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Gary Keller:
Welcome, everyone. I’m truly honored to have you join us for this powerful conversation series based on The ONE Thing—an idea that changed my life and continues to shape how I live, lead, and serve.
We live in a world obsessed with doing more—more tasks, more goals, more pressure. But here’s what I’ve learned: success doesn’t come from doing everything—it comes from doing the right thing.
That’s what this series is all about.
Together, we’re going to explore seven essential truths that underpin extraordinary results—starting with the domino effect and moving through the myths of multitasking, the limits of willpower, and the power of working backwards from a vision.
But I didn’t want to have these conversations alone.
So I’ve invited some of the most remarkable thinkers, leaders, and creators on the planet to join me. Each guest brings a unique perspective to these timeless principles. Some have built businesses, others have shaped culture, some have transformed millions of lives—but all of them understand this one truth:
Focus is the gateway to greatness.
So I welcome you into this journey—whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creator, a parent, a student, or just someone looking for clarity in a noisy world.
Let’s discover how doing less can help you achieve more—and how asking one powerful question can change everything.
Let’s begin with Topic 1: The Domino Effect.
(Note: This is an imaginary conversation, a creative exploration of an idea, and not a real speech or event.)
The Domino Effect
Moderator: Gary Keller
Guests: James Clear, Stephen Covey, Warren Buffett, Angela Duckworth
Gary Keller:
Welcome, everyone. Today we’re talking about a principle that’s at the heart of my work—The Domino Effect. Small, focused actions can knock down massive outcomes over time. To explore this, I want to start with our first question:
1. “What is the one small habit or decision that created a disproportionate return in your life—and how did you recognize its potential at the time?”
James Clear:
It was writing two blog posts a week. I didn’t realize at first how much it would compound—every article sharpened my thinking and built trust with readers. Years later, Atomic Habits was possible because of those early, consistent posts. I didn’t recognize the scale of the return—it just felt like discipline. Looking back, it was the ultimate leverage.
Stephen Covey:
For me, it was daily reflection. Just a few minutes every morning to realign with my values. That small act shaped The 7 Habits, helped me lead with clarity, and reminded me of my purpose. At the time, it felt simple, but it anchored everything else.
Warren Buffett:
My domino was reading. I’ve read every day for decades. People see the results—Berkshire Hathaway, investments—but the act that fueled it all was sitting quietly and reading. Early on, I didn’t know how powerful it would be, but I trusted compounding. It’s the best-kept open secret.
Angela Duckworth:
Mine was tracking effort. As a teacher and researcher, I began logging small effort markers in my students and myself—minutes studied, goals attempted, tiny wins. That habit opened my eyes to the power of grit. It became the foundation of my entire life’s work.
Gary Keller:
Incredible. That leads us to the next question:
2. “When you feel overwhelmed by multiple priorities, how do you determine which domino deserves your focus right now?”
James Clear:
I ask, “What action makes everything else easier?” That’s straight out of The ONE Thing. I look for the habit or system that solves multiple problems at once. Often, it’s not urgent—it’s foundational.
Stephen Covey:
I go back to the compass. Am I living by principles or reacting to noise? The urgent always screams, but the important quietly waits. I focus on the quadrant of “Important but Not Urgent.” That’s usually where the real domino is hiding.
Warren Buffett:
I keep a “Not To Do” list. If you try to do it all, you knock over no dominoes. I ask, “What can I ignore?” Then I focus on the one investment, the one conversation, or the one decision that moves the needle long-term.
Angela Duckworth:
I follow my “North Star” goal—the long-term vision I want to serve. Then I zoom in and ask, “What’s the next step that aligns with that?” It’s like trail running in the fog—you only need to see the next marker, not the whole mountain.
Gary Keller:
Excellent. And now the most human question of all:
3. “What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck, waiting for a big breakthrough instead of focusing on small consistent actions?”
James Clear:
Start ridiculously small. One push-up, one paragraph, one minute of silence. You’re not trying to be perfect—you’re trying to show up. Action creates clarity. That’s how momentum is born.
