn't
going to die if anybody here didn't realize that I'm sorry to be be the one
realize that I'm sorry to be be the one
realize that I'm sorry to be be the one to break it to you but but it's that we
to break it to you but but it's that we
to break it to you but but it's that we don't accept it deep down we don't live
don't accept it deep down we don't live
don't accept it deep down we don't live as if we were finite humans we instead
as if we were finite humans we instead
as if we were finite humans we instead do everything we can to try to maintain
do everything we can to try to maintain
do everything we can to try to maintain this comforting illusion that there'll
this comforting illusion that there'll
this comforting illusion that there'll always be more time for everything that
always be more time for everything that
always be more time for everything that we don't face these limitations of
we don't face these limitations of
we don't face these limitations of [Music]
time this is how to be a better human
time this is how to be a better human
time this is how to be a better human I'm your host Chris duy most of us have
I'm your host Chris duy most of us have
I'm your host Chris duy most of us have about 4,000 weeks alive that's not a
about 4,000 weeks alive that's not a
about 4,000 weeks alive that's not a threat that's how long we have in the
threat that's how long we have in the
threat that's how long we have in the average human lifespan give or take a
average human lifespan give or take a
average human lifespan give or take a couple weeks and the author of the book
couple weeks and the author of the book
couple weeks and the author of the book 4,000 weeks Oliver burkeman is here with
4,000 weeks Oliver burkeman is here with
4,000 weeks Oliver burkeman is here with us today to talk about how you can make
us today to talk about how you can make
us today to talk about how you can make your limited time on Earth meaningful
your limited time on Earth meaningful
your limited time on Earth meaningful that's a kind of big weighty
that's a kind of big weighty
that's a kind of big weighty philosophical topic to try and Tackle in
philosophical topic to try and Tackle in
philosophical topic to try and Tackle in a short internet video and um I wouldn't
a short internet video and um I wouldn't
a short internet video and um I wouldn't say we're going to get to a decisive
say we're going to get to a decisive
say we're going to get to a decisive definitive answer but you never know we
definitive answer but you never know we
definitive answer but you never know we are going to try and figure out what you
are going to try and figure out what you
are going to try and figure out what you can do with those 4,000 weeks that
can do with those 4,000 weeks that
can do with those 4,000 weeks that you're given and you've already used a
you're given and you've already used a
you're given and you've already used a few so you better listen to this hello
few so you better listen to this hello
few so you better listen to this hello my name is Oliver burkman I'm an author
my name is Oliver burkman I'm an author
my name is Oliver burkman I'm an author and a journalist I wrote a book called
and a journalist I wrote a book called
and a journalist I wrote a book called 4,000 weeks time management for Mortals
4,000 weeks time management for Mortals
4,000 weeks time management for Mortals and my new book is meditations for
and my new book is meditations for
and my new book is meditations for Mortals I'm delighted to to be talking
Mortals I'm delighted to to be talking
Mortals I'm delighted to to be talking to you because I've I've been a longtime
to you because I've I've been a longtime
to you because I've I've been a longtime reader of uh your newsletter the
reader of uh your newsletter the
reader of uh your newsletter the imperfectionist and and I I'm big fan of
imperfectionist and and I I'm big fan of
imperfectionist and and I I'm big fan of both both of your books I'm also
both both of your books I'm also
both both of your books I'm also interested because you've made a You
interested because you've made a You
interested because you've made a You made a pretty big change in your um in
made a pretty big change in your um in
made a pretty big change in your um in your personal life over the last few
your personal life over the last few
your personal life over the last few years and you moved from New York to
years and you moved from New York to
years and you moved from New York to North York which I just find somewhat
North York which I just find somewhat
North York which I just find somewhat delightful on a linguistic level but I
delightful on a linguistic level but I
delightful on a linguistic level but I wonder how a big change like that has
wonder how a big change like that has
wonder how a big change like that has played into your thinking about the
played into your thinking about the
played into your thinking about the meaning and the value of your time yeah
meaning and the value of your time yeah
meaning and the value of your time yeah we lived in Brooklyn for many years my
we lived in Brooklyn for many years my
we lived in Brooklyn for many years my wife is American uh and then we have
wife is American uh and then we have
wife is American uh and then we have spent the last few years in the north
spent the last few years in the north
spent the last few years in the north yor Moors it's a beauti beautiful Bleak
yor Moors it's a beauti beautiful Bleak
yor Moors it's a beauti beautiful Bleak part of the world but it is also like a
part of the world but it is also like a
part of the world but it is also like a living community of towns and Villages
living community of towns and Villages
living community of towns and Villages you know I think we thought we were
you know I think we thought we were
you know I think we thought we were doing something very kind of
doing something very kind of
doing something very kind of uh interesting and and uh radical when
uh interesting and and uh radical when
uh interesting and and uh radical when we decided to uh leave or maybe not
we decided to uh leave or maybe not
we decided to uh leave or maybe not radical but at least self-determined and
radical but at least self-determined and
radical but at least self-determined and when I look back now it's just a kind of
when I look back now it's just a kind of
when I look back now it's just a kind of I'm just a sort of a pandemic data point
I'm just a sort of a pandemic data point
I'm just a sort of a pandemic data point right like everybody was doing this who
right like everybody was doing this who
right like everybody was doing this who could I think in in many ways not not
could I think in in many ways not not
could I think in in many ways not not not everybody but you know anyone who
not everybody but you know anyone who
not everybody but you know anyone who had that that ability was considering it
had that that ability was considering it
had that that ability was considering it it's also a return to the area in which
it's also a return to the area in which
it's also a return to the area in which I grew up I do find that living in uh a
I grew up I do find that living in uh a
I grew up I do find that living in uh a rural area focuses one's mind in certain
rural area focuses one's mind in certain
rural area focuses one's mind in certain very helpful ways on on how time is
very helpful ways on on how time is
very helpful ways on on how time is being used in some ways that's because I
being used in some ways that's because I
being used in some ways that's because I am surrounded by a landscape that I love
am surrounded by a landscape that I love
am surrounded by a landscape that I love and I have the opportunity to spend time
and I have the opportunity to spend time
and I have the opportunity to spend time in that almost every day uh you know out
in that almost every day uh you know out
in that almost every day uh you know out in the Blustery winds and under the big
in the Blustery winds and under the big
in the Blustery winds and under the big skies and all the rest of it and that is
skies and all the rest of it and that is
skies and all the rest of it and that is you know part of how I want to spend my
you know part of how I want to spend my
you know part of how I want to spend my finite time on the planet in another
finite time on the planet in another
finite time on the planet in another sense it's kind of inconvenient there's
sense it's kind of inconvenient there's
sense it's kind of inconvenient there's all these kind of little ways in which
all these kind of little ways in which
all these kind of little ways in which you're not just living in that sort of
you're not just living in that sort of
you're not just living in that sort of purely frictionless space and that too I
purely frictionless space and that too I
purely frictionless space and that too I think is actually really really helpful
think is actually really really helpful
think is actually really really helpful in a way it's sometimes it's annoying
in a way it's sometimes it's annoying
in a way it's sometimes it's annoying right because I got to sort of think
right because I got to sort of think
right because I got to sort of think ahead about what I want to cook for
ahead about what I want to cook for
ahead about what I want to cook for dinner instead of just rushing out to
dinner instead of just rushing out to
dinner instead of just rushing out to the store while the pan is is sizzling
the store while the pan is is sizzling
the store while the pan is is sizzling on the stove which could practically do
on the stove which could practically do
on the stove which could practically do where we uh where we lived before so
where we uh where we lived before so
where we uh where we lived before so there's a sort of a there's a
there's a sort of a there's a
there's a sort of a there's a deliberateness that is required
deliberateness that is required
deliberateness that is required sometimes um and then socially it's
sometimes um and then socially it's
sometimes um and then socially it's really interesting because yeah you
really interesting because yeah you
really interesting because yeah you might feel like it was Splendid
might feel like it was Splendid
might feel like it was Splendid isolation but actually you're a lot more
isolation but actually you're a lot more
isolation but actually you're a lot more reliant on and and um interconnected
reliant on and and um interconnected
reliant on and and um interconnected with Neighbors in many ways than than
with Neighbors in many ways than than
with Neighbors in many ways than than you need to be anyway uh in an urban
you need to be anyway uh in an urban
you need to be anyway uh in an urban environment I think it's interesting to
environment I think it's interesting to
environment I think it's interesting to hear you talk about this big life change
hear you talk about this big life change
hear you talk about this big life change because one of the the messages of
because one of the the messages of
because one of the the messages of meditations for Mortals is that we often
meditations for Mortals is that we often
meditations for Mortals is that we often think we have to make some sort of huge
think we have to make some sort of huge
think we have to make some sort of huge dramatic shift in our life in order for
dramatic shift in our life in order for
dramatic shift in our life in order for our life to start or to have meaning or
our life to start or to have meaning or
our life to start or to have meaning or to finally be the person we want to be
to finally be the person we want to be
to finally be the person we want to be and your big argument is that that shift
and your big argument is that that shift
and your big argument is that that shift will never happen right that we need to
will never happen right that we need to
will never happen right that we need to actually start right now and not worry
actually start right now and not worry
actually start right now and not worry about all of the the big changes that
about all of the the big changes that
about all of the the big changes that could happen but rather just what is
could happen but rather just what is
could happen but rather just what is happening today it's interesting because
happening today it's interesting because
happening today it's interesting because in some ways you actually did make the
in some ways you actually did make the
in some ways you actually did make the big shift that people talk about like if
big shift that people talk about like if
big shift that people talk about like if only I moved to another country into the
only I moved to another country into the
only I moved to another country into the countryside there probably is a little
countryside there probably is a little
