In the book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, author Greg McKeown states that essential intent is a clear statement that is more specific and measurable than a mission statement and, at the same time, more inspiring than quarterly goals. When we boil our work down to essential intent, we make the one decision that makes 1,000 decisions. This bears a resemblance to the concept of intention in the Bullet Journal method.
Once we embrace our essential intent, our mindset shifts. It’s no longer about the fear of missing out (FOMO) on easy and attractive opportunities. Instead, our focus is on what we choose to say no to, so we can devote our full attention to what truly matters to us. This shift in mindset is a powerful tool in our journey towards personal development and productivity.
Essential intent gives us the courage and clarity to say no to non-essential things. Two examples from the book are Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat and Stephen R Covey declining the invitation to a banquet from an old friend so he can spend time with her daughter.