Name: Essentialism
ISBN: 9780804137386

Greg McKeown

Outlines a systematic framework for enabling greater productivity without overworking, sharing strategies on how to eliminate unnecessary tasks while streamlining essential employee functions. By the co-author of the best-selling Multipliers. 75,000 first printing.

The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

Essentialism

Piet Terheyden

Pola Schwöbel

Dhrumil Patel

Claudine

The way of the Essentialist involves learning to tell the difference-learning to filter through all those options and selecting only those that are truly essential. Essentialism is not about how to get 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.

The way of the Essentialist rejects the idea that we can fit it all in. Instead it requires us to grapple with real trade-offs and make tough decisions. In many cases we can learn to make one-time decisions that make a thousand future decisions so we don't exhaust ourselves asking the same questions again and again.

Essentialists see trade-offs as an inherent part of life, not as an inherently negative part of life. Instead of asking, What do I have to give up?" they ask, "What do I want to go big on?" The cumnulative impact of this small change in thinking can be profound.

Nonessentialists get excited by virtually everything and thus react to everything. But because they are so busy pursuing every opportunity and idea they actually explore less. 

Being a journalist of your own life will force you to stop hyper-focusing on all the minor details and see the bigger picture. You can apply the skills of a journalist no matter what field you are inyou can even apply them to your personal life. By training yourself to look for "the lead,' you will suddenly find yourself able to see what you have missed. You'll be able to do more than simply see the dots of each day: you'll also connect them to see the trends. Instead of just reacting to the facts, you'll be able to focus on the larger issues that really matter.

Nonessentialists listen too. But they listen while preparing to say something. They get distracted by extraneous noise. They hyperfocus on inconsequential details. 

As you evaluate an option, think about the single most inmportant criterion for that decision, and then simply give the optiona score between 0 and 100. If you rate it any lower than 90 percent, then automatically change the rating to 0 and simply reject it. This way you avoid getting caught up in indecision, or worse, getting stuck with the 60s or 70s. Think about how you'd feel if you scored a 65 on some test. Why would you deliberately choose to feel that way about an important choice in your life?

The motivation and cooperation deteriorate when there is a lack of purpose. 

…to apply the principle of condensing to our lives we need to shift the ratio of activity to meaning. We need to eliminate multiple meaningless activities and replace them with one very meaningful activity.

The way of the Essentialist, on the other hand, is to use the good times to create a buffer for the bad. 

...success can distract us from focusing on the essential things that produce success in the first place.

Psychologists call this “decision fatigue”: the more choices we are forced to make, the more the quality of our decisions deteriorates.

...if you don’t set boundaries—there won’t be any. Or even worse, there will be boundaries, but they’ll be set by default—or by another person—instead of by design.

Curiously, people will admit to having a tendency to underestimate while simultaneously believing their current estimates are accurate.

Of the variety of explanations for why we underestimate the amount of time something will take, I believe social pressure is the most interesting. One study found that if people estimated anonymously how long it would take to complete a task they were no longer guilty of the planning fallacy.9 This implies that often we actually know we can’t do things in a given time frame, but we don’t want to admit it to someone.

The question is this: What is the “slowest hiker” in your job or your life? What is the obstacle that is keeping you back from achieving what really matters to you? By systematically identifying and removing this “constraint” you’ll be able to significantly reduce the friction keeping you from executing what is essential. But this can’t be done in a haphazard way. Simply finding things that need fixing here and there might lead to marginal, short-term improvements at best; at worst, you’ll waste time and effort improving things that don’t really matter. But if you really want to improve the overall functioning of the system—whether that system is a manufacturing process, a procedure in your department, or some routine in your daily life—you need to identify the “slowest hiker.”

A Nonessentialist approaches execution in a reactive, haphazard manner. Because the Nonessentialist is always reacting to crises rather than anticipating them, he is forced to apply quick-fix solutions: the equivalent to plugging his finger into the hole of a leaking dam and hoping the whole thing doesn’t burst. Being good with a hammer, the Nonessentialist thinks everything is a nail.

Have you ever found yourself struggling with information overload? Have you ever felt both overworked and underutilised? Do you ever feel busy but not productive? If you answered yes to any of these, the way out is to become an Essentialist. In Essentialism, Greg McKeown, CEO of a Leadership and Strategy agency in Silicon Valley who has run courses at Apple, Google and Facebook, shows you how to achieve what he calls the disciplined pursuit of less. Being an Essentialist is about a disciplined way of thinking. It means challenging the core assumption of ‘We can have it all’ and ‘I have to do everything’ and replacing it with the pursuit of ‘the right thing, in the right way, at the right time'. By applying a more selective criteria for what is essential, the pursuit of less allows us to regain control of our own choices so we can channel our time, energy and effort into making the highest possible contribution toward the goals and activities that matter. Using the experience and insight of working with the leaders of the most innovative companies and organisations in the world, McKeown shows you how to put Essentialism into practice in your own life, so you too can achieve something great.

