The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results (Abstract of the book)

Living with purpose and visualizing the steps to get to your goal will set you on the path to extraordinary results.

Imagine for a minute that you currently have no concrete goals or ambitions whatsoever. Adrift like this, how would you decide what to do each day? Do you think you would persevere at a difficult and tedious task without knowing why you’re doing it?

When we imagine the above scenario, we realize how important it is to have a goal to work towards. It gives your life added meaning and purpose, which leads to greater clarity in your thoughts, more conviction in your actions, and faster decisions. Most importantly, though, knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing provides inspiration and motivation when problems occur.

With a goal in place, you can start planning the steps to reach it, but it’s even better if you also visualize each step along the way, as this motivates you and prepares you for the road ahead. These beneficial effects were shown in a study of students, who, when taking a test, were asked to visualize either the outcome of the test or the process of preparing for and taking it. The students who visualized the process reported higher levels of motivation, were better prepared and subsequently got better results.

Recall the image of being so adrift at the start of this blink? Now imagine that you have found your calling: you want to climb Mount Everest. Your goal is suddenly clear: it’s the ONE thing you want to do. You now need to do some research, start training and get the right equipment. Thanks to your goal, you’re already making plans, visualizing the steps and progressing towards it.

Defining a goal – the ONE thing we want to do and achieve in life – is something we should all strive toward.

Living with purpose and visualizing the steps to get to your goal will set you on the path to extraordinary results.