countryside there probably is a little bit of that fantasy when never anybody
bit of that fantasy when never anybody
bit of that fantasy when never anybody moves uh long distance or between cities
moves uh long distance or between cities
moves uh long distance or between cities or anything like that there's that
or anything like that there's that
or anything like that there's that there's that slight sense of um now it's
there's that slight sense of um now it's
there's that slight sense of um now it's this that is going to answer all my
this that is going to answer all my
this that is going to answer all my problems I think I had already begun to
problems I think I had already begun to
problems I think I had already begun to see through that uh fantasy a bit by the
see through that uh fantasy a bit by the
see through that uh fantasy a bit by the time um we made this move but yeah
time um we made this move but yeah
time um we made this move but yeah regardless of what I thought you you
regardless of what I thought you you
regardless of what I thought you you move somewhere else and like you're
move somewhere else and like you're
move somewhere else and like you're still there you brought yourself with
still there you brought yourself with
still there you brought yourself with you and all your kind of imperfections
you and all your kind of imperfections
you and all your kind of imperfections and limitations and yeah I think that
and limitations and yeah I think that
and limitations and yeah I think that one of the things that the new book is
one of the things that the new book is
one of the things that the new book is very much about is the idea that this
very much about is the idea that this
very much about is the idea that this Moment of Truth or this moment of
Moment of Truth or this moment of
Moment of Truth or this moment of Problem free living this moment of
Problem free living this moment of
Problem free living this moment of getting over all the things about
getting over all the things about
getting over all the things about yourself that annoy you that isn't
yourself that annoy you that isn't
yourself that annoy you that isn't coming and this is great news this is
coming and this is great news this is
coming and this is great news this is not depressing news at all this is this
not depressing news at all this is this
not depressing news at all this is this is news that allows you to get on with
is news that allows you to get on with
is news that allows you to get on with living life to the full now instead of
living life to the full now instead of
living life to the full now instead of postponing that until the point at which
postponing that until the point at which
postponing that until the point at which you've completely fixed your
you've completely fixed your
you've completely fixed your procrastination problems or worked out
procrastination problems or worked out
procrastination problems or worked out how to be the perfect parent or whatever
how to be the perfect parent or whatever
how to be the perfect parent or whatever thing it is for you can can we just
thing it is for you can can we just
thing it is for you can can we just Define some of the terms that I think
Define some of the terms that I think
Define some of the terms that I think are for me really resonant and that come
are for me really resonant and that come
are for me really resonant and that come up a lot um when people are reading you
up a lot um when people are reading you
up a lot um when people are reading you which is the the title of your
which is the the title of your
which is the the title of your newsletter the imperfectionist and this
newsletter the imperfectionist and this
newsletter the imperfectionist and this idea of imperfection ISM and then
idea of imperfection ISM and then
idea of imperfection ISM and then relatedly um your book 4,000 weeks I'd
relatedly um your book 4,000 weeks I'd
relatedly um your book 4,000 weeks I'd love if we could just get I'm certainly
love if we could just get I'm certainly
love if we could just get I'm certainly not trying to get you to summarize the
not trying to get you to summarize the
not trying to get you to summarize the whole book but um where what is that
whole book but um where what is that
whole book but um where what is that number 4,000 weeks and and what is
number 4,000 weeks and and what is
number 4,000 weeks and and what is imperfection ISM and how are those
imperfection ISM and how are those
imperfection ISM and how are those related as we then move into meditations
related as we then move into meditations
related as we then move into meditations for Mortals your latest book sure well 4
for Mortals your latest book sure well 4
for Mortals your latest book sure well 4 weeks is very roughly the average
weeks is very roughly the average
weeks is very roughly the average lifespan in the developed World these
lifespan in the developed World these
lifespan in the developed World these days um I rounded it down a bit to get
days um I rounded it down a bit to get
days um I rounded it down a bit to get to the to get to the round figure you
to the to get to the round figure you
to the to get to the round figure you know um the make for a better title
know um the make for a better title
know um the make for a better title there's something kind of stress
there's something kind of stress
there's something kind of stress inducing I'm well aware in expressing
inducing I'm well aware in expressing
inducing I'm well aware in expressing that figure in weeks right because if
that figure in weeks right because if
that figure in weeks right because if you express it in years then it's not as
you express it in years then it's not as
you express it in years then it's not as much smaller number but but years feel
much smaller number but but years feel
much smaller number but but years feel like large units and if you express it
like large units and if you express it
like large units and if you express it in days well a day is very quick it's
in days well a day is very quick it's
in days well a day is very quick it's very easy to waste a day in my
very easy to waste a day in my
very easy to waste a day in my experience anyway but you get a lot of
experience anyway but you get a lot of
experience anyway but you get a lot of them there's something about the weeks
them there's something about the weeks
them there's something about the weeks that really sort of puts pressure on
that really sort of puts pressure on
that really sort of puts pressure on those ideas because you a week is feels
those ideas because you a week is feels
those ideas because you a week is feels short enough to waste and to sort of not
short enough to waste and to sort of not
short enough to waste and to sort of not take account of and also you don't get
take account of and also you don't get
take account of and also you don't get very many of them when you uh when you
very many of them when you uh when you
very many of them when you uh when you when you calculate the number in an
when you calculate the number in an
when you calculate the number in an average lifespan now actually I think in
average lifespan now actually I think in
average lifespan now actually I think in some ways the book is almost an argument
some ways the book is almost an argument
some ways the book is almost an argument against the title and I'll say what I
against the title and I'll say what I
against the title and I'll say what I mean by that in that I think you could
mean by that in that I think you could
mean by that in that I think you could take that as an argument the the the
take that as an argument the the the
take that as an argument the the the idea of 4,000 weeks that could that that
idea of 4,000 weeks that could that that
idea of 4,000 weeks that could that that could lead very swiftly to a different
could lead very swiftly to a different
could lead very swiftly to a different kind of book and a different kind of set
kind of book and a different kind of set
kind of book and a different kind of set of ideas which would be life is so short
of ideas which would be life is so short
of ideas which would be life is so short you've got to cram every moment of it
you've got to cram every moment of it
you've got to cram every moment of it with the most extraordinary experiences
with the most extraordinary experiences
with the most extraordinary experiences you possibly can and it's quite
you possibly can and it's quite
you possibly can and it's quite stressful right that's like oh no some
stressful right that's like oh no some
stressful right that's like oh no some more things I've got to do in the course
more things I've got to do in the course
more things I've got to do in the course of my of my day so where I actually
of my of my day so where I actually
of my of my day so where I actually wanted to take that I want to say we're
wanted to take that I want to say we're
wanted to take that I want to say we're actually so finite we're so limited in
actually so finite we're so limited in
actually so finite we're so limited in what we can find time for and how much
what we can find time for and how much
what we can find time for and how much control control we can exert over how
control control we can exert over how
control control we can exert over how our lives unfold we're so limited that
our lives unfold we're so limited that
our lives unfold we're so limited that actually in a sense we need to give up
actually in a sense we need to give up
actually in a sense we need to give up hope of doing most of the things we can
hope of doing most of the things we can
hope of doing most of the things we can think of we need to give up hope of
think of we need to give up hope of
think of we need to give up hope of exerting most of the control we might
exerting most of the control we might
exerting most of the control we might like to exert and so there's a kind of a
like to exert and so there's a kind of a
like to exert and so there's a kind of a defeat that you have to go through here
defeat that you have to go through here
defeat that you have to go through here when you realize that no matter how much
when you realize that no matter how much
when you realize that no matter how much you cram your life with exciting
you cram your life with exciting
you cram your life with exciting experiences you'll never get to do more
experiences you'll never get to do more
experiences you'll never get to do more than a tiny fraction of what the world
than a tiny fraction of what the world
than a tiny fraction of what the world has to offer but my argument is is that
has to offer but my argument is is that
has to offer but my argument is is that that defeat is incredibly liberating and
that defeat is incredibly liberating and
that defeat is incredibly liberating and empowering and actually leads on to
empowering and actually leads on to
empowering and actually leads on to bigger and better accomplishments
bigger and better accomplishments
bigger and better accomplishments because that's when you get to stop
because that's when you get to stop
because that's when you get to stop trying to do this crazy impossible thing
trying to do this crazy impossible thing
trying to do this crazy impossible thing of getting your arms around the whole of
of getting your arms around the whole of
of getting your arms around the whole of the world and you see that actually
the world and you see that actually
the world and you see that actually you're your job as it were in the world
you're your job as it were in the world
you're your job as it were in the world is is to show up and do some things and
is is to show up and do some things and
is is to show up and do some things and do them you know with a with as much
do them you know with a with as much
do them you know with a with as much presence as you can muster and to do
presence as you can muster and to do
presence as you can muster and to do them now instead of waiting uh decades
them now instead of waiting uh decades
them now instead of waiting uh decades until you feel uh completely ready to do
until you feel uh completely ready to do
until you feel uh completely ready to do them so for me imperfection ism is just
them so for me imperfection ism is just
them so for me imperfection ism is just the outlook on life that starts from the
the outlook on life that starts from the
the outlook on life that starts from the place that says okay there's always
place that says okay there's always
place that says okay there's always going to be too much to do there's
going to be too much to do there's
going to be too much to do there's always going to be more meaningful
always going to be more meaningful
always going to be more meaningful things you could in principle do with
things you could in principle do with
things you could in principle do with your time than you're going to be able