Stephen Covey:
Shift from being “goal-driven” to “principle-centered.” Your worth isn’t tied to milestones. Focus on becoming the kind of person who naturally attracts breakthroughs by how they live daily.
Warren Buffett:
Play the long game. Big breaks rarely happen by force. They’re the result of showing up every day when no one’s watching. If you do that long enough, people start calling you a genius.
Angela Duckworth:
Give yourself permission to be a beginner. You don’t need to crush it from day one. Grit isn’t about being great all the time—it’s about sticking with something long enough to let greatness catch up.
Gary Keller (Closing):
Thank you all. The domino effect is real—but you have to push that first tile. Start small, stay consistent, and trust the process. Every great success story begins with one focused choice. Let today be yours.
Success Is Built Sequentially
Moderator: Gary Keller
Guests: Elon Musk, Marie Forleo, Tony Robbins, Cal Newport, Howard Schultz
Gary Keller:
Welcome back, everyone. Today’s topic is Success is Built Sequentially. Big dreams are accomplished by knocking down one goal at a time, not all at once. Let’s begin with our first question:
1. “Can you share a time when focusing on just one step at a time led you to a breakthrough, even when the big picture felt overwhelming?”
Elon Musk:
When we launched SpaceX, the goal was Mars. That’s overwhelming. But my first step? Get one rocket to orbit. Then reuse it. We didn’t jump—we stacked the pieces, one engineering breakthrough at a time. Same with Tesla. It began with a tiny Roadster no one believed in.
Marie Forleo:
When I started MarieTV, I had zero video experience. But I focused on producing one episode at a time. No fancy studio, no team. Just consistent, imperfect output. That small commitment—done weekly—became the heartbeat of my brand. Everything else flowed from that.
Tony Robbins:
In my early 20s, I focused on helping one person break through. Then one seminar. Then one city. The key was to master each level before scaling. You can’t lead millions until you learn how to deeply serve one.
Cal Newport:
When I wrote Deep Work, I focused on a single principle: protecting cognitive energy. That led to cutting email time, blocking my calendar, and reshaping how I write. It wasn’t about overhauling life all at once—it was methodical, one habit at a time.
Howard Schultz:
Building Starbucks wasn’t a moonshot. It was opening one store with the right atmosphere. Then another. I didn’t dream of global domination—I dreamed of getting one cup right. Success came from repeating that quality sequentially, not chaotically.
Gary Keller:
Incredible clarity. Let’s take it further:
2. “How do you avoid the temptation to multitask or jump ahead before the current step is complete?”
Elon Musk:
I use engineering principles. If the foundation isn’t solid, the structure fails. I don’t move to step two until step one has a 90%+ success rate. Jumping ahead too early kills both focus and innovation.
Marie Forleo:
I have what I call “compassionate discipline.” I give myself permission to say no—even to great ideas—if they don’t serve what I’m building right now. I ask: “Does this support my current season, or distract from it?”
Tony Robbins:
Multitasking is emotional escape. People chase five things because they’re scared of failing at one. I stay grounded by tying my focus to my purpose. When you’re purpose-driven, distraction loses power.
Cal Newport:
I use strict time blocking and zero notifications. Context switching is the enemy of depth. I treat every block of time like it’s a contract—with myself. If I break it, I lose the momentum.
Howard Schultz:
I remember the early days. If I don’t stay rooted in the basics—people, coffee, culture—I risk building success on chaos. I remind my team: Finish what matters now before dreaming about what’s next.
Gary Keller:
Love it. Now the final question for this round:
3. “What would you say to someone who wants massive success but is afraid that going step-by-step will take too long?”
Elon Musk:
What takes longer is cleaning up shortcuts. If you think sequential progress is slow, wait until you hit chaos from rushing. Sustainable success always looks slow in the beginning—but exponential at the end.
Marie Forleo:
Success isn’t a microwave—it’s a slow cooker. Trust the timeline. Every step is prepping you for the moment you’re ready. Skip steps, and success will skip you.
Tony Robbins:
Speed isn’t about rushing. It’s about removing what doesn’t matter. People waste years chasing the wrong things. If you focus sequentially, you move faster than 99% of the world spinning their wheels.
