Essentialism
by Greg McKeown
McKeown's book is a disciplined argument for doing less but better: explore widely, eliminate ruthlessly, execute effortlessly. The 'if it isn't a clear yes, it's a no' rule and the chapters on graceful no's and buffers are practical. The book is elegant and slightly repetitive, which fits the subject.
Read it if…
you are capable, in demand and spread so thin that nothing gets your best.
Skip it if…
you are early in a career where saying yes still opens doors; essentialism is for later.
Three things you will actually use
- Ask 'what is essential' before 'how can I fit it in.'
- Say no gracefully and often.
- Build buffers; everything takes longer than planned.
Do this first
List your current commitments and mark the ones that are a clear yes; plan the exit from one of the rest.
Our verdict
A clear, well-made case for less; one of the better books on priorities.
Compare with other Time books
Four Thousand Weeks
Oliver Burkeman · Time
The most thoughtful anti-productivity book; a relief for the over-optimized.
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Make Time
Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky · Time
Friendly, modular and easy to start; a good first productivity system.
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