#1061 - Oliver Burkeman - Why You Can’t Stop Your Productivity Addiction

The conversation explores how to healthily pursue goals without tying self-worth to outcomes, particularly for "insecure overachievers." Oliver Burkeman, author and speaker, suggests ambition can stem from a place of self-acceptance rather than a need to fix perceived inadequacies. Both Burkeman and host Chris Williamson discuss the "curse of competence," where success becomes the minimum acceptable standard, diminishing joy. They touch on strategies for managing this, including recognizing the limitations of control and embracing a mindset of "doing it anyway," even amidst uncertainty. The discussion also covers the impact of technology, like AI, on authenticity and the importance of connecting with "aliveness" in one's work and life.