10 'One Thing' self-coaching questions to make your life easier, simpler and happier
I was blown away by Gary Keller's book The One Thing when I read it on the top floor of a Bangkok apartment complex in 2016.
I'd been going through plenty of stress back then.
I had taken on too many projects and felt stuck and confused.
The fluff-busting approach of asking the right, cutting questions to get to the heart of what's most essential (ONE thing) helped me immensely.
I went from Procrastination Central to having one of the most creatively prolific years ever.
I'm borrowing Gary's approach and weaving it into some self-coaching questions so you can enjoy the relief of identifying simple, high-leverage solutions for various challenges.
The emphasis here is on narrowing down the range of solutions to the best, most impactful, highest-priority answer.
Grab a pen and work through these questions. Feel free to list as many answers you can think of for each. The more, the better. Once you have a list, you can pick the most impactful one for each.
You may surprise yourself with how much impact a single question can introduce.
Here we go…
What is the one thing I can do today that will make everything else in my life easier or more meaningful?
What is the one habit that, if built consistently, would most improve my energy and well-being?
What is the one thing to which I am saying "yes" to which I should start saying "no" to simplify my life?
What is the one thing I want to be remembered for, and how can I start embodying that today?
What is the one thing I've been putting off that would give me the greatest sense of relief or accomplishment once done?
What is the one relationship in my life that, if improved, would bring me greater joy and support?
What is the one thing I can remove from my life that will make space for what truly matters to me?
What is the one belief about myself that is holding me back from living my fullest potential?
What is the one activity that, when I do it, makes me feel most alive and connected to myself?
What is the one thing I could do to make my daily routine simpler and more enjoyable?
Bonus for writers and brand-builders: What is the one thing I can start doing today that would have the most impact on the growth of my brand?
Action step:
Fill at least one of these out, and take one small step today to start living it.
For No. 8: Question the validity of this belief to break it down.
If you'd like my guidance to significantly reduce stress using the unconventional process of 'gradual insight creation,' you'll love my course, Untethered Mind.
Reply below with one insight you found from doing these exercises!
Alex
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Thank you for this reminder, Alex! Amazing book. Again, it's all about simplifying, whether in work or life. Clarity, focus, and consistency are superpowers.
Btw, I love the Tetris building!
I just finished writing out my list of answers. It took up an entire page. I now have a hand cramp for which you are to blame. But I also have a higher awareness so I guess we're even. #8 is a doozy, isn't it? I plan to revisit this regularly. Thanks, Alex!