“If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one”
It is by this short Russian proverb that the book starts. At one time I was literally chasing even over two rabbits lol. I was spending my days 'multitasking'. That means I was doing many things at the same time, but at the end of the day, I realize that 24 hours have passed, but I'm still at the same point. How can that be possible? I was busy all the day! So I looked for a better way to increase my productivity and that's how I found the book «The One thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results» by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. And today I want to share with you what I've learned. As the title of the book said, it's a simple truth. It's all about ONE. Thank you for join me, here we go!
About Multitasking:
The concept of multitasking began in a computing context. Computer multitasking refers to things like running over one application simultaneously. In a human context, similar to computer multitasking, it's the practice of doing multiple things at the same time. It's like listening to music while working out, talking while walking, or watching a YouTube video while scrolling the comments section lol. Multitasking has become so common that most of the time we don't even realize that we're doing it. It works for tasks that don't require too much attention, but as soon as one of them requires more focus; we realize that multitasking is a lie. Indeed, neurological science has showed that the human brain is incapable of focusing on two things at once. We’re really wired to be monotaskers, meaning that our brains can only focus on one task at a time, says neuropsychologist Cynthia Kubu, PhD. “When we think we’re multitasking, most often we aren’t really doing two things at once, but instead, we’re doing individual actions in rapid succession, or task-switching.” Multi-tasking gives the illusion of productivity, but actually is a detriment to productivity. We are, indeed, being busy. But in reality, we’re simply giving ourselves extra work. Steve Uzzell thought on it was:
“Multitasking is merely the opportunity to screw up more than one thing at a time.”
By forcing to focus on two things at the same time, we paradoxically ended up with a loss of focus, a low grade efficiency, brain drain and even anxiety and stress.
It's all about ONE!
Success is sequential. All great things have small beginnings. Just as every life has its first breath, every building, its first brick and every journey, its first step. Since we cannot focus on more than one thing at the same time without screwing everything up, why don't we focus on just ONE thing at a time? But focus on ONE thing isn't enough 'till we focus on the RIGHT thing.
The domino effect: The Domino effect is the art of going small. It's the art of line up your priorities, line up your actions so that when all are lined up correctly, the collective result of that first, smallest thing is extraordinarily powerful. When you determine what your first domino is and knock it over, the impact of your action will create a higher level of success.
Focus on being productive, not busy.
I think I teach you nothing when I say: Being busy is far different from being productive. Isn't it? At some point, when people were asking me what's up? My favorite answer was “It's hot” until they asked me if I was living in hell lol. But at that time, it was the feeling I had. I thought than 24 hours wasn't enough, and I was wondering why I was doing many things but at the end, I was achieving nothing. I've been using to-do list also but it didn't really help me because I wasn't focusing on the essential. If you ever searched on method to improve your productivity, you probably know what a "To-do list' is. If not, well! It’s a list of tasks you need to complete or things that you want to do. To increase your productivity and achieve more, instead of a classical to-do list when you list what you -could and should do-, switch to what the author calls a success list oriented on what you -should do-. Classify it by priorities and stick to it until everything is done. As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.
So, how do I find my ONE thing?
Considering the areas that matter the most in your life and ask yourself this ultimate question:
“What’s the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”
It might be your physical health, your personal life, your key relationship, your job, your business, your finances, your spiritual life. Picture your ultimate goal and break it into pieces. To illustrate this, let's say that I want to increase my incomes someday. In order to increase the chances of reaching my target, I have to be clear about the amount I want to earn, and the time by I want it. So I'll say, I want to increase my finances by 25% in 2025. Now that I have my ONE thing, I have to break it into small pieces, until I find my first domino, the action I can do now to achieve my goal in the next 3 years.
Here is a small series of question which can be a great help. Say it out loud for better results and don't be afraid to think BIG 'cos, as they commonly said it, shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars!
Ask yourself:
What is the One thing I want to do someday?
Based on my someday goal, what's the One thing I can do in the next five years?
Based on my five-year goal, what's the One thing I can do this year?
Based on my one-year goal, what's the One thing I can do this month?
Based on my monthly goal, what's the One thing I can do this week?
Based on my weekly goal, what's the One thing I can do today?
Based on my daily goal, what's the One thing I can do right now?
Things become clearer in your mind, isn't it?
And now what next?
Now that all is set up, you need to time block your ONE thing. The recommendation of the author is to block at least 4 hours a day for it. Time block your time off and and block an hour each week to review your annual and monthly goals. In order to reach your target, your environment (people+place) must support your goals. Learn to say 'no' to unnecessary distractions. Cultivate healthy habits and accept the -chaos- which will inevitably come with focusing on ONE thing at the time. You'll have to give up on certain things you were used to do before which were not necessarily contribute to your productivity. But the success you'll have in accomplishing your ONE thing will continually prove you made the right decision. 'When you know what matters most, everything makes sense. When you don’t know what matters most, anything makes sense.' And finally, live on these 3 commitments:
Follow the Path of Mastery: The path of mastering something is the combination of not only doing the best you can do but also doing it the best it can be done.
Move from “E” (Entrepreneurial approach) to “P” (Purposeful approach)
Live the Accountability Cycle: Highly successful people are clear about their role in the events of their life. Accountable people achieve results others only dream of.
Sources:
I know it's easier said than done, mostly when multitasking has become a habit. But with some practice, you'll start seeing the positive effects on your daily life. 24 hours will always remain 24 hours, but you'll certainly increase your productivity, be less stressed, and got more time for you and the people you love. 'Cos when we're constantly busy, the areas of our life that we neglect the most are our physical health, our personal life and our key relationship. Sometimes we postponed important events, not realizing that those may be moments we will only live once.
“When you gamble with your time, you may be placing a bet you can’t cover. Even if you’re sure you can win, be careful that you can live with what you lose.” | Gary Keller.
Never forget what is really important in life. I hope these informations will serve you! Don't hesitate to share the post with someone it can help. Thank you for reading. May God bless you, take care.
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