Essentialism

In "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less," Greg McKeown challenges the frantic hustle of modern life, advocating for a purposeful approach to time and energy. He argues that true success lies not in doing more, but in doing the right things that genuinely matter. Through practical insights and actionable strategies, McKeown reveals how to discern essential priorities amidst the noise. As you journey through his framework, you’ll discover the power of saying no and the freedom that comes from focusing solely on what enriches your life. Are you ready to embrace less and achieve more?

By Greg McKeown

Published: 2014

"“Essentialism is not about how to do less; it’s about how to do more by focusing on the things that really matter.”"

EssentialismBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

THE LIFE-CHANGING NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • MORE THAN TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD • Now in a 10th anniversary edition featuring a new introduction and bonus 21-day challenge. “Essentialism holds the keys to solving one of the great puzzles of life: How can we do less but accomplish more?”—Adam Grant, bestselling author of Think Again Essentialism isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done. Have you ever found yourself stretched too thin? Are you often busy but not productive? Do you feel like your time is constantly being hijacked? If you answered yes to any of these, the way out is the Way of the Essentialist. Essentialism is more than a time-management technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution toward the things that really matter. By forcing us to apply more selective criteria for where to spend our precious time and energy, the disciplined pursuit of less empowers us to reclaim control of our own choices, instead of giving others the implicit permission to choose for us. Essentialism is not one more thing to do. It’s a whole new way of doing less, but better, in every area of our lives. Join the millions of people who have used Essentialism to change their outlook on the world.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Essentialism

About the Author

G

Greg McKeown

Greg McKeown is a bestselling author and speaker best known for his book "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less," which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in both personal and professional life. As a thought leader in the fields of leadership and productivity, he has delivered keynote speeches to audiences around the world, inspiring individuals and organizations to focus on essential goals. McKeown is the co-founder of Somewhere.co, a company dedicated to helping individuals find clarity and purpose in their pursuits. With a background in business and a degree from Brigham Young University, he brings a unique perspective on achieving excellence without burnout. Through his writing and speaking, McKeown continues to challenge conventional notions of success and advocates for a more intentional approach to achieving one's goals.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Greg McKeown
Published
April 2014
Publisher
Crown Currency
ISBN
0804137390
Language
English
Pages
305
Genres
Goal SettingSelf-HelpMindset for ProductivityTime ManagementProductivity

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleBook binding

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen R Covey

High Performance HabitsBook binding

High Performance Habits

Brendon Burchard

Deep WorkBook binding

Deep Work

Cal Newport

Daily RitualsBook binding

Daily Rituals

Mason Currey

The Effective ExecutiveBook binding

The Effective Executive

Peter Drucker

The 5AM ClubBook binding

The 5AM Club

Robin Sharma

MakersBook binding

Makers

Chris Anderson

The 4-hour WorkweekBook binding

The 4-hour Workweek

Timothy Ferriss

Do LessBook binding

Do Less

Kate Northrup

The Politics of Health PolicyBook binding

The Politics of Health Policy

Vicente Navarro

Anything You WantBook binding

Anything You Want

Derek Sivers

The 80/20 Principle and 92 Other Powerful Laws of NatureBook binding

The 80/20 Principle and 92 Other Powerful Laws of Nature

Richard Koch

The Model ThinkerBook binding

The Model Thinker

Scott E. Page

The Ultimate Sales MachineBook binding

The Ultimate Sales Machine

Chet Holmes

The Power of Full EngagementBook binding

The Power of Full Engagement

Tony Schwartz, James E. Loehr, Jim Loehr

The One ThingBook binding

The One Thing

Gary Keller, Jay Papasan

Smarter Faster BetterBook binding

Smarter Faster Better

Charles Duhigg

IndistractableBook binding

Indistractable

Nir Eyal

ElevateBook binding

Elevate

Robert Glazer

Free to FocusBook binding

Free to Focus

Michael Hyatt

Designing Your LifeBook binding

Designing Your Life

Bill Burnett, Dave Evans

The Non-designer's Design BookBook binding

The Non-designer's Design Book

Robin Williams

The Seven-day WeekendBook binding

The Seven-day Weekend

Ricardo Semler

How to Do NothingBook binding

How to Do Nothing

Jenny Odell

The Power of ProductivityBook binding

The Power of Productivity

William W. Lewis

Black Rednecks and White LiberalsBook binding

Black Rednecks and White Liberals

Thomas Sowell

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Daniel Pink's Book Recommendations

Daniel Pink's Book Recommendations

Daniel Pink is a renowned American author known for his groundbreaking work in the fields of business, work, and behavior. He has penned several bestselling books, including "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us," which explores the science of motivation and has been translated into over 30 languages. Pink's "A Whole New Mind" and "To Sell is Human" have also received critical acclaim, cementing his reputation as a thought leader. His insightful TED Talks and frequent contributions to major publications further amplify his influence. Pink's work has significantly shaped contemporary understanding of motivation, creativity, and the modern workplace.