Cal Newport:
The illusion of speed is toxic. Mastery compounds. One deep year of focused work beats five scattered ones. Success feels slow until it suddenly feels unstoppable.
Howard Schultz:
Respect the journey. If you go deep and sequential, you don’t just build success—you build something that lasts. That’s the difference between hype and legacy.
Gary Keller (Closing):
Thank you, everyone. Success isn’t built all at once. It’s built step-by-step, layer by layer. Focus on the right next step—and let that step open the door to your future.
The Focusing Question
Guests: Steve Jobs, Seth Godin, Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling, Robin Sharma
Gary Keller:
Welcome everyone. Today we’re going deep into the heart of The ONE Thing: the Focusing Question. When used correctly, it unlocks clarity, purpose, and results. Let’s dive right into the first question.
1. “Can you recall a moment when asking yourself a single, powerful question helped you make a life-changing decision?”
Steve Jobs:
When I came back to Apple, I asked: “What’s the ONE product that can save this company?” That question led to the iMac. Later, the iPod. Then iPhone. Clarity isn’t a luxury—it’s the lifeline. Strip away the noise. Ask the right question, and your path appears.
Seth Godin:
For me, it was: “What change do I seek to make?” That shaped my entire marketing philosophy. I stopped trying to be everything to everyone. I picked my tribe. That’s the real magic of the focusing question—it narrows your impact to deepen it.
Oprah Winfrey:
Before launching my network, I asked: “What’s the ONE message I want to leave behind?” It wasn’t about ratings. It was about legacy. That one question helped me say no to hundreds of opportunities that weren’t aligned.
J.K. Rowling:
I was broke, depressed, and unsure if writing was worth it. Then I asked myself: “If I were to do just one thing I’d never regret, what would it be?” The answer was obvious—finish Harry Potter. That question reignited my soul.
Robin Sharma:
When I wrote The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, I asked: “What’s the ONE message that could shift someone’s life in one sitting?” That clarity fueled the book’s simplicity—and its global impact.
Gary Keller:
Beautiful. Now let’s turn practical.
2. “How do you consistently use the Focusing Question in your day-to-day life or creative process?”
Steve Jobs:
Relentlessly. I’d walk into meetings and ask: “Why are we doing this?” If no one had a crisp answer, we stopped. Innovation isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less better. Ask the Focusing Question until the clutter falls away.
Seth Godin:
I ask it at every fork in the road. Every project. Every launch. Every blog post. It’s my compass. If the answer doesn’t create leverage or shift behavior, I drop it. One meaningful domino is worth more than 100 distractions.
Oprah Winfrey:
I use it during morning journaling. I write: “What’s the ONE Thing I can do today to feel fully aligned?” It brings my power back from the chaos of the world. The question is a mirror.
J.K. Rowling:
I apply it to characters and plot. What’s the one emotional truth this chapter must carry? That question guides the story like a lighthouse in the fog.
Robin Sharma:
I use it in leadership coaching. I tell clients: “Ask the focusing question every Sunday night.” Then block Monday for that ONE Thing. It transforms weeks into powerful catalysts.
Gary Keller:
Let’s wrap this with what people often struggle with: fear and doubt.
3. “What advice would you give to someone who feels pulled in many directions and is afraid that choosing one thing means missing out?”
Steve Jobs:
Missing out is the point. Focus means saying no. The fear of missing out is just a symptom of unclear purpose. If you say yes to too much, you dilute your genius.
Seth Godin:
You can’t change the world by being average in everything. The market respects the focused. Obscurity comes from trying to please everyone. Choose. Burn the boats. That’s how tribes are built.
Oprah Winfrey:
You don’t miss out by choosing—you step in to your purpose. Focus isn’t about narrowing your life—it’s about deepening it. That’s how you create joy that lasts.
J.K. Rowling:
Choosing one thing saved me. When life is hard, narrowing your focus is an act of survival. Later, it becomes your superpower. Don’t fear the door you close—trust the one you walk through.
Robin Sharma:
I remind people: success loves clarity. If you chase five dreams, they scatter. But if you chase one with everything you've got, the others often come along anyway—on your terms.
