Essentialism by Greg McKeown –
The book is about this one idea:
“Do less, but do it better.”
Sounds simple, right? But trust me, it’s a whole mindset. And I didn’t even realize how much I needed to hear this until I read it.
We’re Not Meant to Do Everything
So here’s the thing. We’re living in this crazy time where everything feels urgent, everyone wants something, and saying “yes” feels like the only polite answer. Whether it’s work, friends, family, random commitments—we’re pulled in 100 directions. And after a while, it feels like we’re surviving instead of living.
Greg calls this the trap of non-essentialism. It’s the mindset of:
- “I have to do everything.”
- “If I say no, they’ll be disappointed.”
- “Maybe I can fit just one more thing in…”
And that’s how we slowly lose ourselves. We say yes too much, do too much, and somewhere along the way… we forget why we’re doing any of it.
The Essentialist Mindset
So what does an essentialist do?
An essentialist chooses wisely. Instead of trying to be everywhere and do everything, they pause and ask:
- “What actually matters most?”
- “What’s worth my time and energy?”
- “What can I let go of?”
It’s not about being selfish. It’s about being clear. Because if you don’t decide what’s essential, someone else will decide it for you—and probably not in your favor.
This line really hit me:
“If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.”
Step 1: Explore – What Truly Matters to You?
We rarely stop to think. Like really think. We’re in go-go-go mode, jumping from task to task.
Greg says the first step is to pause and explore. Create a little breathing room to ask yourself:
- “Is this important?”
- “Does this align with who I am or who I want to be?”
- “If I could only do one thing today, what would it be?”
It’s like shining a flashlight in a messy garage and finally seeing what’s worth keeping.
He even suggests doing boring things like going for walks, journaling, or sitting alone without your phone… because that’s where your brain gets space to sort out the noise.
Step 2: Eliminate – Learn to Say No (Without Guilt)
This is where it gets tough—but liberating.
To be an essentialist, you have to let go of the non-essentials. That means saying “no” more often. Saying no to good things so you can focus on great things.
Hard truth: You can’t say yes to everything and expect to be excellent at anything.
Saying no doesn’t make you rude. It makes you clear. And when you’re clear, people start to respect your boundaries.
He even gives ways to say no politely:
- “I’d love to help, but I’m focused on something important right now.”
- “Let me check my priorities and get back to you.”
- “I’m flattered, but I’ll have to pass this time.”
You don’t owe anyone a long explanation. You just owe yourself a peaceful mind.
Step 3: Execute – Make the Essential Effortless
Once you’ve figured out what matters, and you’ve cleared out what doesn’t… now make space for it to actually happen.
Greg talks about setting up systems and routines so that your important work becomes easier to do. Instead of pushing through chaos every day, you design your environment to support you.
Examples?
- Sleep more. Protect your energy like it’s gold.
- Build habits around the important stuff.
- Have a morning routine that centers you.
- Keep your phone out of reach when working.
Basically, make your life support your priorities instead of fighting them.
Trade-offs: You Can’t Do It All (And That’s Okay)
Here’s something we avoid thinking about: you can’t have it all.
Every choice has a cost. If you’re saying yes to late-night binge-watching, you’re saying no to a fresh start the next day. If you’re saying yes to everyone else’s plans, you’re saying no to your own goals.
Essentialism is about choosing your trade-offs wisely.
And that requires courage. Because the world won’t stop demanding from you. You’ll need to stand strong and say:
“This is what I’m choosing. And I’m okay letting go of the rest.”
Protect the Asset: Take Care of Yourself
Greg calls you “the asset.”
You are your most valuable tool. If you’re tired, burnt out, resentful, distracted—everything else breaks down.
That means:
- Get enough sleep.
- Move your body.
- Eat well.
- Take breaks.
- Say no to things that drain you.
This isn’t soft stuff. This is survival. If your phone battery is dead, it’s useless. Same with you.
So don’t feel guilty for taking care of yourself. Feel responsible.
What It Looks Like in Daily Life
After reading this book, I started changing little things:
- Every morning, I write down the one thing I must do today.
- I say no to calls and meetings that aren’t necessary.
- I’ve started deleting apps that waste my time.
- And I’ve begun asking: “Is this the highest use of my time right now?”
I still mess up. But I’m more aware now. And that awareness is freeing.
My Favorite Lessons (Just to Reinforce Them)
- You don’t have to do everything.
- Say “no” more, and protect your peace.
- Make space for what truly matters.
- Let go of the guilt—it’s okay to choose yourself.
- Clarity brings power.