your time than you're going to be able
your time than you're going to be able to do so now what you're never going
to do so now what you're never going
to do so now what you're never going to sort of cure all your all the aspects
to sort of cure all your all the aspects
to sort of cure all your all the aspects of your personality you don't like all
of your personality you don't like all
of your personality you don't like all of this is never going to happen so now
of this is never going to happen so now
of this is never going to happen so now what it really is not a recipe for
what it really is not a recipe for
what it really is not a recipe for despair or for sort of settling for for
despair or for sort of settling for for
despair or for sort of settling for for a life of mediocrity it's it's
a life of mediocrity it's it's
a life of mediocrity it's it's incredibly exciting cuz it's like now
incredibly exciting cuz it's like now
incredibly exciting cuz it's like now you can bring all those meaningful
you can bring all those meaningful
you can bring all those meaningful things and those ways of being forward
things and those ways of being forward
things and those ways of being forward from the future you know into your life
from the future you know into your life
from the future you know into your life right now and and really get stuck in to
right now and and really get stuck in to
right now and and really get stuck in to being wholeheartedly who you are right
being wholeheartedly who you are right
being wholeheartedly who you are right here and now it also makes me think that
here and now it also makes me think that
here and now it also makes me think that you know there's kind of this cliche of
you know there's kind of this cliche of
you know there's kind of this cliche of like what would you do if you found out
like what would you do if you found out
like what would you do if you found out you were going to die in a week and I
you were going to die in a week and I
you were going to die in a week and I think that the like cliche answer to
think that the like cliche answer to
think that the like cliche answer to that at Le that I've heard is like I
that at Le that I've heard is like I
that at Le that I've heard is like I would travel the world I would buy a
would travel the world I would buy a
would travel the world I would buy a fancy car I would do all these drugs I
fancy car I would do all these drugs I
fancy car I would do all these drugs I would like do this wild stuff and I
would like do this wild stuff and I
would like do this wild stuff and I think that the reality is that if you
think that the reality is that if you
think that the reality is that if you actually genuinely knew you had a week
actually genuinely knew you had a week
actually genuinely knew you had a week to live you would probably stay where
to live you would probably stay where
to live you would probably stay where you are and spend time with the people
you are and spend time with the people
you are and spend time with the people that you care about and maybe do a few
that you care about and maybe do a few
that you care about and maybe do a few things that really matter you probably
things that really matter you probably
things that really matter you probably wouldn't be out pursuing like the
wouldn't be out pursuing like the
wouldn't be out pursuing like the highest possible highs and the most
highest possible highs and the most
highest possible highs and the most dramatic experiences that's not actually
dramatic experiences that's not actually
dramatic experiences that's not actually what we want to do with our limited time
what we want to do with our limited time
what we want to do with our limited time when we know it is limited right first
when we know it is limited right first
when we know it is limited right first of all the aspiration would be that you
of all the aspiration would be that you
of all the aspiration would be that you were in the ideal case you would already
were in the ideal case you would already
were in the ideal case you would already be living the way you wanted to spend
be living the way you wanted to spend
be living the way you wanted to spend those those final days actually many of
those those final days actually many of
those those final days actually many of us may be living something closer to
us may be living something closer to
us may be living something closer to that than we than we let ourselves
that than we than we let ourselves
that than we than we let ourselves believe given the pressures in the
believe given the pressures in the
believe given the pressures in the culture and from all other all sorts of
culture and from all other all sorts of
culture and from all other all sorts of other sources to sort of be super
other sources to sort of be super
other sources to sort of be super extraordinary like that isn't actually
extraordinary like that isn't actually
extraordinary like that isn't actually what makes us feel most alive on a on a
what makes us feel most alive on a on a
what makes us feel most alive on a on a sort of regular basis it's a reason to
sort of regular basis it's a reason to
sort of regular basis it's a reason to get started on things not a reason to
get started on things not a reason to
get started on things not a reason to give up on them I do want to put a
give up on them I do want to put a
give up on them I do want to put a pretty big disclaimer on here which I
pretty big disclaimer on here which I
pretty big disclaimer on here which I I've said many times over the course of
I've said many times over the course of
I've said many times over the course of this podcast but is that you know this
this podcast but is that you know this
this podcast but is that you know this show is called how to be a better human
show is called how to be a better human
show is called how to be a better human and I I have a lot of qualms about that
and I I have a lot of qualms about that
and I I have a lot of qualms about that as a as a title and an idea and I love
as a as a title and an idea and I love
as a as a title and an idea and I love how you really push back in your book on
how you really push back in your book on
how you really push back in your book on the idea that we'd ever become a a
the idea that we'd ever become a a
the idea that we'd ever become a a better person some other person who's
better person some other person who's
better person some other person who's better and Fuller and more generous and
better and Fuller and more generous and
better and Fuller and more generous and um and yet that also does not mean that
um and yet that also does not mean that
um and yet that also does not mean that you can't
you can't
you can't follow your best impulses you give the
follow your best impulses you give the
follow your best impulses you give the example of you know you walk by U
example of you know you walk by U
example of you know you walk by U someone who's asking for money and you
someone who's asking for money and you
someone who's asking for money and you feel the the urge to help them to give
feel the the urge to help them to give
feel the the urge to help them to give them some money but instead you say to
them some money but instead you say to
them some money but instead you say to yourself well I actually heard that it's
yourself well I actually heard that it's
yourself well I actually heard that it's more effective to give to a charity that
more effective to give to a charity that
more effective to give to a charity that um deals with homelessness so I'm not
um deals with homelessness so I'm not
um deals with homelessness so I'm not going to help this person I'm instead
going to help this person I'm instead
going to help this person I'm instead going to give to the charity but then
going to give to the charity but then
going to give to the charity but then later on you forget and you don't
later on you forget and you don't
later on you forget and you don't actually give to the charity so you've
actually give to the charity so you've
actually give to the charity so you've done nothing um which I think is a very
done nothing um which I think is a very
done nothing um which I think is a very relatable uh experience in my
relatable uh experience in my
relatable uh experience in my understanding of what being a better
understanding of what being a better
understanding of what being a better human would be it's not being a
human would be it's not being a
human would be it's not being a different human it's being the the best
different human it's being the the best
different human it's being the the best version of yourself um and I think
version of yourself um and I think
version of yourself um and I think that's really hard it takes a lot of
that's really hard it takes a lot of
that's really hard it takes a lot of work but it also uh is simpler than
work but it also uh is simpler than
work but it also uh is simpler than maybe it would look like from the
maybe it would look like from the
maybe it would look like from the outside which I think your example
outside which I think your example
outside which I think your example captures is that you already have that
captures is that you already have that
captures is that you already have that impulse so why not just allow it yeah I
impulse so why not just allow it yeah I
impulse so why not just allow it yeah I think that's a really deep point in fact
think that's a really deep point in fact
think that's a really deep point in fact there's a sort of a paradox here that
there's a sort of a paradox here that
there's a sort of a paradox here that I'm not sure anyone has ever sort of um
I'm not sure anyone has ever sort of um
I'm not sure anyone has ever sort of um solved as it were maybe it can't be
solved as it were maybe it can't be
solved as it were maybe it can't be solved and and so I'm not going to solve
solved and and so I'm not going to solve
solved and and so I'm not going to solve it now but it's captured by that um
it now but it's captured by that um
it now but it's captured by that um famous line from the humanist
famous line from the humanist
famous line from the humanist psychotherapist KL Rogers who says the
psychotherapist KL Rogers who says the
psychotherapist KL Rogers who says the Curious Paradox is that when I accept
Curious Paradox is that when I accept
Curious Paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am then I can change
myself just as I am then I can change
myself just as I am then I can change it's also captured in that idea of
it's also captured in that idea of
it's also captured in that idea of becoming more of who you are which you
becoming more of who you are which you
becoming more of who you are which you know doesn't really make any sense if
know doesn't really make any sense if
know doesn't really make any sense if we're going to be very sort of rational
we're going to be very sort of rational
we're going to be very sort of rational and Technical about it and yet I think
and Technical about it and yet I think
and Technical about it and yet I think most of us can connect with with what
most of us can connect with with what
most of us can connect with with what that means in some sort of pre-verbal
that means in some sort of pre-verbal
that means in some sort of pre-verbal way so I'm experimenting with this
way so I'm experimenting with this
way so I'm experimenting with this notion of like what would it mean to
notion of like what would it mean to
notion of like what would it mean to allow yourself to be more fully who you
allow yourself to be more fully who you
allow yourself to be more fully who you are and that's a completely legitimate
are and that's a completely legitimate
are and that's a completely legitimate definition of the phrase better human
definition of the phrase better human
definition of the phrase better human not trying to sort of make yourself into
not trying to sort of make yourself into
not trying to sort of make yourself into a more generous person but accepting the
a more generous person but accepting the
a more generous person but accepting the possibility that you may already be uh a
possibility that you may already be uh a
possibility that you may already be uh a perfectly generous person and just need
perfectly generous person and just need
perfectly generous person and just need to get a little bit better at the action
to get a little bit better at the action
to get a little bit better at the action of not getting in the way of who you are
of not getting in the way of who you are
of not getting in the way of who you are at your best it's also related to an
at your best it's also related to an
at your best it's also related to an Insight which I've I've written about
Insight which I've I've written about
Insight which I've I've written about several times from the
