One Life, Many Roles: How Essentialism Can Guide Your Quest
Book Credit: Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Dear Fellowship,
Am I alone in thinking there are too many tasks and insufficient time? I doubt it. The weight of our responsibilities can feel as heavy as the One Ring.
I constantly feel pulled in multiple directions: daughter, sister, bestie, K-Pop enthusiast, Literary Blogger, professional, self healer. There are so many masks yet so little time. While I would call myself a she-elf of many talents, juggling the expectations of each of these roles can be exhausting at best and a disservice to myself and those around me at worst.
The saying goes, “I can do anything I put my mind to!” Sure, but even Gandalf couldn’t simultaneously be at Saruman’s Tower and Mount Doom. So, I propose we refine this saying: “I choose what I put my mind to and do it!” Life is full of distractions from our goals, so we must choose what is the MOST important.
Thus, my adventure into the world of Essentialism by Greg McKeown began.
Discern More So You Can Do Less
Essentialists evaluate more options so that they are more likely to stick to them when they make their choices. Think of Aragorn choosing his path after Gandalf’s fall in Moria. The journey was fraught with potential diversions, yet he carefully weighed his choices, considering the fellowship’s ultimate goal: to destroy the One Ring. In our own lives, we must discern the tasks that truly matter, focusing our energy on what aligns with our core purpose.
For instance, instead of saying yes to every social invitation, an essentialist might ask, “Does this align with my long-term goals?” This practice of deliberate discernment allows us to focus on fewer tasks with more significant impact, much like the elves who dedicate centuries to perfecting their crafts.
Make Trade-Offs Deliberately: Which Problem Do I Want?
As discussed in Choosing Happiness is NOT Avoiding Problems, Mark Manson wisely states, “True happiness occurs only when you find problems you enjoy having and enjoy solving.” In the context of essentialist thinking, we make trade-offs based on the goals and aspirations of our higher self. Just as Frodo chose the burden of the Ring, understanding the gravity of his decision, we, too, must choose our burdens wisely.
A trade-off is not a loss; it is autonomy. An act of the Free Will bestowed to each of us by our Creator, Source, or the Universe. When we deliberately decide which problem we want to solve, we exercise our power to curate our Dream Life—a life based on our deep desires for ourselves and those we wish to impact on our Life Adventure.
Instead of asking, “What do I have to give up?” McKeown asks, “What do I want to go big on?” This question shifts our perspective from one of scarcity to one of abundance, allowing us to focus on what truly matters.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely on Your Life Adventure
As we journey through life, let us carry the lessons of Essentialism close to our hearts. In a world full of distractions, may we have the courage to discern what is essential, make deliberate trade-offs, and ultimately, choose the path that aligns with our true purpose. The road may be long, but with clear intention, we can create a life that is meaningful and genuinely our own.
Until next time…
Here’s to growth, wisdom, and the journey ahead.
Much Love,
Jae