3 Big Steps To Living A Life Of Essentialism

Juggling countless tasks, commitments, and distractions is easy in the whirlwind of modern life. Amidst this chaos, I stumbled upon Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, which introduced me to a life-changing philosophy centered around three core principles: essence, explore, and eliminate. These principles are not just about doing less but about making space for what truly matters. Let me take you on my journey of discovering essentialism and how it has transformed my life.

Essence: Using Ikigai to Figure Out My Priorities

Understanding my essence was the first crucial step. Essence is all about discerning what is vital and eliminating the rest. To uncover my essence, I embraced the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese term that means “reason for being.” Imagine a Venn diagram where your passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect. That sweet spot is your Ikigai.

For me, this process was like peeling back layers of an onion. I asked myself, “What do I love?” “What am I good at?” “What does the world need?” and “What can I be paid for?” By identifying these elements, I began prioritizing my actions and focusing on my highest point of contribution. It became clear that less is indeed more. I started to value quality over quantity, ensuring that every action aligned with my core purpose and values.

Greg McKeown encapsulates this beautifully: “Only once you give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all, to stop saying yes to everyone, can you make your highest contribution towards the things that matter.”

Explore: Challenging Assumptions with Critical Thinking and Mental Models

Once I clearly understood my essence, it was time to explore my options. This step was all about broadening my perspective and considering different possibilities. To do this effectively, I relied on critical thinking and mental models. Critical thinking allowed me to analyze facts objectively and form well-rounded judgments, while mental models provided frameworks to interpret the world more effectively.

Think of critical thinking and mental models as a pair of binoculars. They helped me see beyond my immediate assumptions and biases, enabling me to explore a landscape of possibilities. I questioned my preconceived notions, sought feedback, and remained curious. This exploration ensured my decisions were well-informed and aligned with my essential priorities.

McKeown’s words resonate here: “Instead of trying to accomplish it all—and all at once—and flaring out, the Essentialist starts small and celebrates progress. Instead of going for the big, flashy wins that don’t matter, the Essentialist pursues small and simple wins in essential areas.”

Eliminate: Mastering Time Blocking to Optimize My Capacity

The final step was eliminating the non-essential, the most challenging yet rewarding part of the journey. I adopted time blocking, allocating specific blocks of time for different tasks and activities. This practice transformed my approach to daily tasks, helping me focus on one thing at a time, reduce multitasking, and better manage my energy and attention.

Time blocking is like creating a blueprint for your day. By scheduling distinct periods for each task, I could see where I was wasting time and identify non-essential activities. This revelation was powerful. I became more productive and focused, with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.

Greg McKeown’s advice is invaluable: “If it isn’t a clear yes, then it’s a no.”

Embracing Essentialism in Everyday Life

Essentialism isn’t just about doing less; it’s about making space for what truly matters. By using Ikigai to determine my essence, applying critical thinking and mental models to explore options, and practicing time blocking to eliminate the non-essential, I’ve found a way to lead a more focused, meaningful, and impactful life.

Imagine a life where every action is intentional, every decision well-informed, and every moment is aligned with your deepest values. This is the promise of essentialism. I encourage you to embark on this journey with me. Start by understanding your essence, explore your options with an open mind, and don’t be afraid to eliminate what doesn’t serve you.

Call to Action

Are you ready to transform your life with the disciplined pursuit of less? Here are three steps to get you started, each with a detailed checklist to guide you:

Find Your Ikigai: Discover Your Essence

1. Reflect on what activities make you lose track of time.
2. Identify tasks at which you naturally excel without much effort.
3. List problems in the world you are passionate about solving.
4. Determine skills that people frequently ask you for help with.
5. Consider which of your hobbies or interests could potentially be monetized.
6. Write down what you would do if money were no object.
7. Identify your core values and how they align with your daily activities.
8. Ask trusted friends and family what they see as your strengths.
9. Create a Venn diagram to visualize how your passions, talents, and opportunities intersect.
10. Prioritize activities that fall at the intersection of these areas.

Challenge Your Assumptions: Explore Possibilities

1. Identify any assumptions you hold about your abilities and opportunities.
2. List common biases that might influence your decisions.
3. Research alternative perspectives on your current challenges.
4. Seek feedback from mentors or colleagues on your ideas.
5. Use the “Five Whys” technique to dig deeper into your motivations.
6. Apply the “Inversion” mental model: consider the opposite of your plan.
7. Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts.
8. Keep a journal of your thoughts and revisit them regularly for new insights.
9. Engage in discussions with people who have different viewpoints.
10. Ask yourself, “Is this the best way to achieve my goal?”

Master Time Blocking: Eliminate the Non-Essential

1. Identify your most productive times of the day.
2. Break your day into blocks of focused work, breaks, and personal time.
3. Prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines.
4. Schedule blocks for deep work without interruptions.
5. Allocate specific times for checking emails and messages.
6. Set boundaries to minimize distractions during work blocks.
7. Review your schedule at the end of each day and adjust as necessary.
8. Use a planner or digital tool to keep track of your time blocks.
9. Reflect weekly on how well your time blocks align with your priorities.
10. Be flexible and adjust your blocks as you learn more about optimal working patterns.

Join me in embracing essentialism and discovering the art of living a more intentional and fulfilling life. Together, we can create a world where less truly is more.