Gary Keller (Closing):
Thank you, all. The Focusing Question isn’t just a tool—it’s a way of living. Ask it often, answer it honestly, and watch your life align with clarity, momentum, and fulfillment.
Time Blocking
Moderator: Gary Keller
Guests: Cal Newport, Laura Vanderkam, Brian Tracy, Craig Groeschel, Daniel Pink
Gary Keller:
Welcome, friends. Today we’re diving into Time Blocking—one of the most powerful habits for productivity and focus. You don’t find time, you make time—by protecting it with intention. Let's start with this question:
1. “What’s the most important time block on your calendar—and how has protecting it changed your life or work?”
Cal Newport:
My deep work block—from 8 to 11 a.m., no meetings, no email. That window is sacred. It’s where my best writing, research, and strategic thinking happens. Without it, I wouldn’t have written any of my books.
Laura Vanderkam:
For me, it’s the early morning hours before my kids wake up. That’s when I write, plan, and reflect. It’s helped me prove to thousands of professionals that we do have time for what matters—if we claim it.
Brian Tracy:
I block 90 minutes first thing for my frog. That’s the hardest, highest-value task of the day. If I win that block, the day’s already a success. It changed my ability to create, sell, and teach at a higher level.
Craig Groeschel:
My sermon prep is blocked weeks in advance. I treat it like a meeting with God—non-negotiable. That time fuels everything else: leadership, clarity, and energy for my team. Blocked time is a force multiplier.
Daniel Pink:
I’ve studied chronotypes. My best analytical thinking happens mid-morning. That’s when I block time for complex problem-solving and writing. If you align your blocks with your internal clock, you tap into your natural rhythm.
Gary Keller:
Powerful. Let’s explore the discipline behind the habit.
2. “How do you defend your time blocks from distractions, emergencies, or people who want access to your attention?”
Cal Newport:
I create what I call “focus rituals”—physical spaces, device settings, and mental scripts that signal “deep mode.” I even train my team on how and when to reach me. You have to build a moat around your best hours.
Laura Vanderkam:
I treat time like money. If someone asked for $500, you’d think twice. Yet people ask for your time casually. I guard my calendar with a framework: If it doesn’t align with long-term goals, it doesn’t get a slot.
Brian Tracy:
Discipline equals freedom. I teach people to schedule before the chaos begins. If you block it first, you reduce negotiation with yourself. I also say: treat your calendar like your boss—you don’t argue with it.
Craig Groeschel:
It starts with clarity. My team knows when I’m unavailable and why. Emergencies are rare when roles are clear. I empower others to lead so I don’t have to firefight every hour. Clarity buys protection.
Daniel Pink:
I use data. I track my energy and task completion during certain hours. When people see that your best work comes during specific windows, they respect it. And I respect it too—because I’ve seen the results.
Gary Keller:
And finally, let’s speak to those who struggle with time blocking.
3. “What would you say to someone who tries to block their time but keeps falling off track?”
Cal Newport:
Start small. Don’t block your whole week—block one deep hour per day. Make it winnable. Once you feel the benefit, you’ll crave more. Time blocking is a muscle. Build it slowly.
Laura Vanderkam:
Perfectionism kills time blocking. Life happens—kids get sick, meetings run over. The key is flexibility. Move the block. Don’t abandon it. Even 20 focused minutes is a victory.
Brian Tracy:
Link your time block to a meaningful goal. If the task doesn’t inspire you, you won’t protect it. Make the block part of a bigger mission—then it’s not just a task, it’s a step toward your dream.
Craig Groeschel:
Forgive yourself fast. Missed a block? Reset and recommit. Don’t spiral into guilt. The pros aren’t perfect—they’re persistent.
Daniel Pink:
Track your wins. Keep a “block success” journal. You’ll start to see patterns. Over time, your blocks become a sanctuary of success—and that changes your relationship with time.
Gary Keller (Closing):
Thanks to each of you. Time blocking isn’t just about productivity—it’s about honoring what matters most. If you protect your time, your time will protect your purpose.