Some good advice. I reread it after several years. I'm liking Meditations for Mortals a bit more in its approach. Looking back so many years later some of the advice felt heavy-handed.

BC Hark

GREG. MCKEOWN

Julian Paul

Jenna Whitlow

2.5 stars ⭑⭑

To be honest, I skimmed through the last third of this audiobook.

I guess the core of the book is fine, though it could have been written in probably a hundred pages less. I think it's good advice to be intentional about where you invest your money and time. There are a lot of distractions around us and making sure to take certain steps so that you're not constantly strung out and exhausted is important. Manage your FOMO by knowing your limits. Having boundaries with your work is great. These things seem obvious, but maybe you're the kind of person who needs these reminders.

Though the core message is good, I was so annoyed at the amount of privilege that you would need to posses to apply a lot of McKeown's advice. A lot of people don't have the luxury of saying no to opportunities that come their way. The "Eliminate" section of the book is especially tone deaf (don't even get me started at the brief blurb about Rosa Parks. Her saying no to moving from her spot on that bus, which was an intentional act of protest that she knew would start a regional bus ban, and a rich white man saying no to a different job opportunity simply aren't the same thing).

I have bills to pay, dude. I don't have the luxury of being so picky. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, or work jobs that aren't the absolute most ideal for your long-term career goals so you can keep a roof over your head. And I know there are people who don't even have the privilege or safety nets that I have, and I can only imagine this would be really frustrating to read for them as well.

If you really want to read this, I would get the book on audible, listen to the first chapter (the author's voice is nice), and then exchange the credit for something better. You'll get the gist.

Aamna

Expect every chapter to begin with a quote. And then expect a bunch of more quotes and anecdotes from every famous personality you can think of. Little practical information. Conventional wisdom like  'Be Present' etc.

Mark Palfreeman 

Loved the themes of this book:
- Say "no" to more things.
- Determine what's the most important thing.
- Do less, but better.
- Focus, create habits, prioritize.

As with any business/life/self-help book, it can drag its point out slightly, but I enjoyed this one quite a bit more than the average and found lots of chapters to be helpful and inspiring!

Jannis M

"the way of the essentialist" strikes me a little odd sometimes... Maybe I did not listen carefully enough, but I would assume I would affront a lot of friends and close acquaintances by saying: "Sorry, I cannot do that. It is not essential to me"
Maybe it helps with making the most out of one's own limited time, but what about the connection to others? I would assume, that 'doing things for others, that are not essential to one's own goals' could help make a greater impact overall in the long term.

Disclaimer: I enjoyed listening to the book and I think there are practical things in there, that could prove helpful (especially for somebody like me, who makes it his own mission to solve other's problems). I am just not quite sure yet, if I really want to be the essentialist described in this book.

3rd or 4th time through. Basically an annual read/reminder now. Truly essential for anyone wanting to live a more thoughtful life. 

Brandon Eckroth

Keven Wang

2nd reread. Like it a bit better. Specially after I read a lot of the authors mentioned jn the book.

Jowanza Joseph

One of the most thoughtful books I read on a topic that is easy to slip into dogma.

Nick Gracilla

At long last, “I. Am. So. Busy!” is ceding control over most reflective people's lives and minimalism is having its day, with Marie Kondo becoming famous and a verb (“I Marie Kondo-ed my garage this weekend”), and Millburn and Nicodemus over at The Minimalists preaching the art of making room for more—more creativity, experiences, freedom, contribution—by clearing out the clutter that’s in the way. McKeown’s Essentialism seeks to do similar work, primarily in the work context: we must distinguish between time- and task- management strategies that help us get more things done, to the disciplined pursuit of getting the right things done, fewer of them, and better. Cue up plenty of work you’ve already seen in other areas, from Flow to the Power Of Small Wins, saying “no” by Getting To Yes, the Value Of Sleeping 8 Hours, and more. But there’s plenty of original thinking here, too, and lots of strategies of getting to what’s important, and staying focused on it until it's done. I also liked the contrast tables throughout the book: the essentialist vs nonessentialist way of thinking, acting, doing in various contexts. I did find the occasional big bold page-sized pull quotes disrupting and poorly designed — I read during my commute so nosey seatmates got their fill of aphorisms like IN ORDER TO HAVE FOCUS WE NEED TO ESCAPE TO FOCUS regularly — but they were few enough to skip over. Recommended.

Arturo Hernández

This book introduces essentialism as a way of living. It places strong focus on the decisions we make on a day-to-day basis, stating that if you change that you can change everything. It challenges the reader to question what is really important (and do that with all of their energy) and to discard everything else that only slows you down.

It could be perceived as something a little bit extremist, however I appreciate the intent behind the message of this book (a life of less but more).

