--- title: Essentialism and My Life as an Essentialist description: I read Essentialism, The Disciplined Pursuit for Less by Greg McKeown. I listed down my takeaways and how it helped me minimize the stress in my life. image: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/hs-fs/file-1926996626-jpg/Images/Blog_Images/book-cover.jpg --- [sdd](http://www.viewfromthetop.com/) # View from the Summit ## [Essentialism and My Life as an Essentialist](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/essentialism-the-disciplined-pursuit-of-less) Posted by [Aaron Walker](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/author/aaron-walker) on Oct 22, 2014 4:49:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Essentialism by Greg McKeown](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/hs-fs/file-1926996626-jpg/Images/Blog_Images/book-cover.jpg?width=300&name=book-cover.jpg "Essentialism by Greg McKeown") A couple months ago I was challenged to read the book [Essentialism, The Disciplined Pursuit of Less](http://gregmckeown.com/essentialism-the-disciplined-pursuit-of-less/) by [Greg McKeown](http://gregmckeown.com/bio/).  Deciding to read it was not a hard decision for me at all since I have been on this journey now for 2 years to minimize the stress in my life. I discovered that growing through subtraction is a lot easier than growing through addition. I have learned to ask what are the things in my life that I need to eliminate? What can I stop doing that doesn't provide value? We can always add more to our plate, but I wanted quality, not quantity.  Don't you want the best for your family? Don't you want to live life to its fullest? Have you discovered yet the immeasurable value of time?  --- ## Have you discovered yet the immeasurable value of time? ### When you become an essentialist you discover what is really important.   - Faith - Family - Relationships Why waste your time with all the nonessentials of life when being selective and choosing the "best basic essentials" for your family is significantly more gratifying.  Choosing great over good for your family is a really a sweet spot to be in. Non essentialist believe we have to conquer the world and have it all. We kill ourselves in the process, lose our families and die an old rich lonely man.  ### Well, I choose to live as an essentialist. I schedule free time, keep my family first and then die hoping to leave a legacy that exudes generosity, faithfulness and purpose. How about you? I have started [ISI (Iron Sharpens Iron) mastermind group](http://blog.viewfromthetop.com/blog/what-is-an-isi-or-an-iron-sharpens-iron-group) that will help you to pursue a life of excellence. Striving for genuine satisfaction and purpose. When men join together for a common purpose, amazing things happen. Are you up for the challenge? --- We will be reading through [Essentialism](http://gregmckeown.com/essentialism-the-disciplined-pursuit-of-less/) and discovering more ways to enrich ourself and our families. In the ISI group we will be studying a number of great books along the way. I'm willing to put forth the extra effort and energy to lead my family to the next level. I hope you will join me. ---   ## Need ongoing encouragement to help you be the man you want to be? Be sure to sign up for regular blog updates.   ## [![v](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/417143/b853a945-b1cb-4792-bf63-90672b81b100.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/417143/b853a945-b1cb-4792-bf63-90672b81b100) ### Subscribe to Email Updates [![25 questions every man should answer to go from success to significance](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/417143/4028023d-111b-4ac3-95f5-9ce51a8cb8d3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/417143/4028023d-111b-4ac3-95f5-9ce51a8cb8d3) ### Recent Posts [![The Steps for Men to have a more productive day](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/417143/f3284309-9ae7-46b8-8071-015d3ea3775e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/417143/f3284309-9ae7-46b8-8071-015d3ea3775e) . ### Posts by Topic - [Significance (174)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/significance) - [Clarity (155)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/clarity) - [Masterminds (146)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/masterminds) - [Motivation (146)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/motivation) - [Relationships (146)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/relationships) - [Development (138)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/development) - [Success (131)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/success) - [Life Coaching (130)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/life-coaching) - [Priorities (128)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/priorities) - [Community (119)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/community) - [Preparation (119)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/preparation) - [Character (117)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/character) - [Commitment (115)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/commitment) - [Accountability (111)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/accountability) - [Encouragement (111)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/encouragement) - [Tips (107)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/tips) - [Decisions (106)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/decisions) - [Crossroads (105)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/crossroads) - [Discipline (99)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/discipline) - [Wisdom (92)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/wisdom) - [Balance (91)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/balance) - [Self Development (79)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/self-development) - [Move Forward (77)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/move-forward) - [RoadMap (77)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/roadmap) - [Blueprint (72)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/blueprint) - [Business Coaching (68)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/business-coaching) - [Career (67)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/career) - [Consistent (63)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/consistent) - [Advice (62)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/advice) - [Family (62)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/family) - [Persistent (62)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/persistent) - [Coaching (60)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/coaching) - [Trusted Advisor (60)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/trusted-advisor) - [Business (55)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/business) - [Guide (48)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/guide) - [Network (44)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/network) - [Burden (42)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/burden) - [Integrity (42)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/integrity) - [Interviews (38)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/interviews) - [Leadership (37)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/leadership) - [Execution (35)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/execution) - [Purpose (34)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/purpose) - [Finances (32)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/finances) - [Abundance Mentality (31)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/abundance-mentality) - [Encourage (31)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/encourage) - [Determination (30)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/determination) - [Vision (30)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/vision) - [Journey (29)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/journey) - [Growth (24)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/growth) - [Communication (23)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/communication) - [Marriage (23)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/marriage) - [Mission (23)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/mission) - [Obstacles (22)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/obstacles) - [Value (21)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/value) - [Authenticity (19)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/authenticity) - [Fun (19)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/fun) - [Reputation (19)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/reputation) - [Be An Encouragement (18)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/be-an-encouragement) - [fingerprint (17)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/fingerprint) - [Connections (16)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/connections) - [Legacy (15)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/legacy) - [Parenting (15)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/parenting) - [Truth (15)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/truth) - [Gratitude (13)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/gratitude) - [Influence (13)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/influence) - [The Mastermind Playbook (13)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/the-mastermind-playbook) - [Be The Light (12)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/be-the-light) - [Strategy (12)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/strategy) - [Evaluation (11)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/evaluation) - [Attitude (10)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/attitude) - [Ideas (10)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/ideas) - [Perseverance (10)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/perseverance) - [Vision Driven Leader (10)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/vision-driven-leader) - [Vision Leader (10)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/vision-leader) - [Lift Someone Up (9)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/lift-someone-up) - [Joy (8)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/joy) - [Schedule (7)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/schedule) - [12WeekYear (6)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/12weekyear) - [Belief (6)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/belief) - [Experience (6)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/experience) - [Integration (6)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/integration) - [Investment (6)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/investment) - [Personality (6)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/personality) - [Risks (6)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/risks) - [Goals (5)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/goals) - [Grit (5)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/grit) - [Holidays (5)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/holidays) - [Inentional (5)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/inentional) - [Influencer (5)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/influencer) - [Mindset (5)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/mindset) - [Opposition (5)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/opposition) - [Procrastination (5)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/procrastination) - [value-driven (5)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/value-driven) - [Christmas (4)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/christmas) - [Expectation (4)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/expectation) - [Faith (4)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/faith) - [Freedom (4)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/freedom) - [Listen (4)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/listen) - [Mastermind Business (4)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/mastermind-business) - [Rest (4)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/rest) - [VALUES (4)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/values) - [Wife (4)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/wife) - [Branding (3)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/branding) - [Credibility (3)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/credibility) - [Discouragement (3)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/discouragement) - [Expectancy (3)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/expectancy) - [Father (3)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/father) - [Habit (3)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/habit) - [Happy (3)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/happy) - [Honesty (3)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/honesty) - [Pressure (3)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/pressure) - [Trust (3)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/trust) - [Ambition (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/ambition) - [Audience (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/audience) - [Be Happy (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/be-happy) - [Center (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/center) - [Father Figure (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/father-figure) - [Heat (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/heat) - [Improvement (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/improvement) - [Patience (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/patience) - [Podcast (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/podcast) - [Product (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/product) - [Servant (2)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/servant) - [BlackandWhite (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/blackandwhite) - [Bondage (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/bondage) - [Communicator (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/communicator) - [Compliment (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/compliment) - [Conflict (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/conflict) - [DNA (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/dna) - [Fear (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/fear) - [Humor (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/humor) - [Learship (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/learship) - [Middle (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/middle) - [Profit First (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/profit-first) - [Random (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/random) - [unique (1)](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/topic/unique) [see all](https://www.isibrotherhood.com/viewfromthesummit/essentialism-the-disciplined-pursuit-of-less#) ## [![Profit First Mike Michalowicz Book of the Month ISI mastermind](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/417143/9417b644-9661-4b64-8697-335aa0092970.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/417143/9417b644-9661-4b64-8697-335aa0092970) [![Free Personal Assessment for Men](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/417143/339bb3be-2936-4e90-9020-d63c1e439ac5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/417143/339bb3be-2936-4e90-9020-d63c1e439ac5) Stay Connected [aaron@viewfromthetop.com](mailto:aaron@viewfromthetop.com)  [615-207-3018](tel:1-615-207-3018) - [**Find us on Facebook**](https://www.facebook.com/pages/View-from-the-Top/733166460036112) - [**Find us on Linkedin**](https://www.linkedin.com/pub/aaron-walker/53/23a/64b) - [**Find us on Twitter**](https://twitter.com/VFTCoach) - [**Find us on YouTube**](https://www.youtube.com/c/aaronwalkervftt) Search ### [View from the Summit](http://www.viewfromthetop.com/view-from-the-summit/) Copyright © 2018 View from the Top 100 Hazel Path Suite A, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075