In Effortless, author and CEO Greg McKeown makes a persuasive case for how harder work doesn't always yield the best results.

We're often told that the secret to getting ahead is hard work.

But what if the key to success is not putting in more effort but less?

Author and CEO Greg McKeown struck a nerve with the book Essentialism, which taught readers to focus their effort on the things that matter most.

Now a high-profile blogger and strategist as well as a Young Global Leader for the World Economic Forum, McKeown has followed up his bestseller with more advice on working smarter, not harder.

Blending a wealth of practical guidance with real-world examples ranging from ancient history to modern business, Effortless shows how working harder can often be counterproductive, while clever hacks can lead to better net outcomes.