William Powers: living slow in a big city - SHP024

One question I’m asked a lot is whether slow living is really accessible to people who live in big cities, and today’s guest, William Powers, is the perfect person to ask.

Bill's most recent book, New Slow City, explores what it means to live slow in one of the world’s most hectic cities - New York. He and his wife spent a year living in a micro-apartment in Manhattan, and amongst other changes, Bill set about to cut back his work schedule to just 2 days a week.

This is a really fascinating look at what it takes to slow down in the city, and why people who live in a fast-paced environment stand to gain a great deal from simplifying, living with purpose and opting out.

I loved hearing not only about the slow year Bill and his wife lived in New York, but also the changes they've made since and what drove them to move to a Transition Town in Bolivia.

Such a great conversation, and I hope you enjoy it!

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In This Episode You'll Hear About:

• • Bill’s previous attempts at slow living, including creativity sabbaticals

• • The micro apartment he and his wife shared for a year, after letting go of more than 80% of their belongings

• • How communal living helped them navigate life in a tiny home

• • The superb idea behind working 24/7 and why it is so appealing (and no, it’s not 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!)

• • How Bill learnt to pay himself in time, not money

• • Why he doesn’t believe a slower, simpler life is only available to the wealthy

• • The number of work hours Bill found to be his peak productivity level

• • How to make the transition from working hard to working smart

• • Why people tend to respect the boundaries you set for yourself and how to use this in your favour when disconnecting from work

• • Bill’s advice for people who work for large, inflexible organisations and how to reclaim your time

• • What would happen if everyone in New York started working less

• The incredible revillaging movement and the Transition Town that Bill and his family now call home.

Things to Check Out After Today’s Episode:

• • Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin, Joe Dominguez and Monique Tilford

• • The work of Charles Eisenstein

• • Carl Honore on good slow - Episode 9

• • The Transition Towns movement

• • Bill's books:
    • • New Slow City
    • • Twelve by Twelve
    • Blue Clay People

• • Web: William Powers Books

• Social: @BillPowersBooks | Facebook