I think one can provide the skinny on this via a few key points:

The book repeatedly emphasizes that and includes tips on how to implement, through examples/anecdotes (a lot of them of Silicon Valley folk).

 side by side. That really got to me, probably because right before reading this, I actually woke up in the middle of the night (FOR SOME REASON??) thinking about a recent event and what people would've thought of me then, and how I need to make up for it in the future. Whew.

Overall, this has been a timely read, and just perfect to wrap up the year with.

I think one can provide the skinny on this via a few key points:

Know your focus. This'll determine what you say 'no' to.

What's essential will determine your habits. You can only fully live as a true Essentialist if you naturally behave as one. And that means you have to establish a system to make that happen.

The book repeatedly emphasizes that and includes tips on how to implement, through examples/anecdotes (a lot of them of Silicon Valley folk).

My favorite part would be the kairos and chronos side by side. That really got to me, probably because right before reading this, I actually woke up in the middle of the night (FOR SOME REASON??) thinking about a recent event and what people would've thought of me then, and how I need to make up for it in the future. Whew.

Overall, this has been a timely read, and just perfect to wrap up the year with.

Andy Sporring

In my pursuit of finding a more sustainable and minimalistic life i read books that can help and inspire me on my way

Neil Murray

I prioritized listening to this book rather than tackling my inbox ;) And I’m pleased I did, it’s a strong reminder of the importance of removing the non-essential in both your personal and professional life and how in doing so you can become more productive and more importantly, happier.

Dave Perkins

I really like his main point, and the first couple of chapters were killer. Basically, what’s on the back of the book expanded a bit, with good diagrams. Ironically, we then go down a whole load of routes that aren’t essential to his point and aren’t as good. It’s all a fairly decent check in on whether you’re prioritising the important things in your life over the busyness of work. However, It does stay fairly shallow and you leave the book feeling like you’ve not really journeyed anywhere.

Rick Dobrowolski

Good in its concepts. A little too long in length.

"Have you ever found yourself stretched too thin? Do you simultaneously feel overworked and underutilized? Are you often busy but not productive? Do you feel your time is constantly being hijacked by other people's agendas? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the way out is the way of the Essentialist. Essentialism isn't about getting more done in less time. It's about getting only the right things done. Only once we discern what is absolutely essential and eliminate everything else can we make our highest possible contribution toward things that truly matter. By forcing us to apply more selective criteria for where to spend our precious time and energy, the disciplined pursuit of less empowers us to reclaim control of our own choices, instead of giving others the implicit permission to choose for us. Essentialism is not one more thing to do. It's a whole new way of doing less, but better, in every area of our lives"--Back cover.

Rebeca Keren Nuñez

Breve, pero con ideas muy concretas. Muy interesante e importante para estos tiempos. Para leer y re leer.

Brigid prior 

Not a huge fan of the diction in this book- for instance, "your highest contribution," so it was slightly hard to get through. However, it had many many points that gave me clarity around my day-to-day. Most importantly, it has actually changed the way I work and live- and I like that way better. Major points for that.

I recommend reading- not listening on audiobook- to this book.

Melanie Richards

3.5 stars. As others noted, this could have been a shorter book (lol), and this genre always contains eye-rolly bits, but in general the message is good and there’s some clear action items to help you on your way.

One day I’ll read a personal development or business or UX book that isn’t IN LOVE with the Twitter boys. Hold no heroes, buds.

Vince Nguyen

Clear, actionable, full of examples and inspiration

A succint, empowering and practical read. The message is simple but Greg created a powerful framework to deliver that message with lots of relatable examples. There are a lot of interesting intersections with concepts such as Stoicism, mindfulness, zen, Atomic Habits.. 

Absolutely a must-read in this era of chaos, noise and diverging attention.

Nadine 

A timely reminder on prioritising, focusing and getting the right things done. Somewhat longer than necessary and quite a few "old chestnut" examples. But a good read as I prepare mentally for the new year.

Safiya 

By essence (pun not intended), we all thrive to reach the promised Nirvana of being contempt while owning less, achieving more by doing less, and so on.. This book is not a revelation, it is rather a long entertaining blog, that feels more like a friend's confession...
I think that the journey towards "Essentialism" as the author names it, is par défaut, everyone's quest. It is even natural that at some point one has to focus on what is important and skip the superfluous. It is not an asceticism in itself, rather a little discipline to be more organised and focused.
The ideas are oldish, but a reminder's always good..

Maggie Delano

As someone already convinced of the necessities of "Essentialism" from the beginning, I didn't find this book to be super helpful. The emphasis was much more on explaining what "Essentialism" is and what it means, rather than how to actually apply it. I'd recommend something like Personal Development for Smart People: The Conscious Pursuit of Personal Growth for more concrete examination of your life and clear action steps.

Omar

It could have been shorter, but I found that the stories and the length dedicated to the chapters and various points helped illustrate things effectively. I'll read this book again as needed to truly internalize its message, in particular, when the temptation of doing "more things" comes up.

Essentialism The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

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