Four Thousand Weeks
Introduction
With the high number of recommendations, I decided to make this book my first target to complete. This book is written by Oliver Burkeman and is listed as the number 2 book in the Time Management category at the time of writing this article. The time investment was about 6 hours in total, with the cost being right around $15 via Apple Books.
To view more information about this book, you can check it out at Amazon via the link below.
Summary and Review
I absolutely loved this book, and the recommendations I received were spot on. In stark contrast with other books in the time management category, the author flips the script by pointing out that trying to cram everything into our finite time on this planet, approximately 4000 weeks, is an exercise in futility. He makes the case that "getting more productive" is a self-defeating goal, as it is impossible to get everything done. In fact, the author argues that getting more productive with life hacks and time management techniques will actually permeate an ever-increasing workload. One example shared is having an Inbox Zero policy for email. If you follow this technique, you may get a reputation for responding to everything and will encourage even more people to email you, undoubtably for things that should not require your time or attention.
The counter argument made, by the author, is to focus on the things that we value the most and be comfortable in knowing that some things, if not most, will suffer as they descend on the priority list. While everyone has certain things we must do, like working to earn a living, we have choices to make on how much effort we invest in these activities. I can easily imagine this book becoming Bible-Like for the growing number of "quiet quitters" who are choosing to prioritize their time on what matters most to them. To summarize further, life is cosmically short with an infinite number of choices on how to use your time, choose wisely.
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this article are my own and do not represent those of any entity, whatsoever, with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated. The content is for educational purposes only and shall not be understood or construed as legal, financial, tax, medical, health, or any other professional advice.