“Questions are the creative acts of intelligence.” – Frank Kingdom
The entrepreneurial journey can often feel like finding your way through a maze, filled with endless choices, each one more complicated than the last. It’s easy to find yourself paralyzed by decision fatigue. Every decision, every choice seems critical, leading to an overwhelming sense of responsibility.
But imagine, amidst this overwhelming web of decisions, there is a beacon, one illuminating question that can simplify the chaos of your entrepreneurial choices: “What’s the one thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?” This question is the beacon that can guide you to the shores of clarity, allowing you to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.
When he returned to a struggling Apple, Steve Jobs was faced with a multitude of projects and diversions, but he chose to simplify, to focus. He reduced Apple’s product line to a few key items, allowing for innovation and excellence. It was this singular focus that led to the creation of groundbreaking products like the iPod and iPhone, reshaping industries and consumer expectations.
This principle of clarity through focus is not just about trimming down physical products or services, but also about refining your goals, values, and visions. It’s about diving deep into what truly matters, stripping away the extraneous, and channeling energy into cultivating excellence in your chosen pursuit.
By persistently applying this focusing question to your daily tasks and long-term goals, you can uncover your primary objective, streamline your efforts, and foster unparalleled innovation and value.
Action Step: Take a moment today to think about this focusing question. Evaluate your current goals, tasks, and projects through this lens and discern what your “ONE Thing” is that can make everything else easier or unnecessary. Let this question be your compass, guiding your actions and decisions towards impactful and meaningful pursuits.
In the sea of endless possibilities and paths, finding your “ONE Thing” is like having a lighthouse guiding your way, helping you navigate through the storms and reach your desired destination. By simplifying, and focusing, you not only clear the clutter, but also amplify your impact, enabling you to craft a legacy marked by innovation and excellence.
If you want to learn more about applying this principle to your business, be sure to check out our book of the week: “The ONE Thing” by Gary Keller.