Extraordinary results come from doing fewer things better.
Success demands singleness of purpose. You need to be doing fewer things for more effect instead of doing more things with side effects.
Book summary
Perennial SellerGoodreads Favorite
The One Thing
by Gary Keller
The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
Surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results through focused attention
4.6(8.9k)Published 2013
Topics
ProductivityFocusGoal SettingTime Management
Reading companion
How to read The One Thing with Readever
Read this book systematically, focusing on one concept at a time. Use Readever to highlight key insights about the focusing question and time blocking. After each chapter, pause to apply the concepts to your current goals. Create notes on your "one thing" for different timeframes and track your progress in maintaining focus on your most important priorities.
Things to know before reading
- This book challenges multitasking—be prepared to rethink how you approach productivity
- The focusing question is central—have specific goals in mind to apply it effectively
- Time blocking requires discipline—be ready to protect your priority time
- The domino effect principle shows how small focused actions create big results
Brief summary
The One Thing in a nutshell
The One Thing presents a counterintuitive approach to productivity: instead of multitasking and trying to do everything, focus relentlessly on the single most important task that will make everything else easier or unnecessary. Gary Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams Realty, argues that extraordinary results come from narrowing your focus to one priority at a time, creating a domino effect that leads to massive success.
Key ideas overview
The One Thing summary of 3 key ideas
*The One Thing* reveals how focusing on a single priority creates a domino effect that leads to extraordinary achievements.
Ask the Focusing Question to determine your priority.
What's the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
Time block your one thing to protect it from distractions.
Time block your ONE Thing. Make an appointment with yourself and keep it.
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Book summaries like The One Thing
Discover similar journeys
Achieve extraordinary results by focusing on what matters most.
This summary gives you a practical framework to cut through the noise of endless to-do lists and identify the one thing that will create the biggest impact. You'll learn how to eliminate distractions, set powerful priorities, and build momentum through consistent focus on your most important goal.
Deep dive
Key ideas in The One Thing
Key idea 1
Extraordinary results come from doing fewer things better.
Success demands singleness of purpose. You need to be doing fewer things for more effect instead of doing more things with side effects.
Keller argues that multitasking is a myth that actually reduces productivity. Instead of spreading your energy across many tasks, identify the one thing that will make everything else easier or unnecessary. This "domino effect" principle shows that focusing on the right priority creates momentum that knocks down other challenges automatically.
Remember
- Identify the one activity that delivers the most significant results
- Apply the 80/20 principle to focus on high-impact tasks
- Eliminate tasks that don't contribute to your main goal
Key idea 2
Ask the Focusing Question to determine your priority.
What's the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
The Focusing Question is the central tool in the book. Applied to different timeframes—from daily tasks to life goals—this question forces you to identify your most important priority. By consistently asking and answering this question, you create alignment between your daily actions and long-term objectives.
Remember
- Use the Focusing Question for daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly planning
- Apply it to different life domains: work, health, relationships, finances
- Let the answer guide your time allocation and decision-making
Key idea 3
Time block your one thing to protect it from distractions.
Time block your ONE Thing. Make an appointment with yourself and keep it.
Keller emphasizes that good intentions aren't enough—you must protect your priority time. Time blocking involves scheduling your most important task first thing in the morning, when your energy and focus are highest. This ensures that your one thing gets done before other demands consume your day.
Remember
- Schedule your most important task for your peak energy hours
- Treat this time block as an unbreakable appointment
- Use the first hour of your workday for your one thing
Context
What is The One Thing about?
The One Thing is a productivity and focus methodology that challenges conventional wisdom about multitasking and busyness. Gary Keller argues that extraordinary success comes not from doing more, but from doing less—specifically, focusing relentlessly on the single most important task that will create the biggest impact.
The book provides a practical framework for identifying your true priorities, eliminating distractions, and building momentum through consistent focus. It addresses common productivity pitfalls like the myth of multitasking, the danger of trying to balance everything, and the trap of working harder instead of smarter.
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Review
The One Thing review
Keller's approach is refreshingly simple yet profoundly effective. The book combines compelling research with practical strategies that anyone can implement immediately. The writing is direct and actionable, with memorable concepts like the "domino effect" and the "focusing question" that stick with readers long after finishing the book.
Critical Reception: The One Thing has sold over 1.3 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 40 languages. It spent over 500 weeks on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list and has been praised by business leaders and productivity experts for its practical, no-nonsense approach to achieving extraordinary results.
- Spent over 500 weeks on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list
- Sold over 1.3 million copies worldwide in 40 languages
- Praise from business leaders like Richard Branson and Tony Robbins
- Practical framework that can be implemented immediately
- Challenges conventional wisdom about multitasking and busyness
- Provides clear tools for cutting through overwhelm
Who should read The One Thing?
Professionals feeling overwhelmed by endless to-do lists
Entrepreneurs and business owners seeking better focus
Students and creatives struggling with productivity
Anyone wanting to achieve more by doing less
Leaders looking to help their teams prioritize effectively
About the author
Gary Keller is the co-founder and chairman of Keller Williams Realty, the largest real estate franchise by agent count in the world. He started the company in 1983 with a single office and grew it into a global enterprise with over 180,000 agents. Keller is also a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and entrepreneur who has been recognized for his business leadership and innovative thinking.
Before writing The One Thing, Keller authored several other bestselling real estate books. His experience building a massive organization from scratch informs the practical, results-oriented approach in The One Thing. Keller continues to speak and write about productivity, focus, and business success.
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Final summary
The One Thing proves that extraordinary results come from extraordinary focus. By identifying and relentlessly pursuing your single most important priority, you create momentum that makes everything else easier. The book provides a simple yet powerful framework for cutting through complexity and achieving what matters most.
Inside the book
This extended outline captures the most resonant passages, quotes, and turning points in The One Thing. Use it to revisit moments when Gary Keller explains the domino effect principle, the focusing question methodology, and practical strategies for eliminating distractions and building momentum through consistent focus.
Use this space to provide comprehensive notes that enhance the reading experience, including key quotes, personal applications, and deeper insights about how to apply the "one thing" principle to your specific goals and challenges.
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