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All 16 learnings · one per slide
The ONE
Thing
Gary Keller with Jay Papasan, in bytes
16 key learnings on finding the one thing that makes everything else easier or unnecessary.
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The ONE Thing, in bytes
16 key learnings from Gary Keller and Jay Papasan's book on extraordinary results through extreme focus. Each takes about 40 seconds to read. Swipe, use the arrows, or your keyboard.
The ONE
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Learning 1 · Part 1
Go Small
The idea
Extraordinary results come from narrowing your focus, not widening it.
Example
Keller saw that most of his company's success came from a few key people and actions.
Takeaway
Do fewer things, better.
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Learning 2 · Part 1
The Domino Effect
The idea
A single domino can knock over one about half as big again; a chain grows dramatically. Success builds sequentially, one priority at a time.
Example
A physicist showed a domino can topple one about 50% larger, so a chain grows huge.
Takeaway
Line up your dominoes and knock over the first.
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Learning 3 · Part 1
Six Lies
The idea
Keller lists six myths: everything matters equally, multitasking works, a disciplined life, willpower is always on call, a balanced life, and big is bad.
Spot it
Treating a to-do list as a list of equal priorities.
Takeaway
Busy isn't the same as productive.
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Learning 4 · Part 1
Lie 1: Everything Matters Equally
The idea
Things don't matter equally. Some tasks matter far more.
Example
A to-do list treats 'call client' and 'buy stamps' as equals.
Try this
Rank your to-do list by impact.
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Learning 5 · Part 1
Multitasking Is a Lie
The idea
Switching between tasks costs time and focus.
Example
Switching between email and a report loses time each switch.
Try this
Give your most important task one uninterrupted block.
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Learning 6 · Part 1
Selective Discipline
The idea
You don't need discipline everywhere, just enough to build the right habit, which then carries you.
Example
About 66 days of discipline to make a habit stick, citing one study's average.
Takeaway
Build one habit at a time.
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Learning 7 · Part 1
Willpower Is Limited
The idea
Willpower runs down during the day, so do your most important work early.
Example
Making important decisions in the morning rather than late at night.
Worth noting
Research on 'willpower depletion' is debated.
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Learning 8 · Part 1
Counterbalance, Don't Balance
The idea
A perfectly balanced life is a myth. Lean into what matters for a while, then counterbalance before neglect does damage.
Example
Working intensely on a launch for weeks, then spending extra time with family.
Takeaway
Never stay out of balance too long in personal life.
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Learning 9 · Part 1
Big Is Not Bad
The idea
Think big; big goals lead to bigger actions and growth.
Example
Asking 'How can I double sales?' leads to different actions than 'How can I grow 5%?'
Takeaway
Don't fear ambition.
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Learning 10 · Part 2
The Focusing Question
The idea
Ask: what's the ONE thing I can do, such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
Example
For a writer, the ONE thing might be writing 500 words each morning.
Try this
Ask it about your day, your week and your career.
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Learning 11 · Part 3
Goal Setting to the Now
The idea
Work back from your someday goal to five years, one year, one month, one week, today and right now.
Example
Someday: run a business. Five years: a profitable shop. Right now: research one supplier.
Try this
Write your goal at each level, ending with what to do right now.
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Learning 12 · Part 3
Time Block Your ONE Thing
The idea
Protect four hours a day for your ONE thing, and block time off and planning time first.
Example
Keller blocked mornings for his most important work and protected them.
Try this
Block tomorrow morning for your most important task.
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Learning 13 · Part 3
The Three Commitments
The idea
Commit to mastery, move from 'E' (entrepreneurial) to 'P' (purposeful) approaches, and be accountable.
Example
Moving from 'what's the best I can do?' to 'what's the best way to do this?'
Takeaway
Commitment sustains focus.
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Learning 14 · Part 3
Say No
The idea
Saying yes to your ONE thing means saying no to many other things.
Example
Steve Jobs said focus means saying no to hundreds of good ideas.
Takeaway
Every yes is a no to something else.
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Learning 15 · Part 3
Four Thieves
The idea
The authors name four thieves of productivity: inability to say no, fear of chaos, poor health habits, and an environment that doesn't support your goals.
Example
An open office that constantly interrupts deep work.
Reflect
Which thief steals most from you?
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Learning 16 · Part 3
Live with Purpose
The idea
Purpose sets priorities, which drive productivity.
Example
A purpose like supporting your family makes priorities clear.
Reflect
What's your ONE purpose?
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All 16 learnings complete
That’s all 16 learnings.
What's the ONE thing you can do, such that by doing it everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?
Abhay Kumar JaiswalFCA · PMP® · Workday Financeabhayjaiswal.com
Summaries in my own words. Read the book for the full stories.
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Summaries are written in my own words for learning. Read The ONE Thing by Gary Keller with Jay Papasan (2013) for the full stories. More Books in Bytes