Years ago, I read a book written by Mr Gary Keller, the main man from the global real estate franchise Keller Williams.
The book had been highly recommended to me from (unsurprisingly) people within Keller Williams UK. But I’m so glad that I read it because it has been incredibly useful in improving my focus and productivity.
The book is titled The One Thing. And, as you have probably guessed, it is all about finding and focussing on YOUR One Thing.
It isn’t just a method, it’s a mindset. And it’s one that I return to to remind myself on a frequent basis.
Consider companies like Starbucks, McDonalds and Microsoft, who all focussed on their “one thing”, i.e. coffee, burgers and computers. Their founders were incredibly focussed and by having total tunnel vision, they were able to grow their businesses into global successes. Bill Gates wasn’t playing with computers whilst also learning two languages and working on his tennis skills. He was 100% focused on his ONE thing.
“Extraordinary success is sequential, not simultaneous.”
– Gary Keller
Gary explains how the “one thing” method applies to all aspects of business.
From the bigger bits to the day-to-day tasks.
It’s about figuring out what your business is, what it offers and how it differs:
– What are your business values?
– What is the USP?
– What is the key product?
– What is the key message?
And applying the same “one thing” mentality to the small day-to-day tasks.
The big takeaway from the book is the critical question:
“What’s the ONE Thing I could do, such that by doing it, everything else would be easier or unnecessary?”
Ask yourself this question at the beginning of the workday, the end of the workday, or the beginning of a project. You will filter out the small, less impactful tasks, avoid multitasking altogether, and focus on what is more likely to move your business forward.
“Multitasking is a lie.” – Gary Keller
The fantastic thing is that this method applies to other areas of life, not just business.
When my sons feel weighed down with schoolwork and feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start, I remind them of this question. It has made a difference in their attitude towards their studies and helped them to overcome that feeling of overwhelm.
Ask yourself this question as you embark on a new project or a new day, and see if it improves your productivity.
Thanks for reading,
Sara