Rajat K R

Essentialism : Book Review

This article is all about a book titled ‘Essentialism’ by Greg McKeown.

The Book in 3 Sentences

  1. Essentialism is a non-fictional book written by Greg McKeown
  2. This book is a complete ‘how-to guide’ for being an essentialist
  3. Greg McKeown is the author of 2 bestselling books - “Effortless” and “Essentialism”. He has a lot of things under his portfolio, so check out his website.

The Cover of the Book ‘Essentialism’. The Cover of the Book ‘Essentialism’.

My Review

Just like the name suggests, Essentialism is a truly essential book. It was a pleasurable experience reading this book. It has also got a really good flow to it and I never experienced any lag. The concept of Essentialism is pretty self explanatory, it just means to be extremely selective about the things that you are going to do and focusing on LESS BUT BETTER.

One of my favorite quotes from this book was - “If you do not prioritize your life, then someone else will”. One thing that Greg McKeown focuses quite a lot in this book was the power of saying ‘NO’. Essentialism is a simple book and I am giving it a 5 star rating.

Greg McKeown. Image Credit - Twitter/GregoryMcKeown Greg McKeown. Image Credit - Twitter/GregoryMcKeown

Who Should Read It?

Anyone who feels bored and acrimonious at their lives, can read this book. Age is not at all a barrier from reading this book.

Notes

In this section I’ve decided to provide some simple and easy quotes that gives a clear insight about what this book is all about.

  • “Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it’s about how to get the right things done.”
  • “You can do anything but not everything”
  • “The word school is derived from the Greek word schole, meaning “leisure.” Yet our modern school system, born in the Industrial Revolution, has removed the leisure—and much of the pleasure—out of learning.”
  • “A non-Essentialist thinks almost everything is essential. An Essentialist thinks almost everything is non-essential.”
  • “Instead of asking, “What do I have to give up?” essentialists ask, “What do I want to go big on?” The cumulative impact of this small change in thinking can be profound.”
  • “The right routines can actually enhance innovation and creativity by giving us the equivalent of an energy rebate.”
  • “We need to learn the slow ‘yes’ and the quick ‘no.” - Tom Friel
  • “When you say yes to something nonessential, you are saying no to something essential”
  • “When we forget our ability to choose, we learn to be helpless.”
  • “In every set of facts, something essential is hidden.”
  • “Done is better than perfect.”
  • “Instead of making choices reactively, an Essentialist deliberately distinguishes the vital few from the trivial many, eliminates the non-essentials, and then removes obstacles so the essential things have clear and smooth passage.”
  • “The right “no” spoken at the right time can change the course of history.”

How the Book Changed Me

  • I’ve learned to say NO
  • I also started practicing some essentialist principles

That’s it for now,

Thanks For Reading,

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