Do Less, Achieve More.

ByPaul McCartney

How often have you started a task or project you haven’t finished?

Perhaps something came up – an email that needed responding to, a colleague came to your desk, or you just started something else before you’d finished.

We live in a world constantly telling us to do more, be more, and have more. We are bombarded with messages from every direction, telling us that we must multitask and juggle multiple projects to succeed. However, the truth is that multitasking is less efficient and less effective than focusing on one thing at a time.

In his book The ONE Thing, Gary Keller argues that the key to achieving success is to focus on your most important goal or your ONE Thing. When you focus on your ONE Thing, you can give it your full attention and energy, and you are more likely to achieve it.

The book highlights the fact that multitasking is inefficient because it takes time for your brain to switch between tasks. When you are multitasking, you are constantly having to switch your attention from one task to another, and this process slows you down. Additionally, when you are multitasking, you are more likely to make mistakes.

On the other hand, when you focus on one thing at a time, you can get into a state of deep focus. Deep focus is a state of concentration in which you are entirely absorbed in your task, and everything else fades away. When you focus deeply, you are more productive and creative.

Keller also argues that focusing on your ONE Thing is essential for achieving your long-term goals. When you have a long-term plan, it is easy to get overwhelmed and distracted by everything you need to do to achieve it. However, focusing on one thing at a time makes you more likely to stay on track and progress towards your goal.

Here are some tips for focusing on your ONE Thing:

  • Identify your ONE Thing. What is the most essential thing that you need to do today? What is the one thing that will have the most significant impact on your long-term goals?
  • Schedule time for your ONE Thing. Once you know what your ONE Thing is, schedule time in your day to work on it. Ensure you have enough time to focus on your ONE Thing without interruption.
  • Eliminate distractions. Try eliminating as many distractions as possible when working on your ONE Thing. This means turning off your phone, closing your email, and finding a quiet place to work.
  • Take breaks. It is essential to take breaks when you are working on a difficult task. However, be careful not to let your breaks turn into distractions. When you take a break, get up and move around, or do something else to help you clear your head.
  • Celebrate your successes. When you achieve your ONE Thing, take the time to celebrate your success. This will help you to stay motivated and focused on your long-term goals.

If you focus on the ONE thing that will have the most significant and fastest impact on you or your business, you will move forward further and faster than you’ve ever managed.