The ONE Thing
by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
The focusing question, 'what is the one thing I can do such that by doing it everything else becomes easier or unnecessary,' is the whole book, and it is a very good question. The authors surround it with myths to unlearn (multitasking, willpower on tap, balance) and a time-blocking method. Repetitive by design, useful in practice.
Read it if…
your to-do list is long, your results are thin, and you suspect the problem is priority, not effort.
Skip it if…
your role is coordination across many small things; the single-focus method fights the job.
Three things you will actually use
- Ask the question daily; write the answer down.
- Time-block the one thing early and protect it.
- Say no to good things so you can say yes to the best thing.
Do this first
Ask the focusing question for this week, then block four hours for the answer before anything else.
Our verdict
One great question, well defended; the book earns its place on a desk.
Compare with other Goals books
The 12 Week Year
Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington · Goals
A thin book with a thick payoff for people who will keep the weekly score.
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The Goal
Eliyahu M. Goldratt · Goals
A classic that teaches while it entertains; underread outside manufacturing.
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The Success Principles
Jack Canfield · Goals
Broad and uneven; a reference shelf in one volume.
CLICK TO SEEBrowse all Goals book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
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