Let’s not pretend your team didn’t try this week. You probably worked hard. Everyone always does. But did the work move smoothly… or did it feel like sprinting through sand?
In The Matrix, Neo learns he doesn’t have to dodge every bullet — he just needs to understand the system. Same thing here. When GovCon efforts go sideways, it’s rarely about effort. It’s about design. Rework? Late input? Proposal drama? That’s not bad luck. That’s a system without feedback loops.
McKeown’s Essentialism reminds us that essential work only happens when you eliminate the nonessential — and build around what matters. Take 20 minutes. Look back. Where did your system drop you this week? That’s your upgrade roadmap.
Why I liked it…
- Focuses your energy: Helps you cut distractions and prioritize high-impact work.
- System-focused: Encourages designing repeatable processes over chasing shifting goals.
- Protects time: Promotes boundaries that support clarity, strategy, and smarter decision-making under pressure.
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