several times from the
several times from the therapist Bruce Tiff who has this kind
therapist Bruce Tiff who has this kind
therapist Bruce Tiff who has this kind of thought experiment he he invites
of thought experiment he he invites
of thought experiment he he invites people to do where you sort of you take
people to do where you sort of you take
people to do where you sort of you take the thing that bothers you the most
the thing that bothers you the most
the thing that bothers you the most about yourself like maybe you're
about yourself like maybe you're
about yourself like maybe you're incredibly distractable or a
incredibly distractable or a
incredibly distractable or a procrastinator or you have a short
procrastinator or you have a short
procrastinator or you have a short temper or something and you just sort of
temper or something and you just sort of
temper or something and you just sort of think well what if I what if I never
think well what if I what if I never
think well what if I what if I never change in this regard or what if some
change in this regard or what if some
change in this regard or what if some version of this is with me to the very
version of this is with me to the very
version of this is with me to the very end of my life if I'm just always going
end of my life if I'm just always going
end of my life if I'm just always going to be a bit of a procrastinator or I
to be a bit of a procrastinator or I
to be a bit of a procrastinator or I would say in my case a bit of a
would say in my case a bit of a
would say in my case a bit of a catastrophizer a bit anxiety prone I can
catastrophizer a bit anxiety prone I can
catastrophizer a bit anxiety prone I can just sort of get get on with life now
just sort of get get on with life now
just sort of get get on with life now instead of instead of postponing the
instead of instead of postponing the
instead of instead of postponing the real part of life till I've fixed this
real part of life till I've fixed this
real part of life till I've fixed this thing I can show up now now as Tiff also
thing I can show up now now as Tiff also
thing I can show up now now as Tiff also says there's something a little bit
says there's something a little bit
says there's something a little bit scary about showing up fully for life
scary about showing up fully for life
scary about showing up fully for life which is which is the secret payoff of
which is which is the secret payoff of
which is which is the secret payoff of telling yourself that you've got a big
telling yourself that you've got a big
telling yourself that you've got a big problem that needs fixing you don't
problem that needs fixing you don't
problem that needs fixing you don't quite have to show up uh now because you
quite have to show up uh now because you
quite have to show up uh now because you can tell yourself I'm going to do that
can tell yourself I'm going to do that
can tell yourself I'm going to do that when it's when it's fixed but overall I
when it's when it's fixed but overall I
when it's when it's fixed but overall I think that notion of like okay then I
think that notion of like okay then I
think that notion of like okay then I can let go of that and just actually get
can let go of that and just actually get
can let go of that and just actually get on with the things I want to do instead
on with the things I want to do instead
on with the things I want to do instead of uh worrying away at um
of uh worrying away at um
of uh worrying away at um at trying to be someone that I'm not and
at trying to be someone that I'm not and
at trying to be someone that I'm not and it's interesting because right that
it's interesting because right that
it's interesting because right that exact same thing right when I think
exact same thing right when I think
exact same thing right when I think about my wife she doesn't love
about my wife she doesn't love
about my wife she doesn't love transitions transitions are hard for her
transitions transitions are hard for her
transitions transitions are hard for her even when we're going somewhere fun if
even when we're going somewhere fun if
even when we're going somewhere fun if we're going on a fun vacation the first
we're going on a fun vacation the first
we're going on a fun vacation the first day of getting into the new place is is
day of getting into the new place is is
day of getting into the new place is is a little bit of a challenge for her it's
a little bit of a challenge for her it's
a little bit of a challenge for her it's not her favorite day now when I think
not her favorite day now when I think
not her favorite day now when I think about that with her I don't think oh I
about that with her I don't think oh I
about that with her I don't think oh I hope one day she'll become totally
hope one day she'll become totally
hope one day she'll become totally comfortable with all transitions because
comfortable with all transitions because
comfortable with all transitions because that's when she'd finally be a good
that's when she'd finally be a good
that's when she'd finally be a good person I'm just like yeah that's that's
person I'm just like yeah that's that's
person I'm just like yeah that's that's Molly that's fine right but when it's me
Molly that's fine right but when it's me
Molly that's fine right but when it's me I'm like oh why can't I be good with
I'm like oh why can't I be good with
I'm like oh why can't I be good with transitions I wish I was I'm so bad at
transitions I wish I was I'm so bad at
transitions I wish I was I'm so bad at Transitions and it's such a huge fatal
Transitions and it's such a huge fatal
Transitions and it's such a huge fatal flaw in my personality now that's
flaw in my personality now that's
flaw in my personality now that's actually not my fatal flaw mine is
actually not my fatal flaw mine is
actually not my fatal flaw mine is probably something more like um ego
probably something more like um ego
probably something more like um ego related I can have a big head and that
related I can have a big head and that
related I can have a big head and that is is sometimes helpful and sometimes
is is sometimes helpful and sometimes
is is sometimes helpful and sometimes very unhelpful right and yet the moment
very unhelpful right and yet the moment
very unhelpful right and yet the moment you see it and the moment you accept
you see it and the moment you accept
you see it and the moment you accept that it's a part of you you kind of let
that it's a part of you you kind of let
that it's a part of you you kind of let go of some notion that you're entirely
go of some notion that you're entirely
go of some notion that you're entirely within your own power to uh to to to
within your own power to uh to to to
within your own power to uh to to to change yourself there's this lovely
change yourself there's this lovely
change yourself there's this lovely quote I use from Adam Phillips
quote I use from Adam Phillips
quote I use from Adam Phillips psychoanalyst who says along the lines
psychoanalyst who says along the lines
psychoanalyst who says along the lines of if we met the person in reality who
of if we met the person in reality who
of if we met the person in reality who is inside our heads kind of yelling at
is inside our heads kind of yelling at
is inside our heads kind of yelling at us berating yourself treating yourself
us berating yourself treating yourself
us berating yourself treating yourself in ways you'd never dream of treating a
in ways you'd never dream of treating a
in ways you'd never dream of treating a friend uh we just think they were as he
friend uh we just think they were as he
friend uh we just think they were as he puts it like he would just be boring and
puts it like he would just be boring and
puts it like he would just be boring and cruel right it's just like there's just
cruel right it's just like there's just
cruel right it's just like there's just it's just that would just be an
it's just that would just be an
it's just that would just be an obnoxious person they would need help
obnoxious person they would need help
obnoxious person they would need help and yet that person lives inside many of
and yet that person lives inside many of
and yet that person lives inside many of our our our minds we hold ourselves to
our our our minds we hold ourselves to
our our our minds we hold ourselves to standards that essentially impossible to
standards that essentially impossible to
standards that essentially impossible to reach and are just unfairly applied as
reach and are just unfairly applied as
reach and are just unfairly applied as against other people I found that a very
against other people I found that a very
against other people I found that a very useful Insight when I first sort of
useful Insight when I first sort of
useful Insight when I first sort of started exploring work on
started exploring work on
started exploring work on self-compassion and things like that
self-compassion and things like that
self-compassion and things like that because something in my nature or
because something in my nature or
because something in my nature or perhaps also my culture sort of
perhaps also my culture sort of
perhaps also my culture sort of predisposes me to think that all that
predisposes me to think that all that
predisposes me to think that all that stuff about self-compassion is kind of
stuff about self-compassion is kind of
stuff about self-compassion is kind of cringe you know and I don't want um I
cringe you know and I don't want um I
cringe you know and I don't want um I don't want to I don't want to go there
don't want to I don't want to go there
don't want to I don't want to go there and start treating myself as some
and start treating myself as some
and start treating myself as some incredibly special person and worthy of
incredibly special person and worthy of
incredibly special person and worthy of uh you know vast amounts of cosmic love
uh you know vast amounts of cosmic love
uh you know vast amounts of cosmic love or something and of course all we're
or something and of course all we're
or something and of course all we're talking about here is like could you
talking about here is like could you
talking about here is like could you maybe just um extend the same amount of
maybe just um extend the same amount of
maybe just um extend the same amount of uh basic decency to yourself that you
uh basic decency to yourself that you
uh basic decency to yourself that you already extend to friends naturally and
already extend to friends naturally and
already extend to friends naturally and I found that very very powerful it's
I found that very very powerful it's
I found that very very powerful it's like oh yeah actually yeah I don't need
like oh yeah actually yeah I don't need
like oh yeah actually yeah I don't need to think I'm special I just need to
to think I'm special I just need to
to think I'm special I just need to think I'm not specially inferior to um
think I'm not specially inferior to um
think I'm not specially inferior to um all the other people in my life I want
all the other people in my life I want
all the other people in my life I want to just share an anecdote with you which
to just share an anecdote with you which
to just share an anecdote with you which I hadn't thought of in a long time and I
I hadn't thought of in a long time and I
I hadn't thought of in a long time and I thought of when I was reading your book
thought of when I was reading your book
thought of when I was reading your book and I wonder um if it'll resonate with
and I wonder um if it'll resonate with
and I wonder um if it'll resonate with you which is I was
you which is I was
you which is I was maybe 18 or 19 years old I was in my
maybe 18 or 19 years old I was in my
maybe 18 or 19 years old I was in my first year of University and I was
first year of University and I was
first year of University and I was visiting a friend and we were I remember
visiting a friend and we were I remember
visiting a friend and we were I remember I was I was taking the train to visit
I was I was taking the train to visit
I was I was taking the train to visit her and I was on the train and I was
her and I was on the train and I was
her and I was on the train and I was with uh it happened to be with one of
with uh it happened to be with one of
with uh it happened to be with one of her College roommates who we were
her College roommates who we were
her College roommates who we were sitting together we were both on this
sitting together we were both on this
sitting together we were both on this train up to to visit her it was the
train up to to visit her it was the
train up to to visit her it was the first time that I'd ever seen a a like a
first time that I'd ever seen a a like a
first time that I'd ever seen a a like a self-help book someone actually like R
