Each one of us maybe lucky to have this one turning point in our lives. When we reach to that point we feel the world around us changing. The way we treat life also changing. And maybe we feel vice versa. Everything is get better and better. It also happens to me, when the first time I know this way of life : Essentialism. I just remember when I read this book : Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. Greg, let me say this to you, you are the best! Thank you for wrote such an incredible and memorable book. This book is my second guidance for me to living this life, I can’t say it’s the first guidance, as I have Qur’an as my compass of life. But this book indeed make it easier to live the life I’m living right now. I feel blessed.
When I’m facing some kind of confusing situations, it’s not need that big as choosing which one is better to invest, the company A or company B, or something like that. But just for the daily activity like decide do I need to buy that nice shirt or not? Or maybe where I want to have lunch for today? In that hype restaurant or the usual place? Or this is the medium one, do I have to attend the meeting or not? The essentialism always help me for that. I will always back to this way of life.
Have you ever feel you are busy but not productive enough? Have you ever feel you are overwhelmed, your life is so busy and it’s completely scattered in your personal or work life? Have you ever feel you had done so many tasks but none of it being used? Have you ever feel it’s like you always moving but you never reach anywhere? Just like circling around? Yes? Then, maybe you have to know this way of life : Essentialism, or being an Essentialist.
The main idea of The Essentialism is how to prioritize what is truly matters, essentials, and eliminate the non-essential in our lives. The core principles of the essentialism is lies to these elements : Essential Intent, meaning we have to define a clear and concise purpose that guides our decisions. For example, my essential intent write a blog is to remember and implement what I’ve already read before, and to share it to peoples who might need it. If you find it inspiring, it’s a bonus. Next we have Essential Questions, meaning we have to ask ourselves regularly, something like this : Is this task/activity/goal truly essential? I like this one, when I have to decide something is truly matters or not, I always this to my self, Is this truly essential to my goals and values? Will saying yes to this commitment align with my essential intent? If I eliminate this one, will it be negative impact or not? Just try to always ask ourselves regularly if we need the answer. And then, Essential Criteria, meaning we have to set clear criteria for determining what is essential and what is not. For example, we already set this criteria : We only commit to projects that meet the following criteria which is essentials for us, like align with our goals and values, have a clear and measurable impact and can be done within reasonable time frame. And the last one is Essential Boundaries, meaning we have to set boundaries to protect our time, energy and focus. All of my friends already know, it’s hard to meet me at the weekend, as I always say to them, weekend is a family time. No space for others.
So, here’s the keys of the Essentialism. First, Focus in the vital few, identify the essentials things, tasks, activities and goals that will have the greater impact. Second, Eliminate the trivial many, learn to say NO to non-essentials things, tasks, commitments and distractions. Last but not least, Discipline in the pursuit of less, develop the discipline to prioritize what is truly essentials and avoid the temptation of non essentials activities. I happened to went into many flashy fashion show before as I got invited. But as now I don’t catch the latest trends, stick to the basic fashion, I do not find it needed again, it’s not essentials to me. Even though the temptations is still there. To be honest, it’s kinda refreshing to see the beautiful dress, the catwalk, the lights, the ambiance. But as it not essentials and do not align to my values and goals, I have to let it slide.
I can say firmly and proudly, if we consistent to pursue this way of life, our life will be way more easier than before. We live a more intentional, focused and fulfilling life. We can achieve more with less effort. I want to end this writing by deliver this words from Greg McKeown for us to contemplate : Take a deep breath. Get present in the moment and ask yourself what is important this very second.
Love,
Kirana
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