The ONE Thing

The ONE Thing Plot Summary

Introduction

In a world filled with endless distractions and competing priorities, have you ever wondered why some people achieve extraordinary success while others struggle to make progress? The difference often lies not in talent or resources, but in the ability to identify and focus on what truly matters. Most of us spread ourselves too thin, attempting to accomplish everything at once, only to find ourselves overwhelmed and underachieving. The secret to extraordinary results is surprisingly simple yet profoundly powerful: focus on ONE thing at a time. When you concentrate your efforts on the single most important task that will create the greatest impact, everything else becomes easier or unnecessary. This principle applies to every aspect of life—career, relationships, health, and personal growth. Throughout these pages, you'll discover how to cut through the noise, eliminate distractions, and channel your energy toward what matters most, transforming not just your productivity but your entire approach to success.

Chapter 1: Identify Your Most Important Priority

At the heart of extraordinary achievement lies a fundamental truth: everything doesn't matter equally. The most successful people understand this principle and live by it daily. They recognize that out of all their tasks, responsibilities, and goals, there is always one thing that matters more than everything else—their ONE Thing. This singular focus becomes the foundation for their remarkable results. The principle of unequal distribution is best illustrated by the 80/20 Rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. This rule states that roughly 80 percent of results come from just 20 percent of efforts. In business, 20 percent of customers often generate 80 percent of revenue. In personal productivity, 20 percent of your activities produce 80 percent of your results. This inequality exists everywhere in our lives, yet most people fail to recognize its significance. Instead of leveraging this principle, they treat everything as equally important, spreading themselves thin across numerous activities. Consider the story of a successful executive who was struggling with overwhelming demands on his time. Despite working longer hours and multitasking constantly, he felt he was falling behind. His breakthrough came when he discovered the power of the Focusing Question: "What's the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" This question forced him to identify his most important priority among competing demands. For him, it was developing 14 key people in his organization. By focusing exclusively on this ONE Thing, within three years his company experienced 40 percent year-over-year growth for almost a decade. To apply this principle in your life, start by examining your to-do list. Rather than viewing it as a collection of equal tasks, transform it into a success list by applying the 80/20 Rule. Ask yourself which item on your list will create the greatest impact if completed. Then narrow your focus even further by asking which aspect of that task matters most. Continue this process until you've identified the ONE Thing that will create a domino effect of positive results. The key to implementation is to block time for your ONE Thing and protect that time with unwavering commitment. Treat this appointment with yourself as sacred—more important than meetings, phone calls, or emails. When you dedicate focused time to your most important priority, you'll accomplish more in less time than you ever thought possible. Remember, success doesn't come from trying to do everything at once. It comes from doing the right thing—your ONE Thing—exceptionally well. As you consistently focus on what matters most, you'll build momentum that carries you toward extraordinary results in every area of your life.

Chapter 2: Master the Art of Productive Time Blocking

Time blocking is the productivity superpower that transforms average performers into extraordinary achievers. At its core, time blocking means scheduling dedicated chunks of time in your calendar to work exclusively on your ONE Thing—with zero distractions or interruptions. This practice isn't merely about managing time; it's about investing it strategically in what matters most. The story of novelist Stephen King illustrates the transformative power of time blocking. Despite his busy schedule, King religiously blocks four hours every morning for writing—his ONE Thing. "Mornings belong to whatever is new—the current composition," King explains in his memoir "On Writing." This unwavering commitment to protecting his creative time has enabled him to produce over 60 novels and hundreds of short stories throughout his career. When people suggest it's easy for King because he's already successful, the question becomes: "Is he Stephen King because he does this, or does he get to do this because he's Stephen King?" The answer is clear—his disciplined time blocking preceded and enabled his success. What makes time blocking so effective is that it aligns your schedule with your priorities. Most people's calendars quickly fill with other people's urgencies, leaving little time for their own important work. The typical workday becomes dominated by meetings, emails, and interruptions—activities that rarely contribute to meaningful progress. In contrast, effective time blockers reverse this pattern by scheduling their ONE Thing first, then fitting everything else around it. To implement effective time blocking in your life, follow these steps: First, identify your ONE Thing in each key area of your life—work, relationships, health, and personal growth. Second, determine how much time you need to make meaningful progress on each priority. Third, schedule these blocks in your calendar, ideally during your peak energy hours. For most people, this means blocking at least four hours in the morning for their most important professional work. The most challenging aspect of time blocking is protecting these sacred appointments from internal and external distractions. Create a distraction-free environment by turning off notifications, closing your door, and communicating your unavailability to others. When someone tries to schedule over your time block, simply say, "I'm sorry, I already have an appointment at that time," and offer alternative options. Remember that time blocking is a skill that improves with practice. You'll face resistance initially—both from others who want your time and from your own habits of distraction. Stay committed to your time blocks, and within weeks, you'll experience a dramatic increase in productivity and progress toward your most important goals.