The Myth of Multitasking
Moderator: Gary Keller
Guests: David Allen, Greg McKeown, Brendon Burchard, Sherry Turkle, Dr. Andrew Huberman
Gary Keller:
Welcome, everyone. Today we’re diving into a modern myth that’s quietly wrecking productivity—multitasking. It’s not efficient. It’s not effective. It’s just fast task-switching that creates stress and dilutes focus. Let’s get into it with the first question.
1. “When did you first realize that multitasking was actually hurting your performance, not helping it?”
David Allen:
It hit me early in my career. I’d try juggling client work, emails, and calls—thinking I was being productive. But I kept forgetting details and missing deadlines. That’s when I created the Getting Things Done method. Capture. Clarify. Focus. One thing at a time, fully.
Greg McKeown:
I realized it when I found myself burned out despite being busy all day. I wasn’t doing less, better. I was doing more, poorly. That realization birthed Essentialism. True productivity is about fierce focus, not frantic movement.
Brendon Burchard:
My moment came on stage. I forgot a line—not from nerves, but because I was checking emails backstage. I teach high performers now: if you divide your focus, you divide your power. Presence is your secret weapon.
Sherry Turkle:
As a sociologist studying digital behavior, I saw it in students. They thought they could study, text, and browse at once. But test scores dropped. Conversations suffered. They weren’t multitasking—they were “multi-distracted.”
Dr. Andrew Huberman:
In neuroscience, the data is clear. The brain doesn’t do multitasking—it toggles. Every switch creates a cognitive cost. Cortisol spikes. Focus fragments. It’s like trying to run three apps on a phone with 2% battery.
Gary Keller:
That’s powerful. Let’s talk about reclaiming focus now.
2. “What’s one practice or habit you use to train your brain to stay in single-task mode?”
David Allen:
I use the “two-minute rule” to clear clutter fast. But when I start something deeper, I remove all triggers—phone off, inbox closed. Then I mentally declare: “This is the one thing I’m doing now.”
Greg McKeown:
I build “design buffers” into my schedule. Space between meetings. Time to reflect. And I ask: Is this essential? If not, I don’t engage. That discipline builds momentum toward deep work.
Brendon Burchard:
I set intention triggers. Before every block of work, I say: Who do I want to be in this task? It creates a psychological shift. I also work in 50-minute sprints with no distractions.
Sherry Turkle:
I create sacred spaces. No devices at meals. No phone during conversations. These boundaries train my attention to stay anchored in the moment—human-to-human, not device-to-device.
Dr. Andrew Huberman:
I use “visual anchoring.” I stare at a single point for 30 seconds before focused work—it stabilizes attention networks in the brain. Then I set 90-minute ultradian cycles. That’s when the brain does its best single-tasking.
Gary Keller:
Love that. Let’s now help those who still believe multitasking is necessary in today’s fast-paced world.
3. “What would you say to someone who insists they need to multitask just to keep up?”
David Allen:
I’d say, “You’re mistaking motion for progress.” Multitasking gives the illusion of productivity while burying you in rework. If you slow down to focus, you'll actually speed up over time.
Greg McKeown:
Busy is not a badge of honor. The essentialist doesn’t chase every rabbit. They choose one rabbit, catch it, and then move on. You don’t keep up by doing more—you win by doing the right thing, fully.
Brendon Burchard:
If you’re always in catch-up mode, maybe the problem isn’t your pace—it’s your lack of priority. Get clear on what actually matters. Focus brings peace. Multitasking brings pressure.
Sherry Turkle:
Multitasking disconnects us—from our work, our purpose, and each other. Real connection, creativity, and growth happen when we’re fully present. It’s not just a productivity issue—it’s a human issue.
Dr. Andrew Huberman:
Your nervous system isn’t built for fragmentation. Chronic multitasking leads to chronic stress. You can train your brain to focus better. But it starts with the courage to choose one thing and trust the process.
Gary Keller (Closing):
Thank you all. Multitasking is not a badge of success—it’s a barrier to it. If you want extraordinary results, give your full attention to what matters most. One task. One moment. One victory at a time.
