Focus = Result: Essentialism in action

One of the most impactful books I’ve read on productivity and decision-making is Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. If you feel overwhelmed by endless to-do lists, struggling to balance competing priorities, or simply wish you had more time for what truly matters, this book is a must-read.

The core idea: less but better

Essentialism is not about doing more things but about doing the right things. It’s a mindset shift—from being busy to being effective. McKeown argues that we achieve more by eliminating the trivial and focusing on what truly moves the needle.

Key Lessons from Essentialism

1. The power of saying No. Essentialists protect their time by learning to say no to non-essential tasks. Every “yes” to something unimportant is a “no” to something meaningful.
2. Eliminate, don’t optimize. Instead of trying to be more efficient at doing everything, the key is to remove unnecessary tasks altogether. Doing fewer things exceptionally well is more valuable than doing many things adequately.
3. The importance of space for thinking. In a world that glorifies hustle, McKeown emphasizes the need for reflection. Taking time to think, plan, and strategize leads to better decisions and greater impact. He personally values travelling and taking vacations as a way to step back, clear his mind, and gain clarity. By creating space to think without distractions, essentialists can identify what truly matters and make more deliberate choices.
4. Make trade-offs deliberately. You can’t have it all, and that’s okay. Essentialists recognize trade-offs and make them consciously, rather than letting circumstances dictate their choices.
5. Routines build discipline. Creating habits that reinforce focus—such as setting boundaries around meetings, maintaining deep work blocks, or prioritizing rest—helps sustain an essentialist approach long-term.

Why I recommend this book

In a world that constantly demands more of our attention, Essentialism is a refreshing reminder that we don’t have to do everything - we just need to do the right things.

By embracing this philosophy, we can become more productive, less stressed, and ultimately more successful in what truly matters.

Have you read Essentialism?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment and let’s discuss.