View Collection
John Doerr's Book Recommendations

John Doerr's Book Recommendations

John Doerr is an American venture capitalist and chairman of Kleiner Perkins, one of the most prominent venture capital firms in Silicon Valley. Doerr has backed some of the biggest names in tech, including Google, Amazon, and Netscape, and has played a crucial role in the rise of the internet economy. He is also the author of Measure What Matters, which popularized the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as a method for goal-setting in organizations. Doerr is a passionate advocate for addressing climate change and has invested in clean energy startups to help combat global warming. His contributions to tech and sustainability have made him a leading figure in venture capital.

View Collection
Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian is an American entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s most popular social news and discussion platforms. Ohanian is also a prominent advocate for open internet and net neutrality, and he has invested in numerous startups through his venture capital firm, Initialized Capital. In addition to his work in tech, Ohanian is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to women’s rights, education, and social justice. He is married to tennis star Serena Williams, and together they advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Ohanian’s influence in the tech world and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in both business and activism.

View Collection
Carl Icahn's Book Recommendations

Carl Icahn's Book Recommendations

Carl Icahn is a billionaire investor and activist shareholder known for taking controlling positions in companies to influence management and strategic direction. He has built a reputation as a corporate raider, often shaking up large corporations to unlock shareholder value. Icahn has been involved in numerous high-profile battles with companies like Apple, Dell, and Netflix. His firm, Icahn Enterprises, spans multiple industries, including energy, automotive, and real estate. Icahn is considered one of the most influential and successful investors of his generation.

View Collection
Gary Vaynerchuk's Book Recommendations

Gary Vaynerchuk's Book Recommendations

Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and social media personality. He initially gained prominence through his family’s wine business, turning it into a digital juggernaut with his online content and wine reviews. Gary is now the CEO of VaynerMedia, a full-service digital agency, and has authored multiple bestsellers, including Crush It! and Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook. He is known for his blunt, motivational style and advice on business, marketing, and personal branding. Gary continues to inspire millions with his focus on hustle, entrepreneurship, and leveraging digital platforms for success.

View Collection
Cal Newport's Book Recommendations

Cal Newport's Book Recommendations

Cal Newport is a prominent computer science professor at Georgetown University and a bestselling author known for his influential work on productivity and deep work. His groundbreaking book, "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World," has garnered widespread acclaim for its insights into maximizing cognitive performance in a distraction-filled age. Newport's other notable works include "So Good They Can't Ignore You," which challenges conventional career advice, and "Digital Minimalism," which advocates for a more intentional approach to technology use. Through his books and popular blog, Newport has become a leading voice in the discussion of work habits and digital wellness. His research and writings continue to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their approach to work and technology.

View Collection
David Kadavy's Book Recommendations

David Kadavy's Book Recommendations

David Kadavy is an author, podcast host, and creativity expert, best known for his books The Heart to Start and Design for Hackers, where he explores the intersection of creativity, productivity, and design. Kadavy's work focuses on helping creators overcome procrastination, build meaningful habits, and find motivation to pursue their creative projects. He is also the host of the Love Your Work podcast, where he interviews high-performing individuals across various fields about their creative processes and productivity techniques. Kadavy’s insights stem from his own experiences as a designer and entrepreneur, offering practical advice on how to break through mental blocks and create with intention. His work emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, creativity, and a minimalist approach to both design and life. Kadavy’s books and podcast have garnered a global audience, positioning him as a thought leader in the realms of personal development and creative success.

View Collection
Sarah Pritula's Book Recommendations

Sarah Pritula's Book Recommendations

Sarah Pritula is an acclaimed novelist known for her evocative storytelling and richly detailed characters. Her debut novel, "Whispers of the Forgotten," won the prestigious Man Booker Prize in 2015, establishing her as a formidable voice in contemporary literature. Pritula's work often explores themes of memory, identity, and the human condition, resonating deeply with readers worldwide. In addition to her novels, she has penned numerous short stories and essays, many of which have been featured in prominent literary journals. Her contributions to literature have earned her a place among the most influential authors of her generation.

View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.

View Collection
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

“Essentialism is not about how to do less; it’s about how to do more by focusing on the things that really matter.”

Essentialism

By Greg McKeown

Frequently Asked Questions