Greg McKeown

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Definition of Essentialism

  “Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it's about how to get the right things done. It doesn't mean just doing less for the sake of less either.”

  Our noteDefining the core philosophy of Essentialism.

• Prioritize your life

  “If you don't prioritize your life, someone else will.”

  Our noteThe importance of taking control of one's own agenda.

• Embracing trade-offs

  “Essentialists see trade-offs as an inherent part of life, not as an inherently negative part of life. Instead of asking, "What do I have to give up?" they ask, "What do I want to go big on?”

  Our noteChanging the perspective on making difficult choices.

• The 90 percent rule

  “If it isn't a clear yes, then it's a clear no.”

  Our noteA simple heuristic for making decisions about opportunities.

• The myth of importance

  “Many capable people are kept from getting to the next level of contribution because they can't let go of the belief that everything is important.”

  Our noteWhy high achievers often plateau in their careers.

• Success as distraction

  “success can distract us from focusing on the essential things that produce success in the first place."”

  Our noteHow success can lead to an undisciplined pursuit of more.

• The power of no

  “What will we say no to?" It is that question that will reveal the real tensions in your team. It is that question that will uncover the core trade-offs in your organization.”

  Our noteUsing refusal as a tool for organizational clarity.

• Increasing talent density

  “If we "hire slow, fire fast" we can increase what Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix, has called the "talent density" of our organizations.”

  Our noteApplying essentialist principles to hiring and team management.

• Professionalism in boundaries

  “When we push back effectively, it shows people that our time is valuable. It distinguishes the professional from the amateur.”

  Our noteHow setting boundaries affects professional reputation.

• Simplifying organizations

  “There are only two forces in the world that simplify organizations: one is failure, the other is leadership.”

  Our noteThe role of leadership in reducing organizational complexity.