Procrastination - Clare Palmer

In this powerful talk at The Forum, Clare Palmer explores procrastination, time management, and the liberating wisdom of living within our limits. Drawing on Oliver Burkeman’s 4,000 Weeks and timeless philosophies, Clare offers a fresh perspective on how to prioritize, choose what to fail at, and live fully in the moment.

Listen in, reflect, and discover why embracing your finitude can be the most freeing decision you ever make.

📝 Timestamps

0:08 – Welcome to The Forum: a modern-day coffeehouse for ideas
0:28 – Setting the stage: Procrastination, time management & Oliver Burkeman’s 4,000 Weeks
3:43 – Life in numbers: 4,000 weeks if you live to 80
9:18 – The efficiency trap: Why getting busier doesn’t solve limited time
11:01 – Why unfinished projects feel safer & the avoidance behind procrastination
13:14 – Finitude as freedom: It’s not you, it’s impossible goals
15:06 – Life is finite: Choices, trade-offs & reframing priorities
17:05 – Sheldon Kopp on freedom: “You’re free to do whatever you like…”
18:25 – Acceptance over control: The art of real time management
19:04 – Philosophy meets practice: Stoicism, Buddhism & impermanence
25:46 – The “Top 25” priorities exercise: Choosing what matters most
32:54 – Four practical takeaways to manage time & procrastination
35:55 – Mary Oliver’s question: “What will you do with your one wild and precious life?”
37:07 – Rolling up your sleeves for what’s gloriously possible
37:45 – Closing & upcoming events at The Forum