Chapter 3: Build Success Through Daily Discipline

Discipline is widely misunderstood. Many believe that extraordinary success requires extraordinary discipline in all areas of life—a superhuman ability to consistently make the right choices across the board. This misconception leads to frustration and failure. The truth is far more accessible: success doesn't demand that you become a disciplined person in everything, but rather that you develop the right habits around the things that matter most. Consider the remarkable story of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. As a child, Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD. His kindergarten teacher told his mother, "Michael can't sit still. Michael can't be quiet... He's not gifted. Your son will never be able to focus on anything." Yet this same person went on to become the most decorated Olympian in history with 22 medals. How? Phelps didn't become universally disciplined in every aspect of life. Instead, he channeled his energy into one specific discipline—swimming daily—which developed into a powerful habit. From age 14 through the Beijing Olympics, he trained seven days a week, 365 days a year, focusing his discipline where it mattered most. The key insight is that habits require much less energy to maintain than to begin. Research from University College London reveals that it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic—not the 21 days often cited in self-help literature. During this formation period, you need discipline. But once the habit takes hold, maintaining it becomes significantly easier. The hard stuff becomes routine, and routine makes the hard stuff easy. To build success through discipline, follow this approach: First, identify the ONE habit that would make the biggest difference in achieving your goal. Focus exclusively on this habit rather than trying to change multiple behaviors simultaneously. Research confirms that attempting to develop several habits at once almost always leads to failure. Second, apply just enough discipline to establish this single habit. Commit to the 66-day average timeframe needed for habit formation, understanding that some habits may take longer depending on their complexity. The beauty of this approach is that success with one habit creates a positive ripple effect. Australian researchers Megan Oaten and Ken Cheng discovered that people who successfully acquired one positive habit reported improvements across multiple areas of their lives—from better dietary choices to decreased impulsive spending and even fewer dirty dishes. This "halo effect" occurs because mastering one important habit builds your confidence and capacity for success in other areas. Remember that discipline isn't about perfection but progression. You don't need to become disciplined in everything—just in the few things that matter most. By focusing your discipline on developing the right habits one at a time, you create a foundation for extraordinary results that becomes increasingly self-sustaining over time.

Chapter 4: Overcome the Myths That Hold You Back

The journey to extraordinary results is often derailed not by external obstacles but by internal misconceptions—the myths we believe about success. These myths act as invisible barriers, limiting our potential and preventing us from achieving what truly matters. By recognizing and overcoming these false beliefs, we can clear the path to exceptional achievement. One of the most pervasive myths is the belief in multitasking as a productivity strategy. In 2009, Stanford University professor Clifford Nass conducted a study to evaluate how well multitaskers actually performed. The results were startling: those who regularly multitasked were "just lousy at everything." Despite their confidence in their abilities, they performed worse on every measure compared to those who focused on one task at a time. The science is clear—our brains cannot effectively focus on multiple tasks simultaneously. What appears to be multitasking is actually task-switching, which reduces efficiency by up to 40% and increases errors significantly. Another dangerous myth is the belief in work-life balance as an achievable state. The very term "balance" suggests equal distribution of time and energy across all areas of life—an impossible and counterproductive goal. Consider the story of a successful entrepreneur who nearly burned out trying to maintain perfect balance. His breakthrough came when he shifted from seeking balance to embracing counterbalance. Rather than attempting to give equal attention to everything simultaneously, he learned to be fully present in whatever he was doing at the moment—whether working intensely on a major project or being completely engaged with his family during designated times. To overcome these myths, start by acknowledging that extraordinary results require extraordinary focus. This means accepting that some areas will be temporarily out of balance when you're pursuing something significant. Instead of fighting this reality, learn to counterbalance—going intentionally out of balance in your professional life for defined periods while ensuring your personal life receives focused attention during its designated times. Implement this approach by time blocking your personal priorities with the same commitment as your professional ones. Schedule regular periods for family, health, and renewal, treating these appointments as non-negotiable. When working, be fully engaged; when with loved ones, be fully present. This counterbalancing approach ensures that nothing important is neglected over the long term, even as you direct disproportionate energy to your current ONE Thing. Remember that the path to extraordinary results isn't about doing everything adequately; it's about doing a few things exceptionally well. By rejecting the myths of multitasking and perfect balance, you free yourself to focus on what truly matters, creating the foundation for both professional success and personal fulfillment.

