Ep. 64: Oliver Burkeman Interview - Happiness & Negative Thinking

I’m thrilled to have on the podcast Oliver Burkeman, author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking.

Oliver is a writer for The Guardian. In his column titled, “This column will change your life”, he explores ideas around social psychology, self-help culture, productivity, and the science of happiness.

The Antidote was one of those books that came at the right time in my life. I was struggling with insomnia, brought on by anxiety….brought on by feeling like I wasn’t achieving enough every day. This book helped me feel a lot more at peace about the “glass half empty” personality I’ve always had. It explains powerful concepts from Buddhism, Stoicism, Eckhart Tolle, Alan Watts (and more) in Oliver’s entertaining, accessible, and lovely writing style.

I am thrilled and honored he took the time to be on the show!

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Why traditional “positive thinking” doesn’t work
  • The downside of goal-setting
  • Embracing uncertainty
  • Meditation
  • Whether thinking too much makes you depressed
  • The answers he’s still looking for…
  • and more!

You can find Oliver on his website and Twitter (let him know you liked this interview!) And of course, you should buy his wonderful book.

 

Want to support the podcast?

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If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that’s awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works.

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Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Ep. 63: “I feel like I’m drowning, like I’m never caught up”

Two acquaintances in the same week made similar comments to me out of nowhere: that they felt behind, like they weren’t getting enough done in their work and businesses. It made me sad to hear that they were struggling and not feeling good about themselves.

I can totally relate to the feeling of underachievement. I felt inspired to try to help those of us who can never live up to our own expectations. In this episode, I talk about:

  • How we compare ourselves to others on social media, even though we know it’s not reality
  • How happiness can only be now-not the future
  • Never being content; always wanting “the other thing”
  • How we should stop saying “I should….”
  • ….And stop beating ourselves up.

Note: The advice in this episode isn’t for everyone. I was hoping to reach a subset of people who needed this advice, but realize it is not totally universal.

 

Want to support the podcast?

patreon blog image

A big thank you to the newest patron, Olaf!!

If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that’s awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works.

Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news.

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

“Freedom” isn’t a Goal

I spent the better (worse?) part of nearly ten years working in a cubicle. To put it gently…I didn’t like it.

I wanted to escape from working in a cubicle in an office. I wanted to work for myself, from home (or wherever I wanted). I wanted FREEDOM and AUTONOMY. I thought that would solve all my problems.

I have explored this topic quite thoroughly in other posts and podcast episodes, like these….. [Read more…]

Jobs and Careers for Highly Sensitive Persons

Ok, let’s get down to business. Which careers and jobs will best fit your traits as a highly sensitive person?

I wrote a blog post about what I think is the best job for HSPs-working for yourself-but that solution won’t work for everyone.

Let’s talk about opportunities for those who need to work in a traditional workplace. First. here’s what you shouldn’t look for. [Read more…]