self-help book someone actually like R
self-help book someone actually like R AG reading a self-help book and I
AG reading a self-help book and I
AG reading a self-help book and I remember she was reading this book that
remember she was reading this book that
remember she was reading this book that was called slowing down to the speed of
was called slowing down to the speed of
was called slowing down to the speed of life and she's like this is so helpful
life and she's like this is so helpful
life and she's like this is so helpful this has really um changed my life and
this has really um changed my life and
this has really um changed my life and she gave it to me and and I read it and
she gave it to me and and I read it and
she gave it to me and and I read it and I felt like oh there's some big insights
I felt like oh there's some big insights
I felt like oh there's some big insights in here but I also remember feeling in
in here but I also remember feeling in
in here but I also remember feeling in the Moment Like This is ridiculous right
the Moment Like This is ridiculous right
the Moment Like This is ridiculous right like we're 18 we have to slow down to
like we're 18 we have to slow down to
like we're 18 we have to slow down to the speed of life like we life hasn't
the speed of life like we life hasn't
the speed of life like we life hasn't even caught up with us yet and yet it
even caught up with us yet and yet it
even caught up with us yet and yet it also was
also was
also was that idea of like if I read this book
that idea of like if I read this book
that idea of like if I read this book I'm going to figure out the secret to
I'm going to figure out the secret to
I'm going to figure out the secret to how to live a meaningful life I can
how to live a meaningful life I can
how to live a meaningful life I can change myself in this way that feeling
change myself in this way that feeling
change myself in this way that feeling that like we could change ourselves that
that like we could change ourselves that
that like we could change ourselves that we could get to that that there's there
we could get to that that there's there
we could get to that that there's there is a secret out there that we just
is a secret out there that we just
is a secret out there that we just haven't uncovered yet is something that
haven't uncovered yet is something that
haven't uncovered yet is something that that you talk about a lot and that I've
that you talk about a lot and that I've
that you talk about a lot and that I've never really heard other people talk
never really heard other people talk
never really heard other people talk about in the same way that's interesting
about in the same way that's interesting
about in the same way that's interesting yeah no I'm I'm well I'm glad that uh
yeah no I'm I'm well I'm glad that uh
yeah no I'm I'm well I'm glad that uh you got it from my from my writing I do
you got it from my from my writing I do
you got it from my from my writing I do think that the thing that underlies all
think that the thing that underlies all
think that the thing that underlies all of this is this notion that there is is
of this is this notion that there is is
of this is this notion that there is is yes some way of mastering the art of
yes some way of mastering the art of
yes some way of mastering the art of Being Human that you haven't found yet
Being Human that you haven't found yet
Being Human that you haven't found yet and maybe quite a lot of people around
and maybe quite a lot of people around
and maybe quite a lot of people around you have and that's annoying and um
you have and that's annoying and um
you have and that's annoying and um you've got to find it somehow what you
you've got to find it somehow what you
you've got to find it somehow what you learn if you think about this and and
learn if you think about this and and
learn if you think about this and and and and reflect on it for a while is
and and reflect on it for a while is
and and reflect on it for a while is that and live for a while is that um if
that and live for a while is that um if
that and live for a while is that um if there's any meaning to the idea of
there's any meaning to the idea of
there's any meaning to the idea of mastering the art of Being Human it is
mastering the art of Being Human it is
mastering the art of Being Human it is it is in getting more and more
it is in getting more and more
it is in getting more and more comfortable with the sense in which life
comfortable with the sense in which life
comfortable with the sense in which life can't be mastered you know as finite
can't be mastered you know as finite
can't be mastered you know as finite human beings that is just not that's not
human beings that is just not that's not
human beings that is just not that's not what it is to be a to live fully as a as
what it is to be a to live fully as a as
what it is to be a to live fully as a as a human it's much more about being able
a human it's much more about being able
a human it's much more about being able to sort of be in it and take action
to sort of be in it and take action
to sort of be in it and take action despite the fact that you don't know if
despite the fact that you don't know if
despite the fact that you don't know if it's the right thing or you don't know
it's the right thing or you don't know
it's the right thing or you don't know if you'll do it every day for the rest
if you'll do it every day for the rest
if you'll do it every day for the rest of your life or you don't know if you're
of your life or you don't know if you're
of your life or you don't know if you're doing it well this culture of striving
doing it well this culture of striving
doing it well this culture of striving of reaching the Pinnacle of of being at
of reaching the Pinnacle of of being at
of reaching the Pinnacle of of being at the top and I think that something that
the top and I think that something that
the top and I think that something that you've
you've
you've described and I feel like is is was
described and I feel like is is was
described and I feel like is is was really really something I see in a lot
really really something I see in a lot
really really something I see in a lot of people around me both my age and
of people around me both my age and
of people around me both my age and older and younger is this feeling of
older and younger is this feeling of
older and younger is this feeling of like just deep exhaustion that like
like just deep exhaustion that like
like just deep exhaustion that like nothing is enough and I'll never be good
nothing is enough and I'll never be good
nothing is enough and I'll never be good enough and I can't ever compete with
enough and I can't ever compete with
enough and I can't ever compete with what is out there and just it's just
what is out there and just it's just
what is out there and just it's just nothing will ever be enough and I even
nothing will ever be enough and I even
nothing will ever be enough and I even before I've begun it's already it's
before I've begun it's already it's
before I've begun it's already it's already too late and and I think it ties
already too late and and I think it ties
already too late and and I think it ties into this metaphor that you use uh the
into this metaphor that you use uh the
into this metaphor that you use uh the kayak and the super yacht I think to be
kayak and the super yacht I think to be
kayak and the super yacht I think to be human to be a finite human is
human to be a finite human is
human to be a finite human is effectively to be in a little oneperson
effectively to be in a little oneperson
effectively to be in a little oneperson kayak on a rapidly moving river right
kayak on a rapidly moving river right
kayak on a rapidly moving river right you just find yourself there on the
you just find yourself there on the
you just find yourself there on the River of time there are lots of other
River of time there are lots of other
River of time there are lots of other people around in their kayaks it's not
people around in their kayaks it's not
people around in their kayaks it's not totally solitary but you know you're
totally solitary but you know you're
totally solitary but you know you're just here and you're trying to stay
just here and you're trying to stay
just here and you're trying to stay afloat and you respond to what is
afloat and you respond to what is
afloat and you respond to what is happening as best as you can and
happening as best as you can and
happening as best as you can and sometimes there are very um choppy
sometimes there are very um choppy
sometimes there are very um choppy periods and some times there are very
periods and some times there are very
periods and some times there are very quiet periods and all you you never
quiet periods and all you you never
quiet periods and all you you never really sure what's coming and you just
really sure what's coming and you just
really sure what's coming and you just have to sort of navigate with into each
have to sort of navigate with into each
have to sort of navigate with into each new moment as best as you can and I
new moment as best as you can and I
new moment as best as you can and I think that what a lot of us sort of
think that what a lot of us sort of
think that what a lot of us sort of naturally instinctively let's say um
naturally instinctively let's say um
naturally instinctively let's say um want instead is is what I think of as
want instead is is what I think of as
want instead is is what I think of as life on the super yacht right where
life on the super yacht right where
life on the super yacht right where you're on the kind of third floor of a
you're on the kind of third floor of a
you're on the kind of third floor of a sort of huge fancy multi-million dollar
sort of huge fancy multi-million dollar
sort of huge fancy multi-million dollar boat in the kind of air conditioned
boat in the kind of air conditioned
boat in the kind of air conditioned control room I don't actually claim to
control room I don't actually claim to
control room I don't actually claim to know a huge amount about how super
know a huge amount about how super
know a huge amount about how super Yachts are piloted and somebody's going
Yachts are piloted and somebody's going
Yachts are piloted and somebody's going to pull me up on this one of these days
to pull me up on this one of these days
to pull me up on this one of these days but I know as you were saying it I was
but I know as you were saying it I was
but I know as you were saying it I was like I've never been on a super yacht
like I've never been on a super yacht
like I've never been on a super yacht but I this sounds great but you know you
but I this sounds great but you know you
but I this sounds great but you know you program the route into the you program
program the route into the you program
program the route into the you program the route into the navigational computer
the route into the navigational computer
the route into the navigational computer system and you kind of you sit back and
system and you kind of you sit back and
system and you kind of you sit back and and you're in control and you're
and you're in control and you're
and you're in control and you're confident about where you're going and
confident about where you're going and
confident about where you're going and it and it and it feels very very sort of
it and it and it feels very very sort of
it and it and it feels very very sort of um secure at the same time there's
um secure at the same time there's
um secure at the same time there's something kind of sterile and lifeless
something kind of sterile and lifeless
something kind of sterile and lifeless about it which I think is is an
about it which I think is is an
about it which I think is is an important Point not to miss so anyway I
important Point not to miss so anyway I
important Point not to miss so anyway I just think that a lot of the things we
just think that a lot of the things we
just think that a lot of the things we do uh when it comes to sort of use
do uh when it comes to sort of use
do uh when it comes to sort of use trying to manage our time the ways we
trying to manage our time the ways we
trying to manage our time the ways we try to sort of set up our lives can be
try to sort of set up our lives can be
try to sort of set up our lives can be best understood as ways of trying to
best understood as ways of trying to
best understood as ways of trying to feel like we're really on the super yot
feel like we're really on the super yot
feel like we're really on the super yot when in fact we're in the kayak ways of
when in fact we're in the kayak ways of
when in fact we're in the kayak ways of trying not to feel what it is to be um a
trying not to feel what it is to be um a
