The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

Multitasking has come to signify doing multiple things simultaneously. However, researchers studying multitasking discovered that it actually involves making many quick switches between multiple tasks. Indeed, the concept of multitasking comes from CPU terminology describing how processors alternate quickly between tasks requiring their power. Keller argues that multitasking as people apply the term to themselves is a lie; people cannot “focus on two things at once” (45). Just as interruptions break our flow and make it harder for us to get back to work, switching abruptly between multiple tasks causes us to spend huge amounts of time recovering before we can return to focusing.

Keller compares multitasking to juggling, noting that it is an illusion that a juggler catches multiple things at once. Even a juggler only catches one thing at a time. Task switching can be stressful; it is difficult to keep up a juggler’s pace while working. Multitasking can even be deadly, as when texting while driving causes auto crashes. We do not expect surgeons or pilots to multitask, Keller points out. If we value our work, we will focus on it; big ideas deserve our full attention. 

Keller argues that it is important to be disciplined but not perfect. Success means doing the right thing—not doing everything right. Thus, each person must select what they want to become disciplined at. Keller mentions the example of Michael Phelps, who as a young person was told he was unfocused and often found himself in disciplinary trouble and struggling at school. However, under the guidance of his coaches, Phelps excelled at swimming and ultimately earned a record number of Olympic gold medals. The point is not to try to do and monitor everything, but rather to build good habits that will help you become disciplined in your area of focus. Keller notes research that suggests it takes about 66 days of practicing a habit for it to transform into discipline.

The common expression “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” is misleading, Keller writes. Willpower is not limitless, but rather comes and goes depending on what a person is involved with. He discusses the famous Stanford marshmallow experiment as an illustration. In the experiment, conducted in 1972, researchers told young children they could either have one marshmallow now or two marshmallows in 15 minutes. Fewer children waited for the larger treat; the majority went for the instant reward. Follow-up studies suggested that those who practiced self-control and waited fared better on some measures of success later in life, such as standardized test scores and income level.

For Keller, the marshmallow experiment shows the importance of delaying gratification. We must reserve willpower for those tasks related to big, long-term goals and not deplete it on lesser concerns. In a practical sense, this means that we should approach priority tasks when willpower is highest. Thus, Keller recommends working on tasks related to your “ONE Thing” early in the day.

While willpower can be depleted, it can also be recharged. Keller recommends periods of rest and a good diet that emphasizes complex carbohydrates and proteins. Allowing time for rest and recharging prevents you from overusing your mind and ending up with less power to focus on what is most important. 

As civilization developed, people had more time on their hands. The idea of work-life balance emerged as more women entered the workforce and had to navigate obligations at both home and work. However, the work-life balance concept eventually applied to everyone. Some are opposed to the idea of work-life balance because they believe that it is necessary to go to extremes in order to achieve the extraordinary. However, working too much means no time for personal life, which is no more satisfactory than feeling that your personal life is lacking because you are not achieving success at work.

Keller suggests counterbalancing as an alternative to work-life balance. Once a person determines their ONE Thing, they can give it time and attention. This will cause an unequal distribution of work responsibilities, but if that inequality is in the service of pursuing The ONE Thing, then the imbalance is ultimately worthwhile. Personal life is different: Keller strongly urges readers not to put off the good things in life, warning them not to “gamble with [their] time” (79). Time with family should always be a priority, for instance. In professional life, we should extend ourselves and be comfortable with being out of balance; in personal life, we should stay close and connected, leaving nothing behind. 

People can lack confidence, fear success, or believe there is a ceiling to their ability to achieve. These kinds of thoughts can cause them to not reach their potential. However, Keller contends that thinking big leads to great achievement, even when it starts with small actions. He mentions the example of Sabeer Bhatia, who created Hotmail after arriving in the US almost penniless. Other examples include author J. K. Rowling (who conceived the long, elaborate plot of the Harry Potter series before even writing the first chapter of the first book), Walmart founder Sam Walton (who, when his business was just beginning, created a complex inheritance structure to preserve his fortune for his family), MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which began after one mother lost her daughter in a collision with a drunk driver), and the Global Soap Project (which has helped to reduce childhood mortality simply by ensuring that impoverished people have access to soap). Utilizing what psychologist Carol S. Dweck calls a growth mindset helps people deal with thinking big by encouraging them to focus on long-term goals and cumulative achievement through incremental steps, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.