The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results book cover

The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

Discover the surprising power of doing less to achieve more, faster

Gary Keller, Jay Papasan
2012
10 Key Insights

About This Book

Imagine cutting through noise, stress, and endless to‑do lists to focus on the single action that makes everything else easier or unnecessary. This playbook shows you how to narrow your efforts to what matters most, align daily choices with a bigger purpose, and build momentum like falling dominoes. You’ll learn why multitasking drains results, how to lock in deep work, and how to time your days around the natural rise and fall of willpower. With vivid stories, clear frameworks, and step‑by‑step tools, you’ll replace busyness with meaningful progress and turn ambitious goals into steady, compounding wins.

About the Author

Gary Keller is an entrepreneur and educator known for building large, high‑performing organizations. He has coached thousands of leaders on achieving outsized results by simplifying their focus. Jay Papasan is a business strategist and writer who translates research into practical frameworks that anyone can apply. Together, they blend real‑world case studies with behavioral science to teach clear, repeatable methods for setting priorities, building habits, and producing exceptional work without burning out.

Biggest Takeaway

You’ll leave with a one‑question filter for instant clarity, a method to turn sprawling to‑dos into a short success list, and a four‑hour deep‑work routine that actually sticks. Expect calmer days, faster progress on big goals, and less decision fatigue. You’ll master habit formation in ~66 days, schedule your hardest work when willpower peaks, and design an environment that supports focus. You’ll also learn to say no without guilt, counterbalance work and life with intention, and think big and specific so your daily actions compound into extraordinary results.

Key Insights from This Book

Explore the most important ideas and learn how to apply them in your life.

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