Greg McKeown (born 1977 in London, England) is an author, public speaker, leadership and business strategist, and New York Times Bestselling Author. His most recent bestseller, “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” is a business and self-leadership book that discusses how to figure out what is essential, how to eliminate what’s nonessential and how to make it as effortless as possible to do what really matters. The book contains some thoughts from different philosophies and tries to create a coherent theory that touches the soul of the reader. Through the book, the author seeks to inspire a community of followers.
Essentialism is a great concept and well explained and described in this book. Lots of examples and ways to include it in your life. It is a different mindset and will take a while to implement and incorporate.This book is full of great leadership skills and insights on just how things can’t be done right. However, the book also shows the way how to make the best of them.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book include:
Getting used to the idea of ‘less but better’ may prove harder than it sounds, especially when we have been rewarded in the past for doing more . . . and more and more.
Instead of asking, ‘what do I have to give up?’ ask, ‘what do I want to go big on?’
The best asset we have for making a contribution to the world is ourselves. If we underinvest in ourselves, we damage the very tool we need to make our highest contribution.
Overall, Essentialism is a solid book for anyone wanting some existential reassurance on how to slow down in work and life. I highly recommend this book to all leaders and to anyone wanting to create a life that matters. It will help them the most.
Mukul Mojumder,Intern/ YSSE