Own Your ONE Thing

“My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: When you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.”

― Elmore Leonard
Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing

Just like leaving out the parts that readers skip, good goal setting is a lot like good writing - you need to skip the parts of your life that aren’t moving you towards your goal!

“Write your day” in such a way that you go from one meaningful and productive scene to the next. Do not pile in a lot of unnecessary fluff or distractions that will just confuse yourself and those around you. Imagine you’re the character in the book that everyone knows how it’s going to turn out because they are in motion from page one, rocketing towards their goal.

Being that kind of singleminded character might seem kind of boring, but strangely enough - while they are hurling headlong in pursuit of their ONE Thing, those singleminded characters always seem to have time for all kinds of other interesting adventures along the way.

With that in mind, let's dive into how you can identify, prioritize, and diligently work towards your ONE Thing, crafting an exciting story of success that resonates with who you are and who you aspire to become.

1. What is the ONE Thing You Can Do Such That by Doing It Everything Else Will Be Easier or Unnecessary?
This pivotal question challenges you to drill down to the core of your ambitions and identify a singular focus that has the power to simplify or eliminate other tasks. It's about leveraging the Pareto Principle, where 20% of your efforts yield 80% of the results. Reflect deeply on what this 20% entails for you. It could be anything from developing a key skill, launching a specific project, or making a life-changing decision. By honing in on this, you set a domino effect in motion, where the achievement of one critical task cascades success throughout your endeavors.

2. How Does This ONE Thing Align With Your Future Self’s Vision and Goals?
Alignment with your future self ensures that your efforts today are not just about reaching a destination but about becoming the person you aspire to be. Your ONE Thing should reflect not just your current desires but also the future vision you have for your life. Does this focal point help you become more skilled, knowledgeable, compassionate, or resilient? By ensuring this alignment, your journey towards your ONE Thing becomes a transformative process that shapes you into your ideal self.

3. What Challenges or Obstacles Currently Prevent You From Focusing on Your ONE Thing?
Identifying obstacles is a crucial step in navigating the path towards your goal. These may include external factors like financial constraints or lack of time, as well as internal challenges such as fear, procrastination, or lack of knowledge. Recognizing these hurdles allows you to address them directly, whether through planning, education, or mindset shifts, ensuring they don't derail your progress towards your ONE Thing.

4. What Resources or Support Do You Need to Overcome These Obstacles?
Overcoming the challenges identified requires a concrete plan for acquiring necessary resources or support. This might involve seeking mentorship, leveraging technology, joining a community of like-minded individuals, or acquiring new skills. Identifying exactly what you need and how to get it is a strategic step in moving past obstacles and closer to your goal.

5. How Will You Measure Progress Towards Your ONE Thing?
Measuring progress is essential for maintaining motivation and ensuring you're on the right path. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals related to your ONE Thing. Regularly review these milestones, adjusting as necessary, to stay aligned with your overarching goal. Celebrate each achievement along the way, recognizing these as steps in your journey of growth and success.

6. What Daily or Weekly Action Can You Commit to That Will Ensure Your ONE Thing is a Priority?
Consistent action turns intention into reality. Determine what daily or weekly action you can take to make consistent progress towards your ONE Thing. This could be as simple as dedicating a specific time each day to focus on this goal, adjusting your schedule to prioritize this activity, or setting and reviewing short-term goals at the start of each week. The key is consistency and making your ONE Thing a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Conclusion
Focusing on your ONE Thing is not just a strategy for success; it's a philosophy for a fulfilling and impactful life. By answering these questions and integrating their insights into your daily life, you're not just chasing a goal; you're crafting a story of success that is uniquely yours. Remember, the essence of owning your ONE Thing lies not in the achievement itself but in the journey towards it, marked by growth, learning, and transformation