trying not to feel what it is to be um a limited human so an obvious one of those
limited human so an obvious one of those
limited human so an obvious one of those is if you're perpetually on a quest to
is if you're perpetually on a quest to
is if you're perpetually on a quest to become to discover the perfect
become to discover the perfect
become to discover the perfect productivity system the perfect morning
productivity system the perfect morning
productivity system the perfect morning routine the perfect set of protocols
routine the perfect set of protocols
routine the perfect set of protocols that is going to make you
that is going to make you
that is going to make you invincible then you're never going to
invincible then you're never going to
invincible then you're never going to get there because what you're trying to
get there because what you're trying to
get there because what you're trying to do is antithetical to Being Human if we
do is antithetical to Being Human if we
do is antithetical to Being Human if we can just a little bit let back in the
can just a little bit let back in the
can just a little bit let back in the reality that in fact we're in the the
reality that in fact we're in the the
reality that in fact we're in the the kayak that's not only just true but it
kayak that's not only just true but it
kayak that's not only just true but it is actually a more associated with
is actually a more associated with
is actually a more associated with getting things moving and accomplishing
getting things moving and accomplishing
getting things moving and accomplishing things and doing things it's that's
things and doing things it's that's
things and doing things it's that's where you actually do things instead of
where you actually do things instead of
where you actually do things instead of um postponing them until you're totally
um postponing them until you're totally
um postponing them until you're totally sure that you're on a super yacht you
sure that you're on a super yacht you
sure that you're on a super yacht you know you just dive into doing them now
know you just dive into doing them now
know you just dive into doing them now and secondly it's just more alive right
and secondly it's just more alive right
and secondly it's just more alive right it has more of what the German social
it has more of what the German social
it has more of what the German social theorist har M Rosa calls resonance the
theorist har M Rosa calls resonance the
theorist har M Rosa calls resonance the thing that we really want from life is
thing that we really want from life is
thing that we really want from life is not total control over it it is this
not total control over it it is this
not total control over it it is this kind of vibrancy that really depends to
kind of vibrancy that really depends to
kind of vibrancy that really depends to some extent he argues and I agree on not
some extent he argues and I agree on not
some extent he argues and I agree on not being in total control of it it also
being in total control of it it also
being in total control of it it also makes me think that when we look back on
makes me think that when we look back on
makes me think that when we look back on our most Treasured Memories or the times
our most Treasured Memories or the times
our most Treasured Memories or the times when we felt like uh we had a really
when we felt like uh we had a really
when we felt like uh we had a really meaningful period in our life it's
meaningful period in our life it's
meaningful period in our life it's almost never like and it was comfortable
almost never like and it was comfortable
almost never like and it was comfortable and quiet and nothing happened right
and quiet and nothing happened right
and quiet and nothing happened right like even though we think we want that
like even though we think we want that
like even though we think we want that and there was nothing going on that's
and there was nothing going on that's
and there was nothing going on that's that's not what you look back on ago you
that's not what you look back on ago you
that's not what you look back on ago you know you look back on the periods of
know you look back on the periods of
know you look back on the periods of struggle or discomfort or at the very
struggle or discomfort or at the very
struggle or discomfort or at the very least it being you know less than ideal
least it being you know less than ideal
least it being you know less than ideal and you making the best of it with
and you making the best of it with
and you making the best of it with friends or family those are the periods
friends or family those are the periods
friends or family those are the periods that you look back and you laugh on
that you look back and you laugh on
that you look back and you laugh on maybe right yeah and I I I refer in one
maybe right yeah and I I I refer in one
maybe right yeah and I I I refer in one part of the new book to this to this
part of the new book to this to this
part of the new book to this to this saying um this this quotation that
saying um this this quotation that
saying um this this quotation that almost everything in life is either a
almost everything in life is either a
almost everything in life is either a good time or a good story um not every
good time or a good story um not every
good time or a good story um not every not everything I'm not claiming that
not everything I'm not claiming that
not everything I'm not claiming that there aren't just true tragedies that
there aren't just true tragedies that
there aren't just true tragedies that befall people but it's really striking
befall people but it's really striking
befall people but it's really striking how frequently the things we the
how frequently the things we the
how frequently the things we the memories we sort of treasure are in some
memories we sort of treasure are in some
memories we sort of treasure are in some sense memories of things not working out
sense memories of things not working out
sense memories of things not working out it may be that this is actually on some
it may be that this is actually on some
it may be that this is actually on some level the same phenomenon though as as
level the same phenomenon though as as
level the same phenomenon though as as the one that people who who are struck
the one that people who who are struck
the one that people who who are struck by real severe crisis you know major
by real severe crisis you know major
by real severe crisis you know major major serious uh diagnosis of illnesses
major serious uh diagnosis of illnesses
major serious uh diagnosis of illnesses do surprisingly frequently um look back
do surprisingly frequently um look back
do surprisingly frequently um look back on those things as as things that
on those things as as things that
on those things as as things that they're in some sense
they're in some sense
they're in some sense glad uh that they happened in terms of
glad uh that they happened in terms of
glad uh that they happened in terms of how they focused their minds on on What
how they focused their minds on on What
how they focused their minds on on What mattered the most so in all these
mattered the most so in all these
mattered the most so in all these different levels of intensity you get
different levels of intensity you get
different levels of intensity you get this sort of basic principle that when
this sort of basic principle that when
this sort of basic principle that when things slip out of our control it's at
things slip out of our control it's at
things slip out of our control it's at least possible and perhaps quite
least possible and perhaps quite
least possible and perhaps quite frequent that that turns out to be for
frequent that that turns out to be for
frequent that that turns out to be for the best so coming at a fromma as a
the best so coming at a fromma as a
the best so coming at a fromma as a comedian too like that that idea of um
comedian too like that that idea of um
comedian too like that that idea of um it's either a good time or a good story
it's either a good time or a good story
it's either a good time or a good story that that is that that is definitionally
that that is that that is definitionally
that that is that that is definitionally what it means to be a comedian to look
what it means to be a comedian to look
what it means to be a comedian to look at the world that way I would say right
at the world that way I would say right
at the world that way I would say right like it's either Pleasant fine or this
like it's either Pleasant fine or this
like it's either Pleasant fine or this is fod for my comedy later on to truly
is fod for my comedy later on to truly
is fod for my comedy later on to truly turn even a very warm audience against
turn even a very warm audience against
turn even a very warm audience against you is to be like my life's going great
you is to be like my life's going great
you is to be like my life's going great I'm in a happy stable marriage I
I'm in a happy stable marriage I
I'm in a happy stable marriage I actually just purchased a home it's
actually just purchased a home it's
actually just purchased a home it's quite comfortable people I I can't think
quite comfortable people I I can't think
quite comfortable people I I can't think of a faster way to get people to throw
of a faster way to get people to throw
of a faster way to get people to throw things at you on stage than to tell them
things at you on stage than to tell them
things at you on stage than to tell them the things that are going well it's
the things that are going well it's
the things that are going well it's funny now I'm laughing but I'm laughing
funny now I'm laughing but I'm laughing
funny now I'm laughing but I'm laughing because because the idea is ridiculous
because because the idea is ridiculous
because because the idea is ridiculous and I think the Deep truth there I mean
and I think the Deep truth there I mean
and I think the Deep truth there I mean humor is like there is
humor is like there is
humor is like there is something very much not superficial and
something very much not superficial and
something very much not superficial and profound about the capacity to laugh at
profound about the capacity to laugh at
profound about the capacity to laugh at what is happening to you or has happened
what is happening to you or has happened
what is happening to you or has happened to you or has happened to somebody else
to you or has happened to somebody else
to you or has happened to somebody else when you're laughing in an empathetic uh
when you're laughing in an empathetic uh
when you're laughing in an empathetic uh sort of non- contemptuous way I think
sort of non- contemptuous way I think
sort of non- contemptuous way I think that one thing that can come from from
that one thing that can come from from
that one thing that can come from from feeling your way into this viewpoint on
feeling your way into this viewpoint on
feeling your way into this viewpoint on the world is is a real sort of deep
the world is is a real sort of deep
the world is is a real sort of deep belly laugh at what we are as humans and
belly laugh at what we are as humans and
belly laugh at what we are as humans and and how things don't work out for us
and how things don't work out for us
and how things don't work out for us several of the the quotes in your book
several of the the quotes in your book
several of the the quotes in your book are surprisingly from comedians right
are surprisingly from comedians right
are surprisingly from comedians right you have a Mitch Hedberg quote that I I
you have a Mitch Hedberg quote that I I
you have a Mitch Hedberg quote that I I thought was fantastic a Mitch Hedberg
thought was fantastic a Mitch Hedberg
thought was fantastic a Mitch Hedberg joke about how I I'm going to butcher it
joke about how I I'm going to butcher it
joke about how I I'm going to butcher it but basically you know if you're lost in
but basically you know if you're lost in
but basically you know if you're lost in the woods what you should do is just
the woods what you should do is just
the woods what you should do is just build a log cabin and live there you
build a log cabin and live there you
build a log cabin and live there you have dramatically improved your
have dramatically improved your
have dramatically improved your situation I was lost but now I live here
situation I was lost but now I live here
situation I was lost but now I live here yeah right exactly yeah yeah yeah I was
yeah right exactly yeah yeah yeah I was
yeah right exactly yeah yeah yeah I was lost but now I live here perfect you got
lost but now I live here perfect you got
lost but now I live here perfect you got I missed the punchline of course that's
I missed the punchline of course that's
