Just One Thing

In what has become a classic scene from the movie City Slickers, Billy Crystal’s character, Mitch Robbins, is riding the range with a Curly Washburn, a crusty old ranch hand superbly played by Jack Palance. Their conversation turns philosophical when Curly begins to talk about “the secret of life” and tells Robbins that it’s “one thing – just one thing”.

“What is the one thing?” Mitch asks.

To which Curly replies, “That’s what you’ve got to figure out.”

As we begin a new year, perhaps it’s time to get a little philosophical, and while we may come to no conclusion regarding the secret of life, perhaps discovering your “one thing” could impact your life in 2021.

What is your “one thing”? What’s the “one thing” that – if you did it consistently and did it well – would make a significant and positive difference in your life?

Here are some thoughts about what your “one thing” might be…

Deepen your spiritual life.
Resolve a relationship conflict.
Continue to learn.
Finish something you’ve been putting off.
Improve your prospecting and sales skills.
Manage your time more effectively.
Get organized.
Get serious about your health.
Become a more valued employee.
Give your best effort in everything you do.
Devote regular, focused time to your family and friends.
Support a cause.
Pursue your passion.
Provide flawless customer service.
Be a better parent, child, spouse.
Learn a new skill.
Get out of debt.
Change your environment.
Take more risks.
Get involved in your community.
Stop lying to yourself.
Read 1-2 books a month.
Challenge yourself to accomplish an ambitious goal.
Volunteer.
Reinvent your career.
Improve your appearance.
Change your attitude.

There are as many “one things” as there are individuals. And the secret to being successful this year may be figuring out your “one thing” and then doing something about it – whether it means establishing a positive habit or eliminating a negative one.

This year, instead of making a long list of resolutions, why not try focusing on “one thing” – “just one thing” that could make a big difference. Find your “one thing”, do it consistently and well, and 2021 will exceed your expectations.