Chapter 5: Harness Your Energy for Peak Performance

Energy, not time, is the fundamental currency of high performance. You can have all the hours in the world, but without sufficient energy, your productivity will suffer dramatically. Understanding how to manage and maximize your personal energy is therefore essential for achieving extraordinary results with your ONE Thing. The story of a high-achieving executive illustrates this principle powerfully. Despite his strategic brilliance, he found himself struggling with declining performance and chronic fatigue. Medical tests revealed nothing physically wrong, yet his productivity continued to deteriorate. Working with a performance coach, he discovered that he had been violating a fundamental law of productivity: willpower is not always on will-call. Like a battery, willpower gets depleted throughout the day with every decision made and every impulse resisted. By scheduling his most challenging work late in the day when his willpower was lowest, he was setting himself up for failure. Research confirms this limitation. In a revealing study at Stanford University, participants were divided into two groups—one memorizing a two-digit number and another memorizing a seven-digit number. Afterward, both groups were offered a snack choice between chocolate cake or fruit salad. Remarkably, those who had to remember the longer number were nearly twice as likely to choose the cake. This small additional cognitive load was enough to deplete their willpower and lead to poorer decisions. To harness your energy effectively, implement these strategies: First, schedule your ONE Thing during your peak energy hours, typically early in the day when your willpower is strongest. Save less important tasks for later when your energy naturally declines. Second, fuel your brain properly—it consumes 20% of your body's energy despite being only 2% of your body weight. Eat foods that provide steady energy, like complex carbohydrates and proteins, rather than simple sugars that cause energy spikes and crashes. Develop a comprehensive energy management plan that addresses all dimensions of your well-being. Begin each day with practices that generate spiritual energy, such as meditation or prayer. Prioritize physical energy through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep—aim for 7-8 hours nightly. Cultivate emotional energy by spending quality time with loved ones. And manage your mental energy by planning your day with clear priorities. Remember that energy management is particularly crucial during your time blocks. Create a distraction-free environment by turning off notifications, closing your door, and having necessary supplies readily available. When your energy inevitably wanes, take short breaks to recharge rather than pushing through with diminishing returns. By treating your energy as your most precious resource and aligning it strategically with your priorities, you'll achieve far more in less time—and sustain your performance over the long run.

Chapter 6: Create Systems to Support Your Goals

Systems are the bridge between intention and achievement—they transform your ONE Thing from an aspiration into consistent action. While goals define your destination, systems create the pathway that gets you there. Without effective systems, even the most compelling goals remain unrealized dreams. The power of systems is illustrated by the story of Jerry Seinfeld, who developed a remarkably simple yet effective system for his ONE Thing—writing jokes. When asked by a young comedian about his secret to success, Seinfeld shared his "don't break the chain" method. He hung a large wall calendar and marked a red X on each day he wrote jokes. "After a few days, you'll have a chain," Seinfeld explained. "Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. Your only job is to not break the chain." This visual system created accountability, momentum, and motivation that helped Seinfeld become one of the most successful comedians in history. The most fundamental system for achieving your ONE Thing is time blocking—the act of scheduling non-negotiable appointments with yourself to work on your highest priority. Effective time blocking requires three supporting systems: a system for protecting your time blocks from distractions, a system for tracking your progress, and a system for accountability. To create your distraction-protection system, identify your most common interruptions and develop specific protocols for handling each one. This might include setting up auto-responses for emails, establishing "do not disturb" signals for colleagues, or creating a dedicated workspace that minimizes environmental distractions. Many successful professionals use what could be called the "bunker method"—finding or creating a physical space specifically designed for focused work on their ONE Thing. Your progress-tracking system should make your advancement visible and measurable. Like Seinfeld's calendar, visual representations of your consistency create powerful momentum. Whether you use a physical calendar, a digital tracking app, or a simple journal, the key is to record your daily actions toward your ONE Thing. This creates what psychologists call a "completion bias"—the satisfaction of recording progress motivates continued action. Perhaps most importantly, establish an accountability system. Research by Dr. Gail Matthews at Dominican University found that people who wrote down their goals, shared them with others, and provided weekly progress reports were 76.7% more likely to achieve them than those who merely thought about their goals. Find an accountability partner—a mentor, coach, or peer—who will hold you to your commitments and provide objective feedback on your progress. Remember that systems work through consistency, not perfection. When you inevitably miss a day or encounter an obstacle, your systems should help you quickly get back on track rather than abandoning your efforts entirely. The goal is progress over time, not flawless execution. By creating robust systems around your ONE Thing, you transform occasional inspired action into consistent progress, making extraordinary results not just possible but inevitable.

