Have you read The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan?
The simple concept is that we can all achieve extraordinary results and incredible success when we focus on just one thing.
But how do you know what that one thing is?
The trick is to use the ‘focusing’ question – “What’s the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”
You can use this technique to decide what to prioritise first to achieve your career ambitions. Whether you’re job hunting, facing redundancy or applying for promotion in your current workplace.
It works because if you have a To Do list as long as your arm, it saps all motivation out of you and encourages you to procrastinate. Whereas if you only have ONE thing to do, it’s so much easier to get started.
Get clarity on what to prioritise by asking yourself “What’s the ONE Thing I can do today such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”
Maybe it’s that conversation with your boss you’ve been putting off. Or responding to that difficult client who’s arguing over the contract details.
Get that sorted and off your list, and your day will be so much easier.
If you’re looking for new career opportunities, you might ask yourself “What’s the ONE Thing I can do for my career search this week such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”
Maybe it’s updating your LinkedIn profile or reaching out to your network to let them know you’re job hunting. Maybe it’s taking a deep breath and calling the Head of Technology at that company where you’ve always wanted to work.
What I love about the focusing question is that it leads you to do just ONE thing. Just one step. One action.
It might be a big thing or a small thing.
It doesn’t lead you to a choice or range of things so you don’t dither and fuss about all the things you need to do.
Just one thing. And it doesn’t matter whether you know what the next thing is. Taking that first step will make the next step easier. It’s the start of a domino effect.
Try it out – use the focusing question to get clarity and identify ONE thing you can do so that everything else is easier or unnecessary.
p.s. if you enjoyed this career success tip, check out the Career Catalyst programme designed specifically for smart talented women who want to fast track their career success
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