Book Review: The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

In The One Thing, authors Gary Keller and Jay Papasan emphasize the power of focusing on the most impactful task at any given time to drive extraordinary results. Their approach is simple but profound: identify your “One Thing”—the task that will make everything else easier or unnecessary—and make it your primary focus. For paramedics looking to set SMART goals and develop a structured career path, this book offers insights on goal prioritization, focus, and productivity, making it a valuable resource for effective career planning.

💡 Key Takeaways for Paramedics

1. Define Clear Priorities to Structure Your Goals

   • Keller and Papasan advocate for simplifying goals by identifying the one task or objective that will make the most difference in achieving a bigger goal. For paramedics, this approach is particularly valuable. Instead of setting broad, overwhelming goals, focus on one actionable area that will have a significant impact. For instance, if your goal is to advance to a leadership role, your “One Thing” might be completing a certification in management or mentorship training.
   • SMART Application: Set a specific, measurable goal around your priority. For example, instead of broadly aiming to “improve leadership skills,” create a SMART goal such as, “Complete a leadership certification within the next six months.”

2. Break Down Goals into Manageable, Time-Bound Steps

   • The One Thing encourages readers to focus on smaller, manageable tasks that contribute to a larger objective. This aligns well with the SMART framework, as each step toward your goal should be time-bound and achievable. Paramedics can use this strategy to tackle ongoing education, gain specialized skills, or improve patient communication.
   • SMART Application: Define measurable milestones within your larger goal. If you’re working toward a specialized role, your first step could be to identify and enroll in relevant courses within a specific timeframe.

3. Embrace Focus to Minimize Distractions

   • Keller and Papasan highlight the importance of minimizing distractions to stay on course with your “One Thing.” For paramedics, this could mean setting boundaries to focus on career development without becoming sidetracked by daily demands. While working in a high-stakes field, paramedics can apply this principle by setting aside dedicated time each week for career planning or skill-building.
   • SMART Application: Integrate time-blocking to ensure consistent progress. For instance, schedule an hour every Friday to review career goals or complete an online course.

4. Align Goals with Long-Term Vision

   • A major takeaway from The One Thing is aligning your current actions with your future vision. For paramedics, this means ensuring that each SMART goal moves you closer to your ideal career path, whether that’s in leadership, a specialized medical role, or an educational capacity. Focus on goals that not only serve immediate needs but also support long-term aspirations.
   • SMART Application: Make your goals relevant to your long-term vision. Ask yourself, “How does this goal contribute to my five-year career plan?” If it aligns, set a time-bound action plan to accomplish it.

✅ Get Started Today

The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan offers a focused approach to goal-setting that is particularly effective for paramedics. By narrowing down on key tasks, setting SMART goals, and aligning daily actions with career aspirations, paramedics can take control of their career planning with clarity and purpose. Start by identifying your “One Thing” that aligns with your career goals, and use Keller and Papasan’s strategies to set, structure, and achieve actionable SMART goals that lead to meaningful career progress.

You can access The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan via print, digital or audio format.