Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it’s about how to get the right things done. It doesn’t mean just doing less for the sake of less either. It is about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy in order to operate at our highest point of contribution by doing only what is essential.
― Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
We live in a world inundated with choices, distractions, and the constant pull of competing priorities. Finding a path to meaningful success can be overwhelming. Having read Greg McKeown’s book, “Essentialism,” i was compelled to write about it….especially since it was so thoughtfully written, unlike some of the self-help fluff we come across these days. The book serves as a reminder that ‘we can’t have it all’. Above all it urges us to discern what truly matters and focus our energy on the essentials.
The Essence
Essentialism is not just a time-management strategy; it’s a mindset, a way of life that emphasizes the disciplined pursuit of less but better. The core concept is about identifying what truly matters and eliminating non-essential activities, enabling us to make a more significant impact.
The Power of No
A cornerstone of essentialism is the ability to say “no” gracefully. Ultimately every “yes” has a trade-off, and when we say yes all the time, we dilute our efforts, spreading ourselves thin. By embracing the power of no, we reclaim our time and energy for the things that align with our goals and values.
The 90% Rule
McKeown introduces the 90% rule. If a task doesn’t score at least a 90% on the importance scale, it’s a non-essential. By consistently applying this rule, we can avoid getting bogged down in tasks that might seem urgent but aren’t truly important in the grand scheme of things.
Prioritizing What Matters
Essentialism encourages us to identify our highest priorities and invest our time and energy accordingly. By focusing on the essential few, we can achieve deeper fulfilment and success in the areas that truly matter to us. This may involve letting go of tasks, projects, or even relationships that don’t align with our core values.
The Joy of Missing Out (JOMO)
In a culture that celebrates the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), the concept of essentialism flips the card by embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO). By intentionally opting out of non-essential activities, we create space for what truly matters.
Essentialism challenges us to reassess our approach to life, urging us to trim away the excess and embrace a simpler, more purposeful existence.
DO LESS. DO BETTER!
