It’s not enough to simply determine which activities and efforts don’t make the best possible contribution; you still have to actively eliminate those that do not.
Clarify: One decision that makes a thousand
A true essential intent is one that guides your greater sense of purpose, and helps you chart your life’s purpose. Done right, an essential intent is one decision that settles one thousand later decisions.
The Nonessentialist: The Essentialist:
Has a vague, general vision or mission statement Has a strategy that is concrete and inspirational
Has concrete quarterly objectives but ones that fail Has an intent that is both meaningful and memorable
to energize or inspire people to take their efforts
to the next level
Has a value set but no guiding principles Makes one decision that eliminates one thousand later decisions
for implementing them
Dare: The power of a graceful “no”
Without the courage to say “no,” the disciplined pursuit of less is just lip service.
The Nonessentialist: The Essentialist:
Avoids saying no to avoid feeling social awkwardness and pressure Dares to say no firmly, resolutely, and gracefully
Says yes to everything Says yes only to the things that really matter
Uncommit: Win big by cutting your losses
“Uncommitting” can be harder than simply not committing in the first place. We feel guilty saying no to something or someone we have already committed to.
The Nonessentialist: The Essentialist:
Asks, “Why stop now when I’ve already Asks, “If I weren’t already invested in this project, how much would I invest in it now?”
invested so much in this project?”
Thinks, “If I just keep trying, I can make this work." Thinks, “What else could I do with this time or money if I pulled the plug now?”
Hates admitting to mistakes Comfortable with cutting losses