by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
Problem
In a world where multitasking and information overload have become the norm, individuals often find themselves divided among many tasks, struggling to prioritize, focus, and effectively achieve their goals. This often leads to subpar results, burnout, and a sense of unfulfillment.
Promise
“The One Thing” presents a solution to this problem by encouraging readers to find their “ONE Thing”—the primary goal or activity that, by achieving it, will make other tasks easier or unnecessary. This singular focus can lead to increased productivity, better results, and overall fulfillment.
Perspective
“Success is built sequentially. It’s one thing at a time.”
Précis
“The One Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan delves into the power of focusing on one task at a time. The book argues that multitasking and lack of focus dilute productivity and effectiveness. Instead, they advocate for the practice of focusing on a single, most important task, which they refer to as the “ONE Thing.”
The authors make their case by highlighting successful individuals and businesses that have found their “ONE Thing” and used it as a guiding principle in their decisions and actions. They cite research indicating that splitting attention between multiple tasks reduces productivity and can even be detrimental to one’s health.
Keller and Papasan also introduce the “Focusing Question,” a tool designed to help individuals identify their “ONE Thing.” The question is: “What’s the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”
Lastly, the book discusses practical ways to integrate this concept into daily routines and long-term planning. It includes techniques to overcome distractions, manage time efficiently, and create habits that favor single-tasking and deep work.
Playbook
- Identify Your ONE Thing: Use the “Focusing Question” to identify the most important task that will make everything else easier or unnecessary. For example, for a writer, it might be spending two uninterrupted hours writing every morning.
- Time Block for Your ONE Thing: Schedule uninterrupted time blocks dedicated solely to your ONE Thing. Make sure these blocks are prioritized and protected from distractions.
- Avoid Multitasking: Embrace the idea that multitasking can lead to decreased productivity. Try to focus on one task at a time, giving it your undivided attention.
- Build a Success List: Instead of a to-do list, create a success list—a shorter list that is strictly defined by your ONE Thing.
- Use the Domino Effect: Understand that by knocking down the first domino (completing the ONE Thing), the rest will follow more easily. Start with the most impactful task.
- Say “No” More Often: Saying yes to your ONE Thing often means saying no to many others. Practice turning down tasks and requests that distract from your ONE Thing.
Prompt
Reflect on a day last week. Did you have a clear focus, or were you dividing your attention among multiple tasks? What could your “ONE Thing” have been, and how might focusing on it have made the day more productive and satisfying?