In this self-help book Burkeman writes short chapters meant to be read one each day for four weeks. Each one gives suggestions, quotes, and perspective about how to let go of toxic perfectionism and unrealistic expectations, and embrace natural limitations in order to live a fuller life. Burkeman suggests that the reader follow generous promptings, pay attention to their own needs, finish the projects they start, prioritize things that fulfill their "life task," and reject the notion that all important things are difficult. He advises the reader to recognize when things really are too hard and impractical and to accept defeat with good grace. The goal of the book is to help the reader remove anxiety and stress due to worrying too much about things we can't control or do, and spend time on things that bring more joy and meaning.
This is a good choice to hand to the person in your life who wears busyness and stress like a badge of honor. Burkeman has a lot of good advice and the book is written in an accessible tone and length. I didn't read the book as it was intended, i.e. a chapter a day for four weeks, but I still feel like I got something out of it. That being said, when I started to write this review just a few days after finishing the book, I had a hard time remembering the specific topics he covered--so not super memorable. A lot of the principles he promotes have similarities to American Buddhist ideas of non-striving and being present but he doesn't use that terminology at all. This has much more of a "put your feet up and sit a spell" vibe. I think it is a message needed in current American society. (2024, 208)
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