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Essentialism by Greg Mckeown : Cat Reads

February 19, 2018

I’m Catherine.
A New Orleans based wedding photographer and educator. We are excited you are here and cannot wait to connect with you!.
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At the beginning of 2018 I decided that I was going to start a new challenge of reading 20 minutes a day. It’s such a perfect example of how you do something a little a day and before you know it…the entire book has been read! I’m not usually one to pick up a book and stop halfway. So, I am thankful that both of the books I have read so far this year have been good ones! I hate when I get halfway through and either do not like it or feel like I have to finish!!!

The first book I read I wrote about HERE! If you are a creative and looking for a bit of inspiration be sure to check it out!!

All of the books I am reading this year I am taking recommendations on. I follow lots of creatives on social media such as Nancy Ray and Val Marie Paper who often share their current read! So far…I haven’t been let down by the recommendations. <3

This last book I especially love; it is called Essentialism (by Greg Mckeown)!

When I first heard of the book, I immediately thought the topic was going to revolve around minimal living and eliminating the excess of tangible things in your life….which IS something that I am interested in. But I was wrong!

The book is actually about eliminating the tasks and things that accumulate in your life that do not matter! Gosh, how many times have I committed to a skype call, lunch, email, conversation, task, photo session, job, social event etc etc etc that was not either something that I really, truly wanted to do…or something that was placing me in the direction of my overall goal?!?!

Do you do this too?!

Some of my business takeaways from the book were :

1. Know where you are going!

Yes being busy CAN be a good thing but what is BETTER is knowing WHERE you are going. So try not to get too caught up in doing, doing, without knowing where you are going. WHEW! This one is a doozy and probably the biggest challenge for me personally because I love to be busy! But it’s true. Why be busy going in circles when you can focus and move every day an inch or two closer to your goal.

2. Do not get distracted by things that do not align with those goals!

So for example, if you want to be the BEST wedding photographer there is do not busy yourself doing photoshoots that revolve around another specialty such as product or commercial photography. Focus instead on practicing , networking in the industry, and learning about wedding photography! This will take you where you want to go!

3. Choose your “Big Three”.

I am not sure exactly where I heard this phrase before but I think it also falls in line with this book. I know Jenna Kutcher and Nancy Ray both used this methodology as well…but it basically means that first thing when you wake is not just start the day. Instead, outline the THREE things you HAVE to do that day in order to feel accomplished! I have started implementing this strategy and I love it. I cannot tell you how many times I have just jumped straight into email or editing and 5 hours later I do not know where the time went!! By setting specific goals and tackling them first you are doing what matters MOST!

So much of our stress comes from trying to be all the things to all the people all the time. Stop. Focus on your goals, your real, true relationships and the direction that you are headed in! Oh…and while you are at it make sure to READ THIS BOOK! It’s a good one.

Also, if you are a creative entrepreneur you should most definitely tune into our podcast! It’s all about helping others like you embrace their imperfections and pursue your passion for a living!

PS:  Affiliate links are used in this post with which I do receive a commission. This type of business structure allows me to continue bringing you good content. 🙂

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