Willpower Is a Depleting Resource
Moderator: Gary Keller
Guests: BJ Fogg, Mel Robbins, James Clear, David Goggins, Kelly McGonigal
Gary Keller:
Welcome, everyone. Today we’re tackling a crucial truth: Willpower is limited. You can't count on it alone to achieve great things. It fades, it drains, and it fails if you don’t design your day around it. Let’s jump in with this first question:
1. “What’s one real-life example where you saw willpower fail—and how did you redesign your approach so it didn’t rely on sheer discipline alone?”
BJ Fogg:
In my early research, I tried using willpower to get people to floss. It failed. But when we shrank the habit to “just floss one tooth,” people succeeded. The secret wasn’t more motivation—it was designing tiny wins that didn’t need willpower. Design beats discipline.
Mel Robbins:
For years, I stayed in bed hitting snooze, beating myself up. Willpower didn’t get me out. Then I invented the 5 Second Rule: count down 5-4-3-2-1 and move. That shifted me from thinking to doing. It bypasses willpower and triggers action fast.
James Clear:
Willpower failed me in diet and fitness for years. What changed? I stopped relying on choice. I built systems—prep meals, put gym clothes by the door, track habits. Willpower is your starter motor. Systems are the engine.
David Goggins:
Willpower broke down during Navy SEAL training. Pain, exhaustion—it overwhelms the average mind. What saved me wasn’t motivation—it was identity. I chose to be someone who never quits. When your purpose is bigger than your pain, you keep going—even without strength.
Kelly McGonigal:
In my research, I saw willpower collapse in students around 10 p.m.—snacking, scrolling, cramming. So I teach “pre-commitment.” Decide in the morning who you want to be at night. Set up friction-free choices ahead of time. Willpower needs backup.
Gary Keller:
Excellent. Now let’s move into practical rhythm.
2. “How do you structure your day to work with your willpower instead of against it?”
BJ Fogg:
I anchor tiny habits to existing routines—like brushing teeth or pouring coffee. That way, behavior change flows with the current of daily life. No big decision required.
Mel Robbins:
My golden hours are the first two after waking. I schedule high-resistance tasks before I check email or social media. Willpower is like battery life—you get the most when you haven’t drained it yet.
James Clear:
I front-load my mornings with the highest-leverage tasks. I automate as much as possible—same breakfast, same playlist, same trigger cues. Decision fatigue kills momentum.
David Goggins:
I own the morning. I wake up before the world demands anything from me. Workout, meditate, stretch. By 6 a.m., I’ve already proven I’m in control. The rest of the day can’t shake me as easily.
Kelly McGonigal:
I follow a “stress-recovery cycle.” I block time for focus and recovery—walks, breathwork, joy breaks. If you don’t recharge, you burn out. Willpower isn’t just about force—it’s about flow.
Gary Keller:
Let’s wrap with some advice for those who keep blaming themselves when they “fail” at staying disciplined.
3. “What would you say to someone who thinks they just ‘aren’t disciplined enough’ to succeed?”
BJ Fogg:
You don’t need to be more disciplined—you need better design. Build behavior into your environment. Make good habits easy. Make bad ones invisible. That’s the real secret.
Mel Robbins:
You’re not broken—you’re human. Stop waiting to feel like it. Take action first. Your brain will catch up. Discipline is a muscle—and momentum is the gym.
James Clear:
Identity drives behavior. Don’t ask, “How can I be more disciplined?” Ask, “Who is the type of person who naturally does what I want to do?” Then prove it with small wins.
David Goggins:
Stop negotiating with weakness. Get honest. Discipline isn’t a mood—it’s a decision. And once you choose, don’t go back. Talk to yourself like someone worth fighting for.
Kelly McGonigal:
Be kind to yourself. Shame drains willpower faster than stress. Celebrate effort. Track progress. And remember—discipline grows when you treat yourself like someone who matters.
Gary Keller (Closing):
Thank you all. Willpower is not a strategy—it’s a resource. Design your life around what matters most, protect your energy, and remember: greatness comes from rhythm, not resistance.
