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Determining the Essentials

Writer's picture: juan@wbhintl.comjuan@wbhintl.com

The art of focusing on what truly matters has never been more critical.

Rather than doing more, I´m striving to live a life centered on what is truly essential. A philosophy of life that encourages me to do less—but better.

Here’s how you can determine your essentials based on McKeown's transformative insights.


1. Adopt the Essentialist Mindset

The journey begins with a mindset shift. Essentialism isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things. This means acknowledging the trade-offs in life: every “yes” is a “no” to something else. Essentialists pause to reflect before committing, asking, “Is this the most important thing I could be doing with my time and resources?”

Action Step: Make a commitment to prioritize quality over quantity in every area of your life.


2. Clarify Your Purpose

To determine what’s essential, you must first identify your purpose. McKeown emphasizes the importance of deeply understanding your values and long-term goals. Without clarity, it's easy to get pulled in multiple directions by competing priorities.

Action Step: Write down your mission in life or define your most important goals. Use these as a filter for making decisions.


3. Explore and Evaluate

Essentialists don’t rush to say “yes.” Instead, they carefully explore and evaluate options to ensure they align with their purpose. This involves a disciplined and methodical approach to discerning what truly matters. McKeown suggests asking yourself three key questions:

• What am I deeply passionate about?

• What meets a real need or creates value?

• What leverages my strengths or talents?

Action Step: Create a list of your current commitments. Assess which align with your passions, values, and strengths. Eliminate those that don’t.


4. Embrace the Power of No

One of the hardest lessons in Essentialism is learning to say “no.” McKeown reminds us that saying “no” to non-essentials is saying “yes” to what truly matters. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, setting boundaries is a hallmark of successful essentialists.

Action Step: Practice saying “no” gracefully but firmly. Use phrases like, “I’m focusing on my priorities right now, so I can’t commit.”


5. Eliminate Non-Essentials

Determining the essentials is only half the battle; eliminating the non-essentials is just as crucial. McKeown introduces the concept of “editing” your life, akin to a filmmaker cutting scenes that don’t serve the story. This can include tasks, commitments, or even relationships that no longer align with your purpose.

Action Step: Identify areas of your life that feel cluttered or draining. Systematically remove or delegate non-essential responsibilities.


6. Focus and Flow

Once you’ve clarified your essentials, the next step is to create space to focus. McKeown highlights the importance of deep work and protecting your time. By creating routines and removing distractions, you can operate in a state of flow, maximizing your impact on what matters most.

Action Step: Dedicate specific times in your schedule for deep, uninterrupted work on essential tasks.


7. Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness

Essentialism is not just a productivity hack; it’s a philosophy for a more meaningful life. By focusing on what truly matters, you’re likely to experience greater satisfaction and joy. McKeown encourages readers to savor life’s essentials and be present in the moment.

Action Step: Cultivate a daily gratitude practice. Reflect on what truly enriches your life and celebrate it.


Essentialism is about designing a life of meaning and impact by focusing on what truly matters. It’s not about doing more but about doing less—better. By adopting the principles of Essentialism, you can create the clarity, discipline, and focus needed to thrive in a chaotic world.

Remember: If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.

What are the essentials in your life? Start your journey to discovering them today.



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