Moment 63 - How To Get Any Task Done: Oliver Burkeman

Jun 24, 2022 5m 29s 5 insights
This episode explores "radical incrementalism," advocating for consistent, small daily progress on tasks like writing to enhance sustainability and productivity. It contrasts this with deadline-driven work, emphasizing the long-term value of dogged persistence over last-minute efforts.
Actionable Insights

1. Embrace Radical Incrementalism

Make progress on important tasks by doing a little bit often, rather than binging, as this gradual approach makes endeavors sustainable and less intimidating over the long haul.

2. Schedule Modest Daily Work

Dedicate a small, fixed amount of time, such as a couple of hours daily, to “brain work” tasks like writing, making it a modest part of your daily life to avoid procrastination and paralysis.

3. Stop Work While Ahead

Conclude your work session when the allotted time is up, even if you are on a roll, to ensure the task remains approachable and sustainable for consistent return day after day.

4. Prioritize Dogged Persistence

For long-term creative or intellectual work, cultivate a habit of “dogged persistence” through regular, small efforts rather than relying on the unsustainable pressure of last-minute deadline-driven “cruising.”

5. Use Deadlines to Bust Perfectionism

Leverage deadlines to overcome perfectionism and force completion of tasks, especially when a quick turnaround is required, by simply committing to getting the work done.