Goal Setting to the Now
Moderator: Gary Keller
Guests: Peter Drucker, Jack Canfield, Marie Kondo, Brian Johnson, Vishen Lakhiani
Gary Keller:
Welcome, everyone. Our final topic is Goal Setting to the Now—the practice of starting with your someday vision and working backward to today’s priority. If you don’t know what to do right now, you’ll never reach where you want to go. Let's start here:
1. “Can you share an example of how you reverse-engineered a big goal into a specific action you could take immediately?”
Peter Drucker:
When I advised companies, I didn’t ask for 5-year plans. I asked: “What must be done this week to move toward your 5-year aim?” For example, if a company wanted to double revenue, I’d say: “Set up the first customer call today.” Strategy becomes real when tied to action.
Jack Canfield:
When writing Chicken Soup for the Soul, we wanted to sell a million copies. That sounded crazy. So we broke it down: 5,000 books a day. Then: 20 interviews a week. Then: write one pitch email now. One small step at a time made the big goal possible.
Marie Kondo:
I wanted to bring joy to the world through tidying. My first step? Help one client. Then another. I didn’t plan a Netflix show—I focused on this drawer, today. Joy begins in the now.
Brian Johnson:
When I launched Heroic, the goal was to empower millions. But we started by asking: “What’s one module we can launch this week that reflects our mission?” Big goals must always funnel down to small, non-negotiable actions.
Vishen Lakhiani:
I had a vision for Mindvalley to revolutionize education. But it began with one masterclass and one landing page. We designed backward—from vision to year, month, week, today. The future is built in micro-movements.
Gary Keller:
Beautiful. Now let’s get into frameworks.
2. “What method or mindset helps you consistently translate big visions into daily priorities?”
Peter Drucker:
I used Management by Objectives. Define the outcome, then identify key results. Ask: What’s the next decision I must make today to move closer? Clarity and accountability go hand-in-hand.
Jack Canfield:
I use “goal cards”—I write my goal on one side, and daily action steps on the back. It keeps the vision top of mind and the action bottom line. Morning review, evening check-in. Repetition creates results.
Marie Kondo:
My method begins with intention. Before any tidying session, I ask: “What kind of space do I want to live in?” Then I choose one category to work on. The key is alignment—between vision and present effort.
Brian Johnson:
I follow the “Target → Tactics → Today” model. Big target, clear tactics, then boil it down to one task that reflects the vision. I also track whether I lived with virtue and presence—it keeps me anchored.
Vishen Lakhiani:
I guide my team through 3MI: 3 Most Important Intentions. Every day starts with asking: What 3 actions today serve my highest goal? This keeps the big dream alive in the micro-moments.
Gary Keller:
And finally, for those feeling lost or stuck between vision and action:
3. “What advice would you give to someone with a big dream but no clear starting point?”
Peter Drucker:
Don’t ask, “Where should I begin?” Ask, “What’s the smallest meaningful action I can take now?” Motion creates clarity. Waiting for the perfect plan is procrastination in disguise.
Jack Canfield:
Act as if the dream is already real. Speak it. Walk it. Then ask, “What would Future Me do first?” That pulls your vision into the now. Start sloppy. Just start.
Marie Kondo:
Look for what sparks joy now. Your dream may feel far away, but joy lives in action. Clean one corner. Write one sentence. Make one call. That’s how clarity appears.
Brian Johnson:
Get still. Listen. Then take one “+1” action—a move that energizes your identity. Your best self already knows the first step. Your job is to listen and move.
Vishen Lakhiani:
You don’t manifest by thinking—you manifest by aligning. Meditate. Visualize. Then build something small. A landing page. A prototype. A 10-minute talk. Action crystallizes vision.
Gary Keller (Closing):
Thank you all. Remember—someday is shaped by what you do today. When you connect your highest goals to your now, life moves with purpose, power, and momentum. The future is waiting—but only if you act in the present.
Final Thoughts
Gary Keller:
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Over these seven conversations, we’ve explored some of the most important ideas I’ve ever learned—ideas that aren’t just theoretical, but deeply practical.
We talked about how a single, well-placed domino can start a chain reaction toward massive success.
We learned that success is built sequentially—one priority at a time, not all at once.
