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- TPS #33– King Midas (The Essence of Essentialism)
TPS #33– King Midas (The Essence of Essentialism)
Read Time: 4 Minutes
Ever heard the story of King Midas?
He wished for everything he touched to turn to gold.
On the surface, it seemed like a good idea, right?
But I’m sure by now, you know how that story ends…
He realized the cost of his wish.
Well, we entrepreneurs are kinda like that.
We want to touch everything.
Do everything.
Be everything.
But let's be real - being King Midas isn't as glamorous as it sounds.
It’s exhausting, overwhelming, and downright unsustainable.
I mean, if everything you touched actually turned to gold, you’d probably die of hunger, thirst, or something even weirder.
That’s what’s happening to today's entrepreneurs.
So many shiny objects everywhere.
So, what's the antidote to the Midas Touch?
Meet Essentialism.
It's not about getting more done in less time. It's about getting only the right things done. It's the disciplined pursuit of less but better.
Essentialism is the equivalent of a gold detector, helping you spot the nuggets worth turning into gold.
Because I’m sure, you have TONS of tasks to do.
But Pareto’s principle is pretty clear here. 20% of work drives 80% of results.
Here are three key lessons from the Essentialist playbook:
The Gentle Art of Saying No
Saying no isn't easy.
But it's the ticket to preserving your time, energy, and focus for the important stuff.
Every time you say yes to something insignificant, you're saying no to something significant.
That’s where I found my “aha” moment.
It’s hard for most people to realize, but by saying yes, you’re also saying no to other opportunities.
Making the opportunities we do spend our time in all that more significant.
Clarity is King
Essentialism is all about gaining clarity on what truly matters.
Separating the wheat from the chaff, the diamonds from the rough, the signal from the noise.
Get clear on your mission, your goals, and your tasks - then go all in.
It’s okay to take time to be clear.
Otherwise, you’re just a hamster running on the wheel.
But once you get clear, don’t waste the time. Put your pedal tp the metal.
Were’ meant to work like lions, not cows (h/t Naval)
Wait, Strike, Feast, Repeat.
Less But Better
Essentialists embrace the mantra "less but better."
It's not about a packed schedule but about creating space to breathe, think, and create. It's about doing fewer tasks but executing them excellently.
Like that old saying, “Quality, not quantity.”
Well, that really rings true here.
Let's put Essentialism into action, shall we?
Just Say No
Okay, yes, that’s easier than it sounds.
But start practicing the art of saying no. (Because, yes, it is an art form. Isn’t everything)
Not with a heart full of guilt but with a heart full of purpose.
Time is the most valuable resource we humans have.
So protect it like a hawk.
Because once gone, you can't get it back.
You can ALWAYS make more money. It’s not finite.
Mission Statement 2.0
(This is ultra-important)
Carve out some time to get crystal clear on what matters to you and your business.
What's your mission?
Your vision?
Your goals?
Write them down. Revisit them often. Hang them up on your wall
If you suddenly find that what you're doing doesn’t align with your larger purpose.
Then it’s time to stop & recalibrate.
This is what separates the long-distance runners in entrepreneurship vs the 100m dashers.
Embrace the Power of Less
Start delegating or dropping tasks that aren't aligned with your mission.
Say goodbye to "busy work" and hello to meaningful, impactful work.
Again, I know, easier said than actually done.
But essentialism isn't just a mindset. It's a way of life. It’s the permission slip we all need to stop trying to do it all, to stop saying yes to everyone, so we can make our highest contribution towards the things that really matter.
It’s about time you’ve cured your midas touch and stopped chasing shiny objects.
Until next time, live in the present.
Peace out,
Hunter.
PS: Whenever you're ready, here are two-way I can help you with:
Get all my FREE templates & 35% off ALL premium systems with code “TPS35” → Shop
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