The Antidote

“Stop driving yourself crazy trying to do something impossible.” Oliver Burkeman

In this interview, I speak with Oliver Burkeman. We chat about journaling, why negative thinking may be the antidote for happiness and how productivity and the strategies most often talked about may actually be counter-purposeful.

Oliver is a journalist who has been writing with a broad fascination across multiple facets however the one he found most intriguing was human psychology. We actually begin this conversation talking about his method of writing. Oliver is not a pessimist however, aligned with Stoic thought, he feels we sometimes need to embrace the negative to move positively forward towards greater happiness. As it is often the continual efforts to avoid negative that leads to more suffering, anxiety and unease. Interesting perspectives that will leave you thinking.

This was a fun chat. I hope you enjoy it too.

Guest Bio

Oliver Burkeman is an author and journalist based in Brooklyn, New York. His most recent book is The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking, which explores the upsides of uncertainty, failure and imperfection. He writes a popular weekly column in The Guardian on social psychology, self-help culture, productivity and the science of happiness; and is currently writing a book exploring alternative ways of thinking about time management, busyness and distraction. He has spoken widely at conferences, events and festivals in the US, UK, Australia, South Korea and elsewhere. His work has also appeared in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Morning pages/journaling.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible by Charles Eisenstein

The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“Stop driving yourself crazy trying to do something impossible.” Oliver Burkeman

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

We are all on some level driven to become more fully ourselves.

How to connect with Oliver 

Website here – http://www.oliverburkeman.com/

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.