Essentialism
In Essentialism, active social innovator and bestselling author Greg McKeown explains that Essentialism is a disciplined, systematic approach for determining where our highest point of contribution lies, then making execution of those things almost effortless. More than a time-management strategy or a productivity technique, Essentialism is eliminating everything that is not absolutely essential, so we can make the highest possible contribution toward the things that really matter. McKeown draws on experience and insight from working with the leaders of the most innovative companies in the world to show how to achieve the disciplined pursuit of less. He also highlights the danger in failing to recognize tradeoffs, the necessity of learning to say no, and the importance of play and sleep.
BOOK REVIEWS
"Essentialism will give you richer, sweeter results and put you in real control, giving greater precision to the pursuit of what truly matters."
"In this likable and astute treatise on the art of doing less in order to do better...McKeown makes the content fresh and the solutions easy to implement. Following his lucid and smart directions will help readers find ‘the way of the essentialist."
—Success
"Greg McKeown believes the answer lies in paring life down to its essentials. He can’t tell you what’s essential to every life, but he can help you find the meaning in yours."
—Daniel H. Pink, author of To Sell is Human and Drive
"Essentialism offers concise and eloquent advice on how to determine what you care about most, and how to apply your energies in ways that ultimately bring you the greatest rewards."
—Reid Hoffman, co-founder/chairman of LinkedIn and co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Start-up of You
"As a self-proclaimed ‘maximalist’ who always wants to do it all, this book challenged me and improved my life. If you want to work better, not just less, you should read it too."
—Chris Guillebeau, New York Times bestselling author of The $100 Startup
"With Essentialism, Greg McKeown gives us an invaluable guidebook for just such a project."
—Tim Brown, CEO of IDEO
"In Essentialism, Greg McKeown makes a compelling case for achieving more by doing less. He reminds us that clarity of focus and the ability to say ‘no’ are both critical and undervalued in business today."
"Essentialism is a powerful antidote to the current craziness that plagues our organizations and our lives. Read Greg McKeown’s words slowly, stop and think about how to apply them to your life—you will do less, do it better, and begin to feel the insanity start to slip away."
—Robert I. Sutton, Professor at Stanford University and author of Good Boss, Bad Boss and Scaling Up Excellence
"Essentialism is a rare gem that will change lives. Greg offers deep insights, rich context and actionable steps to living life at its fullest. I’ve started on the path to an Essentialist way of life, and the impact on my productivity and well-being is profound."
—Bill Rielly, Senior Vice President, Intel Security