Aligning with Your Greatest Contributions

I had a great call with a colleague where she introduced me to an idea that I understand, but didn’t have the words for - Essentialism. The term has been coined, in this context​, by Greg McKeown. 

Paraphrased, he defines Essentialism as identifying your point of highest contribution to the world and then focusing your available time, energy, and resources in that direction. 

The tricky part of essentialism is that it also means letting go of, or saying no to, things that aren’t where your highest contribution to the world is. 

My colleague said that when she and her family all got hit with COVID-19, she was forced to begin an exploration of how to focus on the ways in which her greatest contribution is manifested. That meant saying no to projects or clients that were not aligned. 

Over the past year, I've noticed that I've begun saying no to work that I could do, but isn't aligned with my greatest contribution. 

Instead I refer this worthy work to others who I have confidence in. I’m making the kinds of choices that assure that my efforts, and ultimately my business, will have the greatest impact. 

This is so scary for me because, until recently, I’ve lived a frantically busy life of saying yes to every request that comes my way. As my colleague and I discussed, when you are highly capable, an avid researcher, and have an overflowing tool box, you can do almost anything. Getting used to the discomfort of saying, “No, but I know someone who does this really well” is a journey. 

McKeown suggests that when you understand and commit to your essential intent, you make one decision that results in having made 1,000 decisions. 

How awesome is that? 

One strategic choice eliminates considering hundreds of other options. 

I can’t wait to dig deeper into McKeown’s work because it speaks to where I am right now - simplifying and digging deep into what my greatest contributions are to the world. 

Where might you benefit from taking a look at what your point of greatest contribution is? 

How might your life feel more easeful if you commit to your greatest contribution and say no where you’ve often regretted saying yes? 

You check out more about Essentialism and McKeown’s work here: https://gregmckeown.com