Why Essentialism by Greg McKeown Should Be Your Next Read

By William F. Nazzaro, founder of The Time to Lead Institute, leadership expert, performance and executive coach, and trusted advisor to leaders navigating transformation and cultural change.

Have you ever felt like you’re running in circles? You’re busy—so busy you barely have time to think—but at the end of the day, you wonder what you actually accomplished. I’ve been there. If this resonates with you, you need to pick up Greg McKeown’s Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.

This book made my top two reads of 2024 for a reason: it’s not just a book. It’s a call to action to simplify your life and align your choices with what truly matters. Let’s dive into why Essentialism hit home for me and how it can transform your life, too.

What Is Essentialism Really About?

At its core, Essentialism is about getting crystal clear on what’s most important—and unapologetically letting go of everything else. It’s about doing less but doing it better. McKeown doesn’t sugarcoat it: most of us are spending too much time on things that don’t matter. And it’s costing us the energy, focus, and satisfaction of pursuing what does.

Here are some key takeaways:

• The Power of Choice: You always have a choice. Saying yes to one thing means saying no to something else—so make your yeses count.
• The Courage to Say No: McKeown challenges us to say no to good opportunities so we can say yes to great ones.
• The Grace of Simplicity: Complexity doesn’t equal success. Simplify your work, goals, and commitments to create space for what truly matters.
  This isn’t about being lazy or disengaged. It’s about showing up 100% for the things that deserve your energy and saying no to the distractions that pull you off course.

Why This Book Spoke to Me

I’ve always believed in living and working with intention—but let’s be honest, the world doesn’t make that easy. We’re bombarded with demands, emails, and “urgent” priorities. It’s easy to get swept into the chaos and forget what’s truly important.

Reading Essentialism was like flipping a switch. It gave me the clarity to:

1. Reassess My Priorities: I took a hard look at where my time and energy were going. Was I focusing on the things that aligned with my values and long-term goals? Or was I getting stuck in the weeds?
2. Say No Without Guilt: This was huge for me. McKeown provides practical strategies to say no firmly but respectfully. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about protecting what matters most.
3. Design My Life with Intention: Instead of letting life happen to me, I’ve started taking control—deciding what’s essential and letting go of the rest. It’s a work in progress, but the results have been undeniable: less stress, more focus, and greater impact.

How You Can Apply Essentialism to Your Life

You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Start small. Here’s how you can begin practicing Essentialism today:

1. Adopt an Essentialist Mindset:
   • Ask yourself, “Am I majoring in minor things?” Challenge the belief that you need to do it all. Spoiler: you don’t.
2. Do a Life Audit:
   • Take stock of your commitments and responsibilities. What’s truly important? What’s draining your energy without adding value? Start letting go of the non-essentials.
3. Master the Art of Saying No:
   • Practice phrases like, “I’d love to help, but I’m fully committed right now.” Saying no creates space for the things that matter most.
4. Create Space for What Matters:
   • Build routines that prioritize your essentials—whether it’s time for deep work, personal growth, or connecting with loved ones. Protect that time fiercely.
5. Reflect Regularly:
   • Make time to reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Adjust as needed. Reflection fuels clarity and intentionality.

The Results You Can Expect

Here’s what happens when you embrace Essentialism:

• Less Stress: By eliminating the non-essential, you create breathing room.
• Sharper Focus: With fewer distractions, your energy goes to the things that truly matter.
• Better Outcomes: When you focus on less but do it better, the quality of your work and life improves exponentially.

Final Thoughts: Make 2025 the Year You Focus on What Matters

One of my favorite quotes from Essentialism is this: “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” Think about that. Every time you say yes to something unimportant, you’re saying no to something that could be truly meaningful.

This book isn’t just about productivity. It’s about designing a life that aligns with your values and purpose. If that’s something you’re striving for, I can’t recommend Essentialism enough.
So, are you ready to take back control of your time and energy? Pick up Essentialism and start saying no to the noise and yes to what truly matters. You deserve it.

Have you read Essentialism? What lessons resonated with you the most? Let’s discuss this in the comments or connect directly. I’d love to hear how you’re simplifying your life and focusing on what matters most.

👤 William F. Nazzaro is the founder of The Time to Lead Institute and an ICF-certified leadership and performance coach. A lifelong learner, William has spent over 30 years guiding organizations and senior leaders through complex transformations, helping them stay anchored, grow their influence, and build cultures where people and results matter. He believes leadership is a privilege and a choice, one worth making with integrity and heart. Learn more at www.timetolead.com.