Moment 63 - How To Get Any Task Done: Oliver Burkeman

In this episode, the concept of radical incrementalism is introduced as a strategy for achieving productivity, particularly in difficult tasks like writing. The speaker argues that making incremental progress—working a little each day—yields better long-term results than attempting to accomplish large goals all at once. They reference research by psychologist Robert Boyce, who found that successful academics are those who incorporate writing as a consistent, manageable part of their daily routines instead of viewing it as an intimidating, all-consuming task.

The discussion also tackles the impact of deadlines on creativity and productivity. While acknowledging that deadlines can be crucial for pushing past perfectionism, the speaker emphasizes the importance of developing a sustainable work habit characterized by steady, incremental efforts. They share personal experiences of writing under tight deadlines and reflect on the necessity of persistence, arguing that it’s more effective in the long run than relying on the pressure of deadlines alone.