Kraig Adams

notes on Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Decide What Matters

  • What is something essential in your life that you are under-investing in?

  • Why does it matter to you?

  • Determine what ideas or projects you want to complete.

Finding Space to Focus

  • How do we eliminate the non-essential?

  • Build dedicated time in your week to decide what is essential. Consider using pen and paper to avoid distractions.

The Art of the Slow “Yes” & Learning to Un-Commit

  • Once we commit to something, we’re invested in it (makes it harder to step away).

  • We often allow other people to continually make their problem, our problem.

  • Consider times you’ve said “yes” to something, but felt a little resentful about it.

Executing Essentialism in Your Life

  • Start a new routine with a small commitment, then reevaluate.

  • Consistency is more important than quality (when building routine).

  • Make it easy to do what is essential, hard to do what is non-essential.

  • By routinizing your regular tasks, you save your creative energy for more important projects.