Essentialists invest the time they have saved by eliminating the nonessentials into designing a system to make execution look almost effortless.
Buffer: the unfair advantage
Essentialists accept the reality that we can never fully anticipate or prepare for every scenario or eventuality. Instead, they build buffers to reduce the friction caused by the unexpected.
The Nonessentialist: The Essentialist:
Assumes the best-case scenario will happen Builds in a buffer for unexpected events
Forces execution at the last minute Practices extreme and early preparation
Subtract: Bring forth more by removing obstacles
Essentialists systematically identify and remove constraints so that they will be able to significantly reduce the friction keeping them from executing the essential.
The Nonessentialist: The Essentialist:
Piles on quick-fix solutions Removes obstacles to progress
Does more Brings forth more
Progress: The power of small wins
The Essentialist starts small and celebrates progress, pursuing small and simple wins in areas that are essential.
The Nonessentialist: The Essentialist:
Starts with a big goal and gets small results Starts small and gets big results
Goes for the flashiest win Celebrates small acts of progress
Flow: The genius of routine
The Essentialist designs a routine that makes achieving what they have identified as essential the default position.
The Nonessentialist: The Essentialist:
Tries to execute the essentials by force Designs a routine that enshrines what is essential, making execution almost effortless
Allows nonessentials to be the default Makes the essential the default position