The best asset we have for making a contribution to the world is ourselves. If we underinvest in ourselves, we damage the very tool we need to make our highest contribution. One of the most common ways people–especially ambitious, successful people–damage this asset is through a lack of sleep.
By “protecting their asset” Essentialists are able to go about their daily lives with a reserve of energy, creativity, and problem-solving ability to call upon when needed–unlike Nonessentialists, who can never know when and where they’ll be hijacked by their own fatigue.
Nonessentialist thinks
- One hour less of sleep equals one more hour of productivity
- Sleep is for failures
- Sleep is a luxury
- Sleep breeds laziness
- Sleep gets in the way of “doing it all”
Essentialist knows
- One hour more of sleep equals several more hours of much higher productivity
- Sleep is for high performers
- Sleep is a priority
- Sleep breeds creativity
- Sleep enables the highest levels of mental contribution
Sleep will enhance your ability to explore, make connections, and do less but better throughout your waking hours.
* Source: Essentialism by Greg McKeown