Stop Chasing, Start Choosing: Your One Thing
Most of us live busy lives. Juggling family, health, work, relationships, and the constant stream of decisions. But underneath all of it, there’s a deeper question worth asking:
What’s the one thing that matters most to me?
When we find our “One Thing,” we unlock a compass for living with fewer regrets and more clarity.
You’ll make decisions that align with your values instead of chasing every opportunity.
You’ll be less likely to look back with regret.
You’ll learn the discipline of delayed gratification.
You’ll start playing the long-term game with the right people.
Many of the best things in life, whether it’s relationships, health, or career, become easier to navigate once we know the One Thing that anchors us.
Most people never take the time to find it. We get caught up in short-term wins, distractions, and other people’s expectations. We chase too many goals and end up scattered, not focused.
Finding your One Thing requires courage, honesty, and some soul-searching.
Ask yourself:
“What’s the one thing that if I do it, I will die without regrets?”
It’s not an easy question. For me, it took weeks, closer to months of reflection. Don’t rush. The answer will reveal itself over time.
If you want help on this journey, the book The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan is a great starting point.
Work backward from your One Thing
Once you’ve found it, break it down into actions that align your life today with your long-term vision:
10 years / 5 years
What must I do to stay aligned with my One Thing?
36 months
What progress do I need to see?
12 months
What milestone should I hit?
6 months
What foundation do I need to build?
1 month
What’s one step I can take?
This week/today
What’s the single action that moves me forward?
Example: You wanted time freedom and not to worry about finances
In 10 years / 5 years
You want your investments to generate regular income that replaces your salary, or at least you can work on a part-time job ( 3 days a week).
36 months
You are saving regularly and investing such that you already see that the goal of Time Freedom is possible.
12 months
If you are saving, let’s say 10%, can you save 20% or earn more to save more? To earn more, what skills do you need to learn?
6 months
Early in your career, your skills will earn more, so you can save more. Identify skills that are in demand and learn so you can increase your salary, such that you can save, invest.
This week/today
Based on a 6-month goal, you need to have a weekly plan for what skills you need to learn and how much time you can dedicate.
You can apply this strategy to your Relationships, Health, work, and so on.
This method shifts your daily decisions from reactive to intentional.
Knowing your One Thing helps you become:
A healthier person
A better partner or friend
A more focused professional
Someone who spends their time on what truly matters
If you already feel happy and fulfilled, you may not need to define your One Thing right now. But if you feel scattered or uncertain, investing time in this exercise can change the trajectory of your life.
Final Thoughts
When I first came across “The One Thing”, it brought clarity on what I wanted to do in my life. Sometimes, you don’t find your one thing immediately, and that’s okay. Give yourself time, keep reflecting on what is happening in your life. You will find your onething. If you have already done this exercise before, let me know in the comments on your experience.
What’s your One Thing? Have you thought about it before?