Prioritise Your Life Or Someone Else Will

In his New York Times bestseller "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less", author Greg McKeown advocates that Essentialism is more than a time-management strategy or a productivity technique.

Instead, he argues, it is a systematic discipline for discerning what is essential.

It then eliminates everything that is not essential so we can make the highest possible contribution toward the things that matter.

Imagine this: You wake up to a barrage of emails, notifications, and demands vying for your attention. Your to-do list seems to grow longer by the minute, yet you find yourself spinning your wheels, unable to make meaningful progress.

Sound familiar?

You're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, it's all too easy to be lured into the trap of being extremely busy but without purpose, constantly reacting to the demands of others instead of proactively charting your course.

McKeown offers a beacon of hope in the form of Essentialism—the art of discerning what truly matters and ruthlessly eliminating everything else.

Let's unpack this concept further and explore how prioritising our lives can lead to greater fulfilment, productivity, and happiness.

1. Mastering Prioritisation: Your Life, Your Terms

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by many responsibilities, expectations, and opportunities. The adage "prioritise or someone else will" resonates powerfully in a world constantly demanding our attention.

The danger of non-essentialism is a world where we spread ourselves thin, trying to please everyone and do everything. We say yes to every request, attend every meeting, and take on every project, all in the name of being productive and helpful.

But in reality, we end up overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out, with little to show for our efforts.

Take Sarah, a dedicated employee who prides herself on being a team player.

She's constantly saying yes to extra projects and volunteering to take on additional responsibilities, hoping to impress her manager and climb the corporate ladder. But despite her best efforts, Sarah feels exhausted and unfulfilled, with little time or energy left for the things that truly matter to her.

In contrast to Sarah, we can reclaim our time, energy, and sanity by focusing on what truly matters and eliminating the rest.

According to McKeown, Essentialism isn't about doing more; it's about doing less but better. It's about being deliberate in our choices, saying no to distractions and non-essential commitments, and prioritising the activities that align with our values and goals.

Consider John, a successful entrepreneur.

Instead of chasing every shiny opportunity that comes his way, John carefully evaluates each option against his long-term vision and goals.

He says no to anything that doesn't align with his priorities, allowing him to focus his time and energy on the projects that truly matter and drive meaningful results.

2. The Conundrum of Endless Choices

Never before have we had so many choices vying for our attention.

The digital age bombards us with options, from career opportunities to social engagements.

While choice can be empowering, the paradox lies in the potential overwhelm it brings.

Without a conscious effort to prioritise, we risk becoming slaves to the moment's demands rather than the architects of our destiny.

In a world where everyone and everything clamours for our time, energy, and resources, the ability to discern what truly matters becomes a defining skill.

The ability to simplify your choices is therefore key and it starts by decisively choosing to be more selective in what information we choose to focus on.

3. The Power of Saying No

Central to the art of prioritisation is the oft-underestimated ability to say no. It's a word that carries immense power. It has the power to protect our time, energy, and sanity.

Yet, many find it challenging to utter this two-letter word, fearing it may lead to missed opportunities or strained relationships.

However, one of the most powerful tools in the essentialist's arsenal is the ability to say no.

Saying no isn't about being rude or selfish; it's about setting boundaries and protecting our time and energy.

It is essential to say no to the trivial many and yes to the crucial few; the activities and relationships that bring us joy, fulfilment, and meaning.

Take Emma, a people-pleaser who struggles to say no to requests from family and friends. She finds herself constantly overcommitted and overwhelmed, sacrificing her needs and priorities to accommodate others. This may lead to her avoiding her family and friends.

But when Emma learns to prioritise her well-being and set healthy boundaries, she discovers a newfound sense of freedom and empowerment, allowing her to focus on the things that truly matter to her.

4. The Disciplined Pursuit of Less: Quality Over Quantity

At its core, Essentialism is about discerning what truly matters and ruthlessly eliminating the rest.

It advocates for a deliberate focus on fewer things done exceptionally well rather than spreading oneself thin across numerous tasks.

This approach challenges the notion that more is always better, emphasising the value of depth over breadth. In other words it is all about the proverbial quality over quantity.

5. Prioritising Your Life on Your Terms

Prioritising your life is an act of self-empowerment.

It's about reclaiming agency over your time and consciously directing your energy toward what aligns with your values and long-term goals.

In a world that often measures success by the quantity of one's achievements, the disciplined pursuit of less offers a counterintuitive yet profoundly effective strategy.

It's not about doing more; it's about doing more of what truly matters.

6. The Pitfalls of Overcommitment

Overcommitment is a common pitfall that arises when priorities are unclear and is closely linked to an inability to say no.

It is easier than you might imagine to fall into the trap of saying yes to every opportunity or request that comes your way. Is it because we tend to be driven by a fear of missing out or a desire to please others?

However, overcommitment often leads to burnout, diminished quality of work, and strained relationships.

In life's journey, prioritisation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of reflection and adjustment.

As we navigate the complexities of our personal and professional spheres, the disciplined pursuit of less serves as a guiding principle.

It reminds us that true success lies not in the number of our endeavours but in the quality of our choices.

"Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" provides a compelling argument for prioritising our lives and guarding our time and energy.

By discerning what truly matters, eliminating the non-essential, and saying no to distractions, we can reclaim control over our lives and unlock greater fulfilment, productivity, and happiness.

So, dear reader, I leave you with this question: Will you prioritise your life, or will someone else do it for you? The choice is yours.

Until next time, may you find the strength to say no to non-essential things.

Dion Le Roux