Alliedify

In an age where hustle is glorified and multitasking is expected, The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results offers a powerful counter-narrative: success is not about doing more it’s about doing what matters most.

Written by Gary Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams Realty, and co-author Jay Papasan, the book introduces a deceptively simple but deeply effective principle: If you want more clarity, less stress, and better results, you need to focus on the ONE thing that truly moves the needle.

Whether you’re building a business, writing a book, or just trying to create a more intentional life, this book delivers a timeless message: extraordinary success comes from focusing on what matters most and ruthlessly eliminating the rest.

Top 10 Lessons from The ONE Thing

1. Success Is Built Sequentially, Not Simultaneously

Multitasking divides your focus and drains your energy. Real success is the result of focusing on one high-impact task at a time and doing it consistently.

2. Ask the Focusing Question: “What’s the ONE Thing I can do…?”

The heart of the book is this question:

“What’s the ONE Thing I can do, such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”
Use this as a filter for every decision daily, weekly, and long-term.

3. Not All Tasks Matter Equally Apply the 80/20 Rule

According to the Pareto Principle, 20% of your efforts produce 80% of your results. The ONE Thing takes it further: Focus on the top 1% of actions that create exponential impact.

4. Time Block Your ONE Thing Like It’s a Meeting with Your Future

If it matters, schedule it. Keller recommends blocking 4 hours a day to focus solely on your most important activity. Protect this time like your career depends on it because it does.

5. Discipline Is a Bridge, Not a Destination

You don’t need to be disciplined all the time just long enough to build a habit. Success is about choosing the right habit and making it automatic.

6. Big Results Require Big Goals (and Big Focus)

Don’t be afraid to go small in your actions and big in your ambitions. The right small action, repeated over time, creates momentum toward extraordinary outcomes.

7. Say No (A Lot) to Say Yes to What Matters

Saying yes to everything means you’re prioritizing nothing. Every yes to something unimportant is a no to your purpose, your priorities, and your potential.

8. Willpower Is a Finite Resource Use It Wisely

Willpower isn’t always on call. Use your peak mental energy to tackle your ONE Thing early in the day, before distractions and fatigue kick in.

9. Environment Drives Behavior

Surround yourself with people, tools, and systems that support your focus. If your environment sabotages your attention, even the best intentions won’t hold.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links that may earn me a commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase.

can explore the book here:

Blinkist: Best Book Summaries & Audio Book Guides

10. Extraordinary Success Is a Result of Simplicity Over Time

Success isn’t about adding more. It’s about subtracting what doesn’t matter and doubling down on what does again and again.