My business book club recently read “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown.
I didn’t immediately chime with the message, finding it more than I felt I could commit to. Basically, Greg suggests that we pare down our priorities to the absolute bare minimum and reject anything else that doesn’t fit with achieving those priorities.
However clearly something had gone into my brain.
Because last week, I found myself in the same situation several times where I had a choice between family and friends or working more. And I chose to invest my time in family and friends. And it was an easy decision, although it means I’ve got more to do this week. Their availability (and in the case of my teenage daughter, willingness!) trumped everything else.
This week my priority is work and other things will have to give. Everything is a trade off. But the renewal and refreshed sense I have from having chosen friends and family over working longer last week will stay with me and carry me through.
Nice one Greg. Can’t promise I’ll be totally on-message at all times, but I’m getting there.