I really think I've tried just about every productivity and to-do list tip, trick, hack, and app. Trying to make a day seem more like a day and a half. In the past, I definitely fell into the societal belief that more is better. But, no matter our … [Read more...]
Essentialism Blog Posts
Articles about essentialism, being an essentialist, the Essentialism book by Greg McKeown, essentialism philosophy, and more.
Forget “How-To” — “When” by Daniel Pink is a “When-To” Book (Book Summary)
I devoured Daniel Pink's new book When in just a few sittings. It's an eye-opening and quick read. And, it couldn't have come at a more opportune time because I have some BIG NEWS to share. Yesterday marked the end (at least for now) of a a 10+ … [Read more...]
You can’t do ALL the Life Hacks, and that’s OK
A recent Zen Habits excerpt by Leo Babauta inspired this post: It’s something most of us deal with every day, often without realizing it’s there: a feeling of time scarcity. We know it well: the feeling of having too much to do and not enough time … [Read more...]
Slow Hack 004: The Paradox of Choice — Even Not Choosing is a Choice
I've been seeing the word "choice" pop up everywhere lately. So much so that I searched all of my saved Evernote notes for the word "choice," and it showed up in over 20 notes! We all make choices every single day—some big, some small. Some are … [Read more...]
Ikigai: The Japanese Purpose or “Reason for Being”
Looking for a book summary of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles? You can find that Ikigai book summary here. I've read and personally explored a lot about purpose over the last few years. … [Read more...]
Slow Hack 003: The 5 Whys—Root Cause Analysis for Better Problem Solving
The 5 Whys: Root Cause Analysis for Better Problem Solving This slow living hack is easy to explain but not always easy to implement (especially consistently). Asking "Why?" five times is a technique to help you get to the root cause of a … [Read more...]
Slow Hack 002: Define Your Life Roles Using The Four Burners Theory
What is the Four Burners Theory? As far as I can tell, the Four Burners Theory originated in a 2009 article in The New Yorker. The burners are referring to the burners on a stove: "Not a real stove but a symbolic one." 'One burner represents your … [Read more...]
Slow Hack 001: Just-in-Time Learning vs. Always-On Learning
Just-in-Time Learning vs. Always-On Learning • In the digital age of information (and opinion) overload, it's easier than ever to consume: scrolling social media, reading blogs, checking news sites, watching videos, listening to podcasts, you name … [Read more...]
10 Life (& Work) Hacks from “Essentialism” (Book Summary)
Some essentials about Essentialism by Greg McKeown • Let's kick things off with the Essentialism elevator pitch. If you only have one minute to read this, here you go: Definition: Author Greg McKeown says the most fitting definition of … [Read more...]
The Secret of Productivity is a VERY BIG Waste Paper Basket
A True Essentialist • I recently finished Greg McKeown's book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (Essentialism book summary here). Like most great books, I have a ton of underlines, highlights, and notes. However, there are usually one … [Read more...]
