1.
The Focusing Question
Key Idea
The heart of the book is 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 helps you zero in on the most important task at any given moment.
Example
Suppose you’re an entrepreneur who wants to grow your business. You might ask,
“What’s the one thing I can do to attract more clients?” If you identify that speaking
at industry events leads to the highest-quality leads, your one thing is securing
speaking engagements and preparing to deliver strong presentations.
How to Apply
1. Ask the Focusing Question daily: Before starting your workday, literally write down
the question and craft your answer.
2. Work backward: If your long-term goal is significant (e.g., doubling your business
size), figure out the smaller goals required to achieve that. Then ask the Focusing
Question about each step.
3. Make it a habit: Integrate the Focusing Question into your decision-making
process—whenever you face a choice, ask yourself which option best supports your
“one thing.”
2. The Domino E ect
Key Idea
Keller uses the image of a single domino toppling many others, representing the idea that
small, consistent actions can create massive impacts over time. When you identify your
“lead domino” (the starting task or habit), it can knock down increasingly bigger goals.
Example
In health and fitness, your lead domino might be simply going to the gym every
morning for 20 minutes. Once you’re consistent with that, you might naturally start
improving your nutrition, your sleep habits, and so on—all because you set in
motion the first simple habit.
How to Apply
1. Identify your first domino: Determine the smallest, most actionable step that can
trigger progress toward your bigger goal.
2. Break down big goals: If the bigger picture is overwhelming (e.g., writing a book),
focus on one specific step (e.g., writing 300 words every morning).
3. Commit to consistency: Repeat the small action until it becomes e ortless, then
build on it with the next “domino.”
3. Time Blocking
Key Idea
Time blocking is the practice of scheduling uninterrupted blocks of time to work on your
highest-priority task—your “ONE Thing.” This ensures that you consistently make progress
and protect that time from distraction.
Example
A freelance designer blocks 9 AM–11 AM every weekday to focus solely on her most
critical design project. During these two hours, she ignores emails, phone calls, and
social media to maintain peak focus.
How to Apply
1. Schedule daily blocks: Choose the time of day when you have the most energy or
fewest distractions, and dedicate that slot to your one thing.
2. Guard that time: Let others know you are unavailable. This might mean closing your
o ice door, turning o notifications, or placing your phone in another room.
3. Plan ahead: Use a calendar (physical or digital) to mark out these time blocks
weekly or monthly in advance.
4. Priorities vs. To-Do Lists
Key Idea
The ONE Thing distinguishes between having a long to-do list and having true priorities. A
typical to-do list has many items but doesn’t necessarily reflect what’s most important. In
contrast, Keller advocates a “success list” that highlights tasks in order of priority.
Example
A to-do list might include:
1. Email your boss
2. Clean the kitchen
3. Outline a marketing proposal
4. Order o ice supplies
5. Pay a phone bill
A success list, however, reorders or eliminates tasks, focusing on the impact:
6. Outline a marketing proposal (the most critical task for professional growth)
7. Email your boss (supports an ongoing project)
8. Pay phone bill (necessary but can be done quickly)
9. (Kitchen cleaning and ordering supplies might be delegated or scheduled
later)
How to Apply
1. Trim down your tasks: Try to isolate the top one or two tasks that will have the
greatest impact.
2. Batch or eliminate low-value items: Whenever possible, batch administrative
tasks (e.g., email, bill payments) or delegate them, so you’re free to focus on your
real priorities.
3. Ask “Will this task move me forward?” If not, it probably doesn’t belong on your
success list.
5. The 80/20 Principle
Key Idea
Based on the Pareto Principle, 80% of your results come from 20% of your e orts. Keller
highlights that once you identify the 20% that truly yields results, you should focus
intensely on that small fraction.
Example
If you own an online store, look at your data to find which products or campaigns
deliver most of your revenue. You may discover just a few products are responsible
for the majority of your sales. Focus on marketing and improving those bestsellers.
How to Apply
1. Identify your 20%: Use metrics or honest assessment to figure out which actions
produce disproportionate results.
2. Double down on your top performers: Allocate more resources (time, energy,
money) to the tasks or projects that generate the most impact.
3. Eliminate or reduce the rest: Let go of tasks or projects that do not meaningfully
move you closer to your goals.
6. Goal Setting to the Now
Key Idea
Keller introduces the concept of “Goal Setting to the Now” to bridge the gap between
distant ambitions and immediate actions. You imagine your far-o goals, then continuously
scale them down into increasingly shorter timeframes until you know exactly what to do
today.
Example
Five-year goal: Become a published author.
One-year goal: Complete the first draft of your novel.
