The One Thing: Focusing on What Truly Matters

Learn how focusing on what truly matters can simplify your life and help you achieve extraordinary results.

Life can feel like a juggling act, with countless responsibilities competing for attention. For me, balancing homeschooling my son, building my virtual assisting and digital marketing business, and nurturing family time often leaves me feeling pulled in multiple directions. But then I read The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, which completely shifted my perspective.

I think this book provides life-altering insight, built around a simple yet profound question: What’s the ONE Thing you can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary? It’s about narrowing your focus to what truly matters, cutting through the clutter, and achieving extraordinary results.

I'd like to share how its lessons have transformed my approach to daily life.

1. Homeschooling: Prioritizing the Basics

Homeschooling can quickly become overwhelming, with endless resources and ideas. But Keller and Papasan’s principle of narrowing down helped me ask: What’s the one thing my son needs to focus on right now to thrive?

For us, that’s reading. By prioritizing reading as the cornerstone of his learning journey, I’ve found that everything else—math, writing, even science—has started falling into place naturally. Instead of juggling multiple subjects and feeling scattered, we focus on one skill at a time, making progress more manageable and enjoyable.

2. Business: The Two-Hour Workday

Building my virtual assistant business through digital marketing while homeschooling is no small feat. Before The One Thing, I often felt lost in a sea of tasks—content creation, social media engagement, and email campaigns—and it felt impossible to do it all.

The book’s idea of finding your "domino" shifted everything. My one thing is dedicating two focused hours a day to income-producing activities. Whether it’s creating content for my sales funnel or connecting with potential clients, this targeted approach has made my efforts more impactful. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing the right thing.

3. Family: Quality Over Quantity

Time with family is precious, but I used to feel guilty for not spending enough time with my son and husband. What The One Thing taught me is that it’s not about the hours but the moments that matter.

Now, I ask myself, What’s the one thing I can do with my family today that will strengthen our bond? Sometimes, it’s a library visit with my son, and other times, it’s a heartfelt conversation over dinner. By focusing on quality over quantity, I feel more present and fulfilled in my relationships.

Lessons That Stick

The One Thing isn’t just a productivity book; it’s a mindset shift. It’s about learning to say no to distractions so you can say yes to what truly matters.

For me, that means:

In homeschooling, it’s mastering one skill at a time.

In business, it’s focusing on money-making activities that move the needle.

In family, it’s cherishing meaningful connections.

By applying these principles, I’ve felt less overwhelmed and more aligned with my goals.

Your Turn

Ask yourself: What’s the one thing you can do today to make life easier or more meaningful? Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a business owner, or simply someone navigating life’s complexities, the answer could lead to extraordinary results.

If you haven’t read The One Thing, I highly recommend it. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.

Let’s tackle this year with clarity and focus, one thing at a time!