Hey, you! Yes, you. Let me ask you something. Do you ever feel like you’ve got so much on your plate that even your plate feels stressed?
You’ve got work deadlines, family stuff, that pile of laundry staring at you like it’s ready to stage a rebellion… and don’t even get me started on your inbox.
But what if I told you there’s a way to simplify it all? To get off the chaos treadmill, focus on ONE thing, and actually win at life for the next 90 days?
You in? Good. Because I’m about to show you how to take your life from “HELP!” to “HECK YES!” using one simple question:
The ONE Thing
What’s the ONE Thing I can do, such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
This isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing better. It’s like Marie Kondo-ing your life—focusing on the stuff that sparks joy (or progress) and ditching the rest.
Step 1: Set Your North Star (Your 90-Day Goal)
We’re starting with the big picture: 90 days. That’s three months, about 12 weeks, or one season of Netflix binge-watching if you’re efficient.
Ask yourself:
What’s ONE big thing I could achieve in the next 90 days that would make everything else easier or unnecessary?
This goal should be something that matters—a game-changer, not just a “meh, I guess that’d be nice” kind of thing.
Examples:
- Fitness: “I want to build a consistent workout habit.”
- Work: “I’ll finish that side project I’ve been procrastinating on.”
- Personal Growth: “I’ll read five books and actually remember what I read.”
- Decluttering: “I’ll finally tackle my closet so I don’t end up wearing the same hoodie every day.”
Let’s pick one for this blog so we’re on the same page. Say your goal is this:
“In 90 days, I want to create a simple, consistent morning routine that makes me feel energized and productive.”
Step 2: Break It Down by Month
Now that you’ve got your North Star, let’s chop it into bite-sized chunks. Ask yourself:
What’s the ONE Thing I can do THIS MONTH that gets me closer to my 90-day goal?
Think of this as your stepping stone. For the morning routine example, Month 1 could look like this:
“Spend 30 days experimenting with different morning habits to figure out what works for me.”
No pressure to get it perfect. Month 1 is like a science experiment. You’re testing, tweaking, and figuring out what sticks.
Step 3: Zoom In on the Week
Next, let’s break the month into weeks. Ask yourself:
What’s the ONE Thing I can do THIS WEEK to make progress on my monthly goal?
For Week 1, let’s say:
“Spend 10 minutes every morning testing one new habit.”
Examples for Week 1:
- Monday: Try a gratitude journal (write 3 things you’re thankful for).
- Tuesday: Do 5 minutes of light stretching.
- Wednesday: Drink water before coffee (controversial, I know).
- Thursday: Go for a short walk.
- Friday: Plan your day using a to-do list.
Step 4: Focus on the Day
Now comes the daily magic. Every morning, ask yourself:
What’s the ONE Thing I can do TODAY to move closer to my weekly goal?
For example:
“Today, I’ll try writing in a gratitude journal for 3 minutes.”
Let’s See the Big Picture in Action
Okay, let’s recap our morning routine example:
- 90-Day Goal: Build a consistent, energizing morning routine.
- Monthly Goal (Month 1): Experiment with different morning habits to see what works.
- Weekly Goal (Week 1): Spend 10 minutes each morning testing one habit.
- Daily Goal (Day 1): Write in a gratitude journal for 3 minutes.
Why This Works (The Science-y Stuff)
You might be wondering, “Why does this feel so… doable?” Well, here’s why:
- Clarity: When you focus on ONE thing, you cut out the noise. No more trying to do 27 things at once.
- Momentum: Small wins create a snowball effect. Each little success gives you confidence to keep going.
- Less Stress: You’re not drowning in a sea of to-dos. You’re laser-focused on what matters most.
But What If I Mess Up?
Spoiler alert: You will. And that’s okay. Life happens. Maybe you hit snooze five times, or you accidentally binge-watch a whole season of something instead of journaling.
Here’s the golden rule: Progress > Perfection.
Real-Life Examples of ONE Thing Goals
Need more inspiration? Here are a few other 90-day goals you could try:
- Health: “Run a 5K without collapsing into a puddle.”
- Career: “Land my dream job.”
- Home: “Create a cozy, clutter-free living room.”
A Final Pep Talk
Listen, my friend. You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do the right thing. One thing at a time.
Over the next 90 days, you’ve got this. Focus on your ONE thing, and watch how everything else falls into place.
And hey, when you hit Day 90 and look back at how far you’ve come, don’t forget to celebrate. You earned it.
Now go crush it! I’m cheering for you.