Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown
Here’s the thing. I am very VERY far behind in the book blog. Therefore, in the spirit of essentialism, I’m just going to write a few very VERY short ones.
Essentialism is basically a lesson in deciding what is important enough to you that you want to do that thing really well, and saying no to everything else. The key, I believe, is saying no honestly and transparently. No lying, no word games, no passive aggressive crap. Just plain “I’m sorry, I just can’t take that on right now”. I love that, because I hate wordsmithing.
I did not expect the book to have as powerful an impact on me, however I have noticed myself clearly saying no to things that I once might have done anyway (for fear of the repercussions of saying no), or said I would try to do while knowing I’d never be able to. Now I am developing a comfortable repertoire of “no” expressions.
- I think I will pass this time, but rain check?
- I actually have another commitment at that time, can we reschedule?
- I wish I could do that but I just can’t fit it in right now. Perhaps another time?
You get the idea. So powerful!!
Rating: Buy it. You’ll never re-read it (that is anti-essentialist), but you will want to lend it to friends.