Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

While Essentialism offers valuable insights and practical techniques for prioritization and focus, one could argue that the book overlooks the realities of individuals who may not have the luxury of choosing which tasks or commitments to eliminate due to financial instability, job security, and access to resources. For example, the book promotes the idea of saying no to nonessential tasks, which can imply that individuals have the option to decline opportunities without significant consequences. This advice may not resonate with individuals who are in less privileged positions, such as those with low-income jobs or precarious employment. For these individuals, saying no to opportunities or commitments may come with greater risks, such as financial instability or missed career advancements.

A 2022 Forbes article with contributions from 10 business and leadership experts voices this dilemma: “Over time, company leaders and executives typically develop a talent for saying ‘no’ to requests in a clear and respectful way. However, it can be very challenging for lower-level employees to say ‘no’ to a request from anyone at any level” (Expert Panel. “10 Times It’s Appropriate For A Professional To Say ‘No’ At Work.” Forbes, 31 May 2022).