Oliver Burkeman on the surprising benefits of less productivity (and possibly early retirement)

In a world obsessed with efficiency, optimization, and getting more done in less time, the idea of ​​deliberately reducing productivity may sound counterintuitive. However, as Oliver Burkeman-” Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals and Meditations for Mortals: Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Matters— suggests that redefining our relationship with productivity can lead to a more meaningful, fulfilling life. Berkman’s work challenges the relentless pursuit of productivity and offers a new perspective on how to navigate limited time on earth.

We think Berkman’s ideas are particularly important ones for anyone considering retirement. Many articles will tell you to delay retirement and to be afraid. However, we at Boulding want you to feel in control of your future and retire with confidence when you’re ready!

Why productivity can be a trap

At the heart of modern productivity culture is the illusion that you can “conquer” time. By simplifying tasks, eliminating inefficiencies, and working harder, you’ll eventually reach a state of control—where your to-do list is empty, our schedule is clear, and you have time for everything that matters. However, as Berkman points out, this ideal is not only unattainable but also seriously misguided. The more you try to do, the more tasks and obligations seem to pile up. Productivity becomes a treadmill that keeps you perpetually busy but rarely satisfied.

Striving for maximum productivity often does not lead to satisfaction, but can lead to anxiety, burnout, and a disconnect from what is truly important. If every moment is filled with tasks, you crowd out opportunities for creativity, reflection, and true connection—the very things that give life depth and meaning. As Berkman says, accepting the finite nature of time requires you to face an uncomfortable truth: You can’t get everything done, and that’s okay.

Berkman’s key insight: The freedom to do less

One of Berkman’s key insights is that giving up the need to be overly productive can actually allow you to live a more purposeful and meaningful life. By acknowledging your limitations, you can prioritize what is truly important and let go of the rest. This might mean spending more time on deep, meaningful work rather than juggling endless tasks or choosing to enjoy leisure moments without guilt.

Reduced productivity also opens the door to serendipity and creativity. When you stop overscheduling, you can make space for unplanned experiences, deeper relationships, and moments of inspiration. For example, some of the most innovative ideas and breakthroughs come not from carefully planned work but from idle, unfocused moments—which some might consider “wasted time.”

Reimagine success

Finally, Berkman invites you to rethink what success looks like. It’s not about squeezing every drop of utility out of each day, it’s about cultivating a life that aligns with your values ​​and desires. This may involve embracing imperfection, turning down opportunities that don’t align with your priorities, and focusing on quality over quantity in work and relationships.

By being less productive in the traditional sense, you create space for what Berkman calls “missed-out pleasure”—the freedom to live a life defined not by endless needs but by what actually brings you joy. Determined by the target. In doing so, you can change your relationship with time and make the most of your fleeting four thousand weeks.

Should you retire? What’s holding you back?

Many Boldin users are objectively financially ready to retire, but something is holding them back: Lifelong habits around productivity? Worried that some unknown unknown will derail your financial plans? Worried about boredom setting in?

Hold tight to productivity

Berkman’s philosophy resonates deeply with those who have achieved financial independence or are preparing to retire but continue to work. You may continue to work not because you need the income, but because you feel constrained by society’s expectations of productivity or fear losing purpose. In this case, what’s important is what you plan to do in retirement, not just how you’ll pay for it.

Berkman’s ideas can push you to rethink your priorities. Many people delay retirement out of fear—fear of boredom, irrelevance, or losing the sense of identity associated with their career. But letting go of the need to always “do more” can create space for new opportunities, relationships, and pursuits. Retirement doesn’t necessarily mean stopping; it can mean starting something completely different—whether that’s pursuing a long-delayed passion, volunteering, or just enjoying unstructured time.

fear of unknown

People who use Boldin Planner often have different “what if” scenarios for how things might go wrong in the future. These scenarios are a very important part of responsible retirement planning. However, we also see people fearing retirement into the unknown.

Berkman quoted a Haitian proverb: “Beyond the mountains, there are more mountains,” and talked about learning to accept the unknown.

We recommend planning for pessimistic scenarios, but don’t let fear stop you from retiring. Instead, develop resilience so that you can respond to unexpected challenges with grace and adaptability. Some things can go wrong, but it’s unlikely that everything will go wrong at the same time, and regardless, you’ll probably find a way. Resilience gives you the confidence to face the future.

Compromises and Priorities

Compromise and priorities are crucial when it comes to retirement financial planning. Your resources are limited, and trying to plan for every possible expense, risk, or lifestyle desire can lead to frustration or paralysis. Instead, it’s crucial to focus on what matters most to you and allocate resources accordingly. This may mean choosing to retire early with a simpler lifestyle rather than delaying retirement to build more wealth.

Compromise doesn’t mean reconciliation; it means making conscious trade-off decisions based on your values. For example, you might decide to downsize your home to free up money for travel or work part-time in retirement to maintain a sense of purpose without overworking yourself. By focusing on your core priorities, you can develop a retirement plan that is both realistic and fulfilling, rather than driven by the endless pursuit of “enough.”

As Berkman writes, “You can’t care about everything.”

Make a plan, create a backup plan, retire and stay on track

At Boldin, we stand firmly behind Dwight D. Eisenhower’s quote: “Planning is useless, but planning is essential.” We developed the Boldin Planner as a living, breathing tool that follows you and continue to evolve with any situation you encounter in life.

• Start by planning your future.
• Then plan what might go wrong.
• Live your life. Retire!
• And, keep using the Boldin Planner to help you adapt your plans to your life circumstances.