In 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,' Greg McKeown argues that by applying a more selective criteria for what is essential, individuals can regain control of their time and energy. The book is divided into sections such as Explore, Eliminate, and Execute, providing practical advice on distinguishing the vital few from the trivial many and eliminating non-essential activities. McKeown emphasizes the importance of clarity of focus, the ability to say 'no,' and living 'by design, not by default.' This approach helps readers achieve more by doing less and making the highest possible contribution in their personal and professional lives.
In 'Effortless', Greg McKeown offers practical tools and strategies for achieving more with less effort. The book is organized into three parts: the effortless state, effortless action, and effortless results. McKeown argues that not everything has to be hard and provides methods for turning tedious tasks into enjoyable rituals, preventing frustration, setting a sustainable pace, and automating essential tasks. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of finding easier ways to accomplish what matters most, rather than perpetually overexerting oneself[1][2][5].
The Essentialism Planner is a content-rich, 90-day guide that helps users break down their year into manageable quarters. It is based on the principles outlined in Greg McKeown's bestselling book 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less'. The planner aims to assist users in discerning the vital few tasks from the trivial many, making deliberate choices, and executing their plans with minimal effort. It includes sections for monthly and weekly overviews, reflection spaces, and tools to simplify and focus on what is truly essential[5].
In 'From Strength to Strength', Arthur C. Brooks addresses the inevitable decline in abilities that comes with aging and provides a practical guide on how to transform this period into an opportunity for growth. Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom, as well as interviews with everyday men and women, Brooks advocates for refocusing on priorities such as deep wisdom, detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress. He argues that by adapting our expectations and focusing on these areas, we can achieve increased happiness and purpose in our later years.
In 'A World Without Email', Cal Newport argues that the constant digital communication, which he terms the 'hyperactive hive mind', has become a productivity disaster. He contends that this workflow, driven by email and other messaging tools, reduces profitability, slows economic growth, and makes workers miserable. Newport proposes a workplace where clear processes, not haphazard messaging, define task management. He advocates for each person working on fewer tasks but doing them better, with significant investment in support to reduce administrative burdens. The book lays out principles and concrete instructions for streamlining important communication and reducing the central role of inboxes and chat channels in the workplace.
Greg McKeown changed the way so many leaders think about life with his New York Times Bestselling book, Essentialism. He is the founder and CEO of McKeown Inc, an organization that helps leading companies like Apple, Google, Pixar and more reach the next level of growth. In addition to Essentialism, Greg is also New York Times bestselling author of Effortless and The Essentialism Planner, a world-renowned keynote speaker, and the host of the Greg McKeown Podcast.
Greg joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to talk about how he prioritizes the essentials in his own life, living a life by design, seeking and implementing feedback, and much more.
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Elevate with Robert Glazer 