I missed the punchline of course that's the most important part but that's that
the most important part but that's that
the most important part but that's that is like that's very funny but it also
is like that's very funny but it also
is like that's very funny but it also hits this kind of profound truth that
hits this kind of profound truth that
hits this kind of profound truth that you're writing about which is that like
you're writing about which is that like
you're writing about which is that like that is where you are is where you are
that is where you are is where you are
that is where you are is where you are period the idea that we're all sort of
period the idea that we're all sort of
period the idea that we're all sort of lost and that setting up home in the
lost and that setting up home in the
lost and that setting up home in the middle of that lostness and that lack of
middle of that lostness and that lack of
middle of that lostness and that lack of control is is what we're here to do I
control is is what we're here to do I
control is is what we're here to do I feel like this will resonate with you
feel like this will resonate with you
feel like this will resonate with you too is that I have a friend who's um
too is that I have a friend who's um
too is that I have a friend who's um Quaker and and he gave me this Quaker
Quaker and and he gave me this Quaker
Quaker and and he gave me this Quaker phrase which I I'm not Quaker but I have
phrase which I I'm not Quaker but I have
phrase which I I'm not Quaker but I have now written and is on my desk which just
now written and is on my desk which just
now written and is on my desk which just says proceed as the way opens because to
says proceed as the way opens because to
says proceed as the way opens because to me that is just that's all that you can
me that is just that's all that you can
me that is just that's all that you can ever do is just take the next step
ever do is just take the next step
ever do is just take the next step proceed as the way opens you don't have
proceed as the way opens you don't have
proceed as the way opens you don't have to know where you're going that's
to know where you're going that's
to know where you're going that's fascinating to me because I I I love
fascinating to me because I I I love
fascinating to me because I I I love that phrase I was raised as a Quaker
that phrase I was raised as a Quaker
that phrase I was raised as a Quaker actually so I and I so I um but but it's
actually so I and I so I um but but it's
actually so I and I so I um but but it's um it's new to me and it feels like a
um it's new to me and it feels like a
um it's new to me and it feels like a very Zen Quaker Insight um uh which is
very Zen Quaker Insight um uh which is
very Zen Quaker Insight um uh which is great that's where that's that's the
great that's where that's that's the
great that's where that's that's the Sweet Spot of my ven diagram of uh
Sweet Spot of my ven diagram of uh
Sweet Spot of my ven diagram of uh wisdom Traditions it's that like if if
wisdom Traditions it's that like if if
wisdom Traditions it's that like if if if the key to success and the key to uh
if the key to success and the key to uh
if the key to success and the key to uh meaning and the key to making use of my
meaning and the key to making use of my
meaning and the key to making use of my time is to focus on action is to focus
time is to focus on action is to focus
time is to focus on action is to focus on what can be done I think doing can be
on what can be done I think doing can be
on what can be done I think doing can be at least partly a present moment thing
at least partly a present moment thing
at least partly a present moment thing right maybe it is inherently only a
right maybe it is inherently only a
right maybe it is inherently only a present moment thing it's not about are
present moment thing it's not about are
present moment thing it's not about are you getting through the list and so yeah
you getting through the list and so yeah
you getting through the list and so yeah I think that it's really important to
I think that it's really important to
I think that it's really important to not only focus let's put it that way be
not only focus let's put it that way be
not only focus let's put it that way be realistic about it on all the things
realistic about it on all the things
realistic about it on all the things left to do which is effectively an
left to do which is effectively an
left to do which is effectively an infinite list right but the idea of
infinite list right but the idea of
infinite list right but the idea of focusing on what you have done the
focusing on what you have done the
focusing on what you have done the simplest way of doing this is literally
simplest way of doing this is literally
simplest way of doing this is literally to keep a done list right just to keep a
to keep a done list right just to keep a
to keep a done list right just to keep a list during the day where you write down
list during the day where you write down
list during the day where you write down the things that you have completed as
the things that you have completed as
the things that you have completed as you complete them it just you know bends
you complete them it just you know bends
you complete them it just you know bends your focus back again a little bit to uh
your focus back again a little bit to uh
your focus back again a little bit to uh the comparison of what you've done as
the comparison of what you've done as
the comparison of what you've done as against zero right not as against
against zero right not as against
against zero right not as against Infinity which is a very depressing uh
Infinity which is a very depressing uh
Infinity which is a very depressing uh place to be but but as against what if I
place to be but but as against what if I
place to be but but as against what if I hadn't done anything today and there's a
hadn't done anything today and there's a
hadn't done anything today and there's a sort of a discipline that arises from
sort of a discipline that arises from
sort of a discipline that arises from that which is like okay well whatever I
that which is like okay well whatever I
that which is like okay well whatever I do next I'm going to be adding it to my
do next I'm going to be adding it to my
do next I'm going to be adding it to my done list so let me choose something let
done list so let me choose something let
done list so let me choose something let me choose something that I can complete
me choose something that I can complete
me choose something that I can complete and then let me do it so that I can so
and then let me do it so that I can so
and then let me do it so that I can so that I can add it in a very satisfying
that I can add it in a very satisfying
that I can add it in a very satisfying way to this list I mean maybe this is
way to this list I mean maybe this is
way to this list I mean maybe this is only something that list Geeks like
only something that list Geeks like
only something that list Geeks like myself really find um so satisfying but
myself really find um so satisfying but
myself really find um so satisfying but I think the spirit of it is pretty
I think the spirit of it is pretty
I think the spirit of it is pretty satisfying and that's what you know
satisfying and that's what you know
satisfying and that's what you know there's an even simpler way of uh sort
there's an even simpler way of uh sort
there's an even simpler way of uh sort of so-called productivity technique that
of so-called productivity technique that
of so-called productivity technique that I've written about before which I still
I've written about before which I still
I've written about before which I still return to sometimes which is literally
return to sometimes which is literally
return to sometimes which is literally to get a notebook write something down
to get a notebook write something down
to get a notebook write something down on a line
on a line
on a line that you're going to do answer five
that you're going to do answer five
that you're going to do answer five emails I don't know do that one thing
emails I don't know do that one thing
emails I don't know do that one thing cross it out then write the next thing
cross it out then write the next thing
cross it out then write the next thing on the line underneath it make a call
on the line underneath it make a call
on the line underneath it make a call and do that thing then cross it out and
and do that thing then cross it out and
and do that thing then cross it out and like this shouldn't work right it's not
like this shouldn't work right it's not
like this shouldn't work right it's not it's not a plan for the day it's not a
it's not a plan for the day it's not a
it's not a plan for the day it's not a set of goals and visions and
set of goals and visions and
set of goals and visions and quarterly uh quarterly targets or
quarterly uh quarterly targets or
quarterly uh quarterly targets or anything like that and yet there's
anything like that and yet there's
anything like that and yet there's something very powerful about it because
something very powerful about it because
something very powerful about it because it is this act of set settling into your
it is this act of set settling into your
it is this act of set settling into your finite
finite
finite nature picking something that feels like
nature picking something that feels like
nature picking something that feels like the right thing to do uh writing it down
the right thing to do uh writing it down
the right thing to do uh writing it down in inherently requires you to sort of
in inherently requires you to sort of
in inherently requires you to sort of say what what done would look like on
say what what done would look like on
say what what done would look like on some level getting to that point and
some level getting to that point and
some level getting to that point and then in a very sort of ritualistic
then in a very sort of ritualistic
then in a very sort of ritualistic ceremonial way Crossing it out and
ceremonial way Crossing it out and
ceremonial way Crossing it out and letting it go both what works and also
letting it go both what works and also
letting it go both what works and also what makes me happy and and have meaning
what makes me happy and and have meaning
what makes me happy and and have meaning and purpose is is when I think about it
and purpose is is when I think about it
and purpose is is when I think about it more as like I'm building a muscle
more as like I'm building a muscle
more as like I'm building a muscle rather than I'm trying to accompl the
rather than I'm trying to accompl the
rather than I'm trying to accompl the task at once I mean my technique for
task at once I mean my technique for
task at once I mean my technique for writing is I I literally will put on a
writing is I I literally will put on a
writing is I I literally will put on a white noise machine and set a timer for
white noise machine and set a timer for
white noise machine and set a timer for 45 minutes and then I just my role is I
45 minutes and then I just my role is I
45 minutes and then I just my role is I just don't get out of the chair and I
just don't get out of the chair and I
just don't get out of the chair and I found that honestly more than 45 I I can
found that honestly more than 45 I I can
found that honestly more than 45 I I can maybe do a couple the best days once I'm
maybe do a couple the best days once I'm
maybe do a couple the best days once I'm really in my trained Zone I can maybe do
really in my trained Zone I can maybe do
really in my trained Zone I can maybe do two or three of those 45s but it's
two or three of those 45s but it's
two or three of those 45s but it's that's over the course of a whole day
that's over the course of a whole day
that's over the course of a whole day and I find that really what my goal is
and I find that really what my goal is
and I find that really what my goal is is just to get myself into the endurance
is just to get myself into the endurance
is just to get myself into the endurance of being able to do that um and that
of being able to do that um and that
of being able to do that um and that that as a goal feels much more tolerable
that as a goal feels much more tolerable
that as a goal feels much more tolerable than like I'm going to write four
than like I'm going to write four
than like I'm going to write four chapters today in my book yeah I think
chapters today in my book yeah I think
chapters today in my book yeah I think that's that's really well put and that
that's that's really well put and that
that's that's really well put and that number you know I've written in this
number you know I've written in this
number you know I've written in this most recent book about this kind of
most recent book about this kind of