Monthly goal: Write one chapter.
Weekly goal: Write 2,000 words.
Daily goal: Write 400 words.
Current action: Sit down right now and draft 400 words.
How to Apply
1. Create a timeline of goals: Start with your long-term vision (5–10 years). Then break
it into annual, monthly, weekly, and daily steps.
2. Ensure alignment: Each “smaller” goal should logically lead to the larger one above
it.
3. Focus on today: Each morning, identify the single action that, if accomplished,
would keep you on track toward your bigger objectives.
7. The Four Thieves of Productivity
Key Idea
Keller identifies four major “thieves” that rob you of productivity and prevent you from
achieving your “ONE Thing”:
1. Inability to Say “No”
2. Fear of Chaos
3. Poor Health Habits
4. Environment That Doesn’t Support Your Goals
Examples & Application
1. Inability to Say “No”
o Example: You agree to help coworkers with minor tasks even when it derails
your entire afternoon.
o How to Apply: Practice polite but firm refusal when a request doesn’t align
with your top priorities. O er alternatives (e.g., “I can help you next Thursday
after I complete my main deadline.”).
2. Fear of Chaos
o Example: While you’re focusing on your “ONE Thing,” emails pile up and the
house stays messy, causing stress.
o How to Apply: Accept that some disorder might be the short-term trade-o
for long-term progress. Set times for “catch-up” on secondary matters, and
don’t let them interrupt your focus periods.
3. Poor Health Habits
o Example: Working late every night, skipping meals or regular exercise—
resulting in low energy and burnout.
o How to Apply: Schedule exercise like any important appointment. Plan
simple, healthy meals for the week. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep to stay
energized.
4. Environment That Doesn’t Support Your Goals
o Example: You want to write, but you’re surrounded by noise and constant
interruptions at home.
o How to Apply: Modify your environment—set up a quiet space, or work in a
library or café. Communicate boundaries to roommates or family about your
need for uninterrupted time.
8. Building Powerful Habits (The 66-Day Challenge)
Key Idea
Keller cites research suggesting that forming a habit can take on average 66 days (not just
21). The key is consistency—doing your “ONE Thing” every day until it becomes automatic.
Example
If your “ONE Thing” is improving your skills as a musician, challenge yourself to
practice guitar for 30 minutes every day for 66 days straight. Keep track on a
calendar, marking each day you practice.
How to Apply
1. Pick a single habit at a time: Trying to build multiple habits at once can lead to
overwhelm.
2. Use visual trackers: Place a calendar where you’ll see it daily and mark o each
day you complete your habit.
3. Expect setbacks and plan for them: If you miss a day, simply recommit the next
day. The goal is building a long streak.
Putting It All Together (Example Scenario)
1. Identify Your ONE Thing: You decide your biggest priority is writing a book that will
grow your personal brand.
2. Ask the Focusing Question: “What’s the ONE thing I can do today to make progress
on my book?” Answer: “Write a minimum of 500 words.”
3. Time Block: From 6 AM to 8 AM daily, you dedicate yourself to writing—no emails or
social media.
4. Create a Success List:
o Write your 500 words (priority #1).
o Review notes from your editor (priority #2).
o Secondary tasks (e.g., scheduling, emails) come later.
5. Apply the 80/20 Principle: Realize that of all the promotional tactics for your book,
blogging or building an email list might be the 20% that yields 80% of results. Focus
on these marketing e orts.
6. Goal Setting to the Now:
o Five-year vision: Become a recognized author with multiple published titles.
o One-year goal: Publish your first book.
o Weekly goal: Complete one chapter.
o Daily goal: Write 500 words.
7. Guard Against the Four Thieves:
o Learn to say “No” to non-essential requests in the morning.
o Accept that your inbox will wait while you write.
o Make sure you get enough rest and do some stretching or exercise.
o Create a quiet, clutter-free writing space.
8. 66-Day Challenge: Commit to writing 500 words every morning for 66 days straight.
Track your progress and reward yourself when you hit milestones.
Final Thoughts
The ONE Thing urges you to narrow your focus on the tasks and habits that truly matter.
Rather than being scattered across numerous activities, you pour your time and energy into
the most crucial step—the “lead domino”—that propels you forward. By regularly asking
the Focusing Question, time blocking, and diligently building powerful habits, you can
achieve extraordinary results in both your personal and professional life.
Key Takeaway: Find that single most important activity, protect the time to do it, and treat it
as non-negotiable. Everything else should revolve around or support that activity. By doing
this consistently, you create a momentum—the “domino e ect”—that multiplies your
successes over time.
