How Using ''The ONE Thing'' Can Break Your Mid-Year Slump

As we slowly turn the corner into June and begin our descent into the second half of the year, many find themselves asking “where did the  year go?” It’s mid-year check-in time, which means reflection, analysis and sometimes the dark reality of lacking personal goals and resolutions. Space and time tend to separate the reasons behind why we thought that “X”, “Y” and “Z” were so important on January 1st, but there must have been a driving force leading you to make that commitment. Too often, the issue isn’t lack of ambition, but overcommitment. We take on too many projects, too many goals and too many new ideas to be able to fully give these things the attention they deserve. By implementing Gary Keller’s “The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results” into your life and reassessing your goals mid-year, you can turn the rest of 2014 into a roaring success. 

If you haven’t read “The ONE Thing”, the book outlines simple strategies to do less while achieving more. As we live in an age of unprecedented abundance, we are overwhelmed and overcommitted. According to Keller, it is imperative to find a way to cut through the clutter and focus on what’s important. The first step in this process is to take the time to sit down, grab a blank piece of paper and a pen, and ask yourself “What’s the ONE thing I could do, such that by doing it everything else would be easier or unnecessary?”. The next step is to time block to make it happen, and it doesn’t have to be anymore complicated than that. With this in mind, you will set up a domino effect in your life as you line things up with the end in mind.

While you are planning on wrapping up the current year, think ahead to where this will lead you in the future. As you think about where you see yourself in ten years, consider your future position in the following areas: career, family, health, education and finances. Ask those who will be most affected by your plans for their input and advice. They will have good insight on the reality of your plan and they will also be prepared to offer support in the short and long term. After you have identified your 10-year vision, think about what you need to do right now and by five years from now to achieve those goals. Commit to your plans in writing and review your plans at least annually to ensure that you are making progress. 

According to Keller, “juggling is an illusion…In reality, the balls are being independently caught and thrown in rapid succession…it is actually task switching”. Take this opportunity as we turn the corner into the second half of the year to cut out the fat and really focus on what you want to achieve this year. Staying motivated is essential to staying ahead. Take the time to consider your goals, communicate your plans to those around you and be open to constructive criticism. After your direction is reconfirmed keep the momentum going through learning and networking. All of these efforts will work together to make the rest of your year, and your “ONE thing” a success.