most recent book about this kind of strange three to four hour rule of
strange three to four hour rule of
strange three to four hour rule of creative productivity that that seems to
creative productivity that that seems to
creative productivity that that seems to be uh the the sort of optimal amount for
be uh the the sort of optimal amount for
be uh the the sort of optimal amount for pretty much almost anybody if they have
pretty much almost anybody if they have
pretty much almost anybody if they have the the freedom to do it to put into
the the freedom to do it to put into
the the freedom to do it to put into their core work if their work involves
their core work if their work involves
their core work if their work involves thinking or creativity or writing you
thinking or creativity or writing you
thinking or creativity or writing you know we were talking and laughing about
know we were talking and laughing about
know we were talking and laughing about the idea of how how much an audience
the idea of how how much an audience
the idea of how how much an audience would hate you if you were standing on
would hate you if you were standing on
would hate you if you were standing on stage at a comedy show and talking about
stage at a comedy show and talking about
stage at a comedy show and talking about how great your life is and um that's
how great your life is and um that's
how great your life is and um that's certainly true but I think that
certainly true but I think that
certainly true but I think that sometimes people mistake that idea as
sometimes people mistake that idea as
sometimes people mistake that idea as like the audience would hate you because
like the audience would hate you because
like the audience would hate you because they're jealous of you or because their
they're jealous of you or because their
they're jealous of you or because their lives are not um good and I actually
lives are not um good and I actually
lives are not um good and I actually think the truth is that like when when
think the truth is that like when when
think the truth is that like when when you are connecting with another person
you are connecting with another person
you are connecting with another person certainly on stage in comedy but I think
certainly on stage in comedy but I think
certainly on stage in comedy but I think also just offstage when you're having a
also just offstage when you're having a
also just offstage when you're having a conversation right like if you really
conversation right like if you really
conversation right like if you really make someone laugh a lot of times they
make someone laugh a lot of times they
make someone laugh a lot of times they say oh that's so true oh that's so true
say oh that's so true oh that's so true
say oh that's so true oh that's so true because it it connects to them there
because it it connects to them there
because it it connects to them there there's this feeling that you and they
there's this feeling that you and they
there's this feeling that you and they have seen something or experienced
have seen something or experienced
have seen something or experienced something in the same way and it makes
something in the same way and it makes
something in the same way and it makes me think about how we often want to
me think about how we often want to
me think about how we often want to present ourselves as perfect as as we've
present ourselves as perfect as as we've
present ourselves as perfect as as we've got it all together thinking that that
got it all together thinking that that
got it all together thinking that that will impress other people or bring us
will impress other people or bring us
will impress other people or bring us closer to them when in reality that's
closer to them when in reality that's
closer to them when in reality that's the least relatable position you could
the least relatable position you could
the least relatable position you could be at if someone comes over to your
be at if someone comes over to your
be at if someone comes over to your house and there's not a speck of dirt
house and there's not a speck of dirt
house and there's not a speck of dirt it's actually the least relatable thing
it's actually the least relatable thing
it's actually the least relatable thing you could do and you talk about this
you could do and you talk about this
you could do and you talk about this idea which I loved of of Scruffy
idea which I loved of of Scruffy
idea which I loved of of Scruffy Hospitality yeah so this term scruffy
Hospitality yeah so this term scruffy
Hospitality yeah so this term scruffy Hospitality comes from this um Anglican
Hospitality comes from this um Anglican
Hospitality comes from this um Anglican Pastor from Tennessee Jack King who uses
Pastor from Tennessee Jack King who uses
Pastor from Tennessee Jack King who uses it and tells a story of it in his own
it and tells a story of it in his own
it and tells a story of it in his own life of um you know him and his wife
life of um you know him and his wife
life of um you know him and his wife enjoying having friends around for
enjoying having friends around for
enjoying having friends around for dinner but having such a complicated
dinner but having such a complicated
dinner but having such a complicated checklist of things they went through to
checklist of things they went through to
checklist of things they went through to make the house perfect for visitors that
make the house perfect for visitors that
make the house perfect for visitors that it was putting them off having visitors
it was putting them off having visitors
it was putting them off having visitors and his resolution their resolution to
and his resolution their resolution to
and his resolution their resolution to um to start just just inviting people to
um to start just just inviting people to
um to start just just inviting people to eat on to eat what was in the cupboards
eat on to eat what was in the cupboards
eat on to eat what was in the cupboards and to sit in the kitchen as the kitchen
and to sit in the kitchen as the kitchen
and to sit in the kitchen as the kitchen was and to walk over the unmowed lawn
was and to walk over the unmowed lawn
was and to walk over the unmowed lawn you know because that actually allowed
you know because that actually allowed
you know because that actually allowed the thing to take place and the sort of
the thing to take place and the sort of
the thing to take place and the sort of idea here the underlying idea not not
idea here the underlying idea not not
idea here the underlying idea not not limited of course to having people
limited of course to having people
limited of course to having people around for dinner is as you say it's not
around for dinner is as you say it's not
around for dinner is as you say it's not just that
just that
just that um it's not just that you know it's okay
um it's not just that you know it's okay
um it's not just that you know it's okay to not be perfect about these things
to not be perfect about these things
to not be perfect about these things it's that there is more connection
it's that there is more connection
it's that there is more connection usually uh when you kind of let your
usually uh when you kind of let your
usually uh when you kind of let your guard down or when you when you relate
guard down or when you when you relate
guard down or when you when you relate to people from a position of openness
to people from a position of openness
to people from a position of openness about flaws there's fascinating research
about flaws there's fascinating research
about flaws there's fascinating research in imposter syndrome that says that um
in imposter syndrome that says that um
in imposter syndrome that says that um actually the best thing that leaders and
actually the best thing that leaders and
actually the best thing that leaders and mentors can do for younger uh people in
mentors can do for younger uh people in
mentors can do for younger uh people in an organization say is to be honest
an organization say is to be honest
an organization say is to be honest about their own struggles rather than to
about their own struggles rather than to
about their own struggles rather than to sort of provide a perfect role model to
sort of provide a perfect role model to
sort of provide a perfect role model to inspire you to be like and one day you
inspire you to be like and one day you
inspire you to be like and one day you could be that perfect but instead to
could be that perfect but instead to
could be that perfect but instead to just be be open about the ways in which
just be be open about the ways in which
just be be open about the ways in which they they don't feel perfect themselves
they they don't feel perfect themselves
they they don't feel perfect themselves I'm always struck in my um newsletter
I'm always struck in my um newsletter
I'm always struck in my um newsletter for example how if I write something
for example how if I write something
for example how if I write something about what I do when I'm overwhelmed by
about what I do when I'm overwhelmed by
about what I do when I'm overwhelmed by email or something I will get some
email or something I will get some
email or something I will get some messages from people kind of surprised
messages from people kind of surprised
messages from people kind of surprised that I ever still do get overwhelmed by
that I ever still do get overwhelmed by
that I ever still do get overwhelmed by email even though I you know call a
email even though I you know call a
email even though I you know call a newsletter the imperfectionist and feel
newsletter the imperfectionist and feel
newsletter the imperfectionist and feel like I write quite often about uh about
like I write quite often about uh about
like I write quite often about uh about my own sort of struggles with these
my own sort of struggles with these
my own sort of struggles with these things and then secondly they will be
things and then secondly they will be
things and then secondly they will be they will be liberated by on some level
they will be liberated by on some level
they will be liberated by on some level by that there's something in the freeing
by that there's something in the freeing
by that there's something in the freeing of realiz izing that we are on some
of realiz izing that we are on some
of realiz izing that we are on some level all in the same boat all
level all in the same boat all
level all in the same boat all struggling with these same conditions of
struggling with these same conditions of
struggling with these same conditions of modernity it doesn't make you want to
modernity it doesn't make you want to
modernity it doesn't make you want to give up it makes you want to say well
give up it makes you want to say well
give up it makes you want to say well okay I can roll up my sleeves and do my
okay I can roll up my sleeves and do my
okay I can roll up my sleeves and do my bit because I'm as I'm as qualified to
bit because I'm as I'm as qualified to
bit because I'm as I'm as qualified to do this as as anybody else there's
do this as as anybody else there's
do this as as anybody else there's actually something generous in in
actually something generous in in
actually something generous in in Sharing in sharing your imperfections
Sharing in sharing your imperfections
Sharing in sharing your imperfections and faults I think uh there it's not
and faults I think uh there it's not
and faults I think uh there it's not just that you should be allowed to do it
just that you should be allowed to do it
just that you should be allowed to do it it's that it's almost a positive good I
it's that it's almost a positive good I
it's that it's almost a positive good I think it's definitely a positive good
think it's definitely a positive good
think it's definitely a positive good Oliver burkman thank you so much for
Oliver burkman thank you so much for
Oliver burkman thank you so much for being on the show it was such a pleasure
being on the show it was such a pleasure
being on the show it was such a pleasure talking to you I really enjoyed it I've
talking to you I really enjoyed it I've
talking to you I really enjoyed it I've really enjoyed it too thanks very much
really enjoyed it too thanks very much
really enjoyed it too thanks very much Chris
Chris
Chris [Music]
Phonetic Breakdown of "navigational"
Learn how to break down "navigational" into its phonetic components. Understanding syllables and phonetics helps with pronunciation, spelling, and language learning.
IPA Phonetic Pronunciation:
Pronunciation Tips:
- Stress the first syllable
- Pay attention to vowel sounds
- Practice each syllable separately
Spelling Benefits:
- Easier to remember spelling
- Helps with word recognition
- Improves reading fluency
Definition of "navigational"
Adjective
-
Pertaining to navigation.