Right now I’m reading Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. Join in with me if you aren’t already.

I read through the section on trade-offs. The idea is that with each decision one makes, you are making a choice. If you say “yes” to something or someone, you are saying “no” to several others. I have written on this before (Say No & Say No Today).

I have to admit, I have been living the life of a non-Essentialist. I believe I can do it all. I can say yes to everyone and do everything.

As a result, I have what one friend calls “Vision A.D.D.” I am unable to focus on the most important. This leads me to do many things poorly. I say “yes” to everyone and let everyone down.

The path of an Essentialist, according to McKeown, is one that knows all to well about trade-offs. The Essentialist chooses to go big in one area and say “no” to the rest. An Essentialist chooses a path and takes it rather than being paralyzed because she said “yes” to 10 paths.

I’m a work-in-progress. The book is really helping me come to terms with my Vision A.D.D. and see I must make some choices. If I want to “go further faster” (as some say), I must say “no” so that I can say “yes” to what is most important.

What do you need to say “yes” to? Share in the comments or on social media. I’ll leave you with a quote from the book.

“Essentialists see trade-offs as an inherent part of life, not as an inherently negative part of life. Instead of asking, ‘What do I have to give up?’ they ask, ‘What do I want to go big on?’”