One thing, not two

Explore a keen observation in this excerpt on the power of subtraction — or put another way, the power of an intensely narrow focus:

I began working with our top people individually to build their careers and businesses. Out of habit, I would end our coaching calls with a recap of the handful of things they were agreeing to accomplish before our next session. 

Unfortunately, many would get most of them done, but not necessarily what mattered most. Results suffered. Frustration followed. 

So, in an effort to help them succeed, I started shortening my list: If you can do just three things this week. … If you can do just two things this week. … 

Finally, out of desperation, I went as small as I could possibly go and asked: 

“What’s the ONE Thing you can do this week such that by doing it everything else would be easier or unnecessary?” 

And the most awesome thing happened. Results went through the roof. 

After these experiences, I looked back at my successes and failures and discovered an interesting pattern. Where I’d had huge success, I had narrowed my concentration to one thing, and where my success varied, my focus had too. 

And the light came on.

Gary Keller, The One Thing

For you —

Evan Griffith
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