We asked the focusing question that guides all extraordinary outcomes: What’s the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
We discovered how time blocking protects what matters most, why multitasking is a myth, how willpower must be managed like fuel, and how setting goals to the now turns vision into action.
But if there’s one thing I hope you take away from all of this, it’s this:
Extraordinary success is simple, not easy—but it is possible.
It doesn’t require superhuman strength or endless energy. It requires clarity. Intention. And the courage to choose what matters most—even when everything else is screaming for your attention.
Don’t try to be busy. Be purposeful.
Don’t chase everything. Choose your thing.
And don’t wait for someday. Start now. Because the future you dream of is built with what you do today.
From my heart to yours—thank you. Now go live your ONE Thing.
Short Bios:
Gary Keller is the co-founder of Keller Williams Realty and author of The ONE Thing, a bestselling book on focus, productivity, and success.
James Clear is the author of Atomic Habits, known for his insights on behavior change and the power of tiny, consistent actions.
Stephen Covey was a leadership expert and author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, emphasizing principle-centered living.
Warren Buffett is one of the world’s most successful investors and the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, known for his disciplined long-term strategies.
Angela Duckworth is a psychologist and author of Grit, focused on perseverance and passion as keys to success.
Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recognized for turning bold visions into reality through relentless execution.
Marie Forleo is a coach, entrepreneur, and author of Everything is Figureoutable, helping people turn ideas into results with clarity and purpose.
Tony Robbins is a motivational speaker, strategist, and author of Awaken the Giant Within, known for empowering personal transformation.
Cal Newport is a computer science professor and author of Deep Work, advocating for focused, distraction-free productivity.
Howard Schultz is the former CEO of Starbucks, credited with transforming the coffee chain into a global brand through people-first leadership.
Steve Jobs was the co-founder of Apple and a pioneer in technology and design, known for his laser-sharp focus and vision-driven innovation.
Seth Godin is a marketing expert and author of books like Purple Cow and The Practice, focusing on creativity, permission marketing, and leadership.
Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul and philanthropist whose career is built on storytelling, intention, and personal growth.
J.K. Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter series, whose journey from adversity to global success began with a focused commitment to one story.
Robin Sharma is the author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, inspiring readers to live with purpose, discipline, and inner peace.
Laura Vanderkam is a time management expert and author of 168 Hours, helping people make the most of their time by focusing on priorities.
Brian Tracy is a productivity coach and author of Eat That Frog!, offering practical advice on time management and goal achievement.
Craig Groeschel is the founder and senior pastor of Life.Church, a leadership expert known for systems thinking and values-based time blocking.
Daniel Pink is the author of Drive and When, exploring human motivation and the science of timing in personal and professional success.
David Allen is the creator of the Getting Things Done system, which helps individuals achieve stress-free productivity through organized action.
Greg McKeown is the author of Essentialism, focused on the disciplined pursuit of less to achieve more meaningful success.
Brendon Burchard is a high-performance coach and author of High Performance Habits, teaching strategies for energy, clarity, and influence.
Sherry Turkle is an MIT sociologist and author exploring how technology affects human relationships and attention.
Dr. Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist at Stanford University known for translating brain science into tools for focus, performance, and health.
BJ Fogg is a behavior scientist at Stanford and the author of Tiny Habits, known for designing systems that make lasting change easy and joyful.
Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker and author of The 5 Second Rule, offering practical tools for breaking hesitation and building momentum.
David Goggins is a former Navy SEAL and author of Can’t Hurt Me, renowned for his extreme mental toughness and discipline.
Kelly McGonigal is a Stanford psychologist and author of The Willpower Instinct, studying how stress and self-control impact behavior and success.
Peter Drucker was a management consultant and the father of modern business strategy, known for The Effective Executive and the MBO framework.
Jack Canfield is the co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul and author of The Success Principles, helping millions unlock their potential.
Marie Kondo is a tidying expert and author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, known for her method of organizing based on joy.
Brian Johnson is the founder of Heroic and Philosopher’s Notes, focused on helping people optimize their lives through virtue-driven living.
Vishen Lakhiani is the founder of Mindvalley and author of The Code of the Extraordinary Mind, reshaping how people learn, grow, and live with purpose.
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