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48 changes: 30 additions & 18 deletions _mental_models/one-thing.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -8,33 +8,45 @@ prerequisites: Probability, Pareto Principle, Second Order Effect

#### Description

Not all items on your to-do list are created equal, so in order to make the biggest leaps in the shortest amount of time, you’d be best off ruthlessly prioritizing them. Identifying the single most important task and just doing that will yield greater results rather than trying to finish random tasks in the TODO list.
Not all tasks are equal. Some things, when done, make other things easier. Some even make other things unnecessary. Most people spend their time completing small, random tasks because they are visible and easy to finish. That creates the feeling of progress, but not always real movement.

If you want to make meaningful progress, you have to prioritize ruthlessly. Instead of asking, _“What should I do next?_” ask, _“What is the one thing I can do such that by doing it everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?”_ The right task creates leverage. The wrong tasks just create activity.

Doing the most important thing first simplifies the rest of the system.

https://www.the1thing.com/

#### Practice
## Practice

1. Write down an action, event, or area you will interact with.
2. Ask yourself: _What is the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?_
3. Write the answer.
4, Repeat this process four times across different areas of your life.

1. Write an action/event/location you will interact with.
2. Write down the ONE thing you can do, such that by doing it everything else will become easier or unnecessary?
### Example-1

Repeat this 4 times.
**One thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will become easier or unnecessary?**
- **Work**: Figure out if we should use freestar.io for monetization. Once this is decided, many other product and revenue decisions become clearer.
- **Event**: Meet as many relevant people as possible. One meaningful connection can create multiple future opportunities.
- **Today**: Wake up early and meditate. The rest of the day becomes more focused and intentional.
- **Breakdance**: Improve flexibility. Better flexibility reduces injury and makes almost every move easier.

#### Example-1
### Example-2

One thing I can do, such that by doing it everything else will become easier or unnecessary?
- Work: Figure out if we should use freestar.io as monetization
- Event: Meet as many people as possible
- Today: Wake up early and meditate
- Breakdance: Flexibility (I will get injured less, it will be easier for me to do all the moves)
**One thing I can do, such that by doing it everything else will become easier or unnecessary?**
- **Sport**: Strengthen my wrists. If my wrists are strong, I can train consistently without pain.
- **Meeting**: Clearly understand what the other side truly needs. Once that’s clear, the right solution becomes obvious.
- **General**: Buy a new MacBook cable. It removes constant friction and small daily frustration.
- **Instagram**: Mute accounts that add no value. Less noise improves focus.

#### Example-2
### Example-3

One thing I can do, such that by doing it everything else will become easier or unnecessary?
- Sport: Wrist strength (injured my wrists)
- Meeting: Understand clearly what the other side needs
- General: Buy a new MacBook cable (tired of nudging it every minute)
- Instagram: Mute everyone uninteresting
**One thing I can do, such that by doing it everything else will become easier or unnecessary?**
- **Product**: Identify the core metric that truly drives growth. When that’s clear, features and experiments align naturally.
- **Health**: Fix my sleep schedule. Better sleep improves energy, mood, and productivity.
- **Learning**: Master the fundamentals first. Advanced concepts become much easier afterward.
- **Relationships**: Have one honest conversation I’ve been avoiding. It clears tension and improves future interactions.

#### Extra Reads

[The 1 Thing Book](https://www.the1thing.com/)
[The 1 Thing Book](https://www.the1thing.com/)