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Monday, March 21, 2016

One Thing

I heard an advertisement this morning that asked, "what's your one thing?". I cannot remember the context of the one thing (I should have had my notebook out except for I was certain that I would remember it!) but the simplicity of the one thing stuck with me. So I googled it, and found Jerry Keller's The1thing.com

The idea is amazing. While I don't think it is ground breaking or new, I do think it is so very important. He asks his readers to find the one thing that deserves their focus and in devoting your energy there, could fine-tune or make irrelevant other obligations. 

So, what is my one thing? I can honestly say, I have not a clue. Or maybe that I have a clue (surely I must know) hidden away in my subconscious because, if I found it, I would be totally unstoppable. 

And the world just isn't ready. 
One thing, I am going to hunt you down and slay you. 

I almost never listen to the Steve Harvey morning show but this morning I did and he said something I found valuable today. His point was think about what you do everyday to unwind. Be it a nap, playing mindless games, surfing the net, etc. and how it helps you accomplish your goals. If it doesn't, start investing that time into making your dream a reality. That is very accessible to me. I can do that one thing. 

Here's a list of things I normally do after work that I know does nothing for me. In fact, most all of it sets me back.
1. nap (I have horrible insomnia whether I nap or not)
2. pour a glass of wine
3. watch recorded shows
4. too much of nothing

So, in an effort to do something that gets me closer to happy me, I will pick at least one replacement for the above: 
1. take a walk
2. cook
3. clean a drawer (organized spaces make me happy)
4. write

I have really loved this March writing challenge. I have fallen off of the wagon a couple of times but for the next 10 days I want to finish strong.



The Slice of Life writing challenge is a chance to join a community of writers as a writer and a supporter. Not only will you experience the joy of writing together with others all over the world, you will receive comments and love from other writers. Join us all of March with your contribution. Find out more here







12 comments:

  1. I just wanted to encourage you: definitely give it a try. I firmly believe that we make time for the things that are important to us, and if you really want to find more time for your "one thing," you definitely will. Good luck!

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    1. Thank you Dana. I just have to stay focused. I am really going to work on it and give it a try. I don't remember much about high school but one teacher said something that has stuck with me through all these years--"Trying is a cop out; do it." That was way before Nike came out with their famous, genius slogan-Just Do It, and I think that trying is maybe the first step to doing it. Something to think about. I really appreciate your encouragement.

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  2. Good luck hunting down and finding your one thing. I like the information from the Steve Harvey show as well. It's interesting to think that our winding down could actually be productive. Hmmmm...that leads me to thinking about Charles Duhigg and his books about habits. It's high in my TBR pile. Good luck finishing strong with the challenge! I can't believe there are only 10 days left!!!

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    1. Thank you Molly! Productive winding down... you nailed it!

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  3. I love this idea of one thing and I love how you zeroed in on one part of your day and listed what you do and what you could do. And I can relate to those moments when you wish you had your notebook to jot something down but are convinced you will remember. Happens to me ALL THE TIME!

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    1. Thank you Lisa! Thank you for the specific praise, makes me feels so accomplished.

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  4. I vote for going for a walk -- exercising outdoors is an essential for me. I run most mornings at dawn. It is a killer to get out there - but I love starting my day this way. Clears my head, focusing my thinking and if I run with friends I am laughing before 5:30 in the morning -- what can beat that???!! My husband is a sleep specialist -- he would say no NAPS!!!
    Chare

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    1. I'm going with your vote of exercise Clare. And thank you so much for clarifying the no naps! They are killer. And I want to be like you, exercising before the official day begins. On my good days I am at the gym by 5:00. I am working towards that being my everyday. Plus, I want to look good like you. That is so worth getting out there.

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  5. I have to just choose one thing?! I just heard the "if you chase two rabbits, you'll catch neither" and I thought that made a lot of sense. For me, I want to focus on just one thing at a time. When I Crossfit, I just want to think about Crossfit. When I'm with a friend, I want to focus on her and the conversation we're having. When I'm writing, I want to think just about what I want to say. So maybe...my one thing is THIS VERY MOMENT? This is a fun thing to think about...thank you for it :)

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    1. Yes, you are so right. It is about this very moment. Being present and focused. Thank you! I saw that video too. Good marketing!

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  6. I, too, love your two lists. My list 1 looks very similar to your list 1! Thanks for the wake up reminder to fill my days with worthwhile activities rather than mind numbing ones that is my default after a long day of teaching and wrist-gnawingly waste-of-time meetings.

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    1. My list sister! :-) I love that you said "wrist-gnawingly waste-of-time meetings". Sounds like wine is the perfect thing for that. Okay, just kidding. What is your list #2? Thank you Michelle.

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