Chapter 7: Stay Focused on What Matters Most

In our hyperconnected world, maintaining focus on what truly matters has become increasingly challenging—and increasingly valuable. The ability to stay focused amid constant distractions is perhaps the most critical skill for achieving extraordinary results in any area of life. Yet four common "thieves" frequently steal our focus and derail our progress toward our most important goals. The first thief is the inability to say "no." When Apple co-founder Steve Jobs returned to the struggling company in 1997, he immediately cut their product line from 350 products to just 10. "People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on," Jobs explained. "But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas." This ruthless prioritization saved Apple and transformed it into one of the world's most valuable companies. The lesson is clear: every yes to something unimportant is an implicit no to something that matters more. The second focus thief is the fear of chaos. When we commit to our ONE Thing, other areas inevitably fall into temporary disorder. Papers pile up, emails go unanswered, and less important tasks remain undone. This apparent chaos creates anxiety that pulls us away from our priority. Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola addressed this reality directly: "Anything you build on a large scale or with intense passion invites chaos." Rather than fighting this natural consequence of focused work, successful people accept it as the price of extraordinary achievement. Poor health habits constitute the third thief. Our physical condition directly impacts our ability to focus and perform at high levels. A revealing study tracked judicial decisions throughout the day and found that judges were significantly more likely to grant parole in the morning or immediately after food breaks than later in the day when their mental energy was depleted. Your physical state—influenced by sleep, nutrition, and exercise—profoundly affects your cognitive capacity and decision quality. The fourth thief is an unsupportive environment. Research by Dr. Nicholas Christakis of Harvard and Dr. James Fowler of UC San Diego demonstrates that our social networks dramatically influence our behavior and achievement. Their studies show that if your close friends become obese, you're 57% more likely to do the same. Similarly, your physical surroundings either support or undermine your focus. The people you spend time with and the spaces you occupy should align with your goals and priorities. To overcome these thieves, implement these strategies: First, develop a default response of "no" to requests that don't align with your ONE Thing, offering alternatives when appropriate. Second, make peace with temporary chaos in less important areas, trusting that your focused work will ultimately create greater order. Third, prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise as non-negotiable foundations for sustained focus. Finally, intentionally design your environment—both social and physical—to support your most important work. Remember that staying focused isn't about perfection but persistence. When distractions inevitably arise, gently return your attention to what matters most. With practice, your capacity for sustained focus will grow, enabling you to achieve the extraordinary results that come only from concentrated effort on your ONE Thing.

Summary

Throughout these pages, we've explored the transformative power of focusing on ONE Thing at a time. The path to extraordinary results isn't about doing more things—it's about doing the right thing with unwavering commitment. When you identify what matters most and give it your full attention, everything else becomes easier or unnecessary. As the ancient wisdom reminds us, "The man who chases two rabbits catches neither." By choosing to go narrow instead of broad, you harness the power of the domino effect, where success builds upon success in a geometric progression. Your journey begins with a simple yet profound question: "What's the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" Ask this question daily, protect time for your answer, and watch as your life transforms. Start today—identify your ONE Thing in just one area of your life, block time for it tomorrow, and take that first step toward the extraordinary results you deserve. Remember, success isn't about doing everything; it's about doing the right thing with extraordinary focus.

About Author

Loading...

Gary Keller

Professionally, Gary’s ONE Thing is teaching. He excelled as a real estate salesperson by teaching clients how to make great buying and selling decisions. As a real estate sales manager, he recruited agents through training and helped them build careers the same way. As co-founder and chairman of the board, he built Keller Williams Realty International from a single office in Austin, Texas, to one of the largest real estate companies in the world by using his skills as a teacher, trainer, and coach. Gary defines leadership as “teaching people how to think the way they need to think so they can do what they need to do when they need to do it, so they can get what they want when they want it.”An Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and finalist for Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Gary is recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the real estate industry. He has also helped many small business owners and entrepreneurs find success through his bestselling books The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, and SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times. A book, after all, is just another way to teach, but one with an infinitely large classroom. As a business coach and national trainer, Gary has helped countless others realize extraordinary results by focusing on their ONE Thing.Unsurprising to those who know him, Gary’s single greatest achievement is the life he’s built with his wife, Mary, and their son, John.

Read more