The ONE Thing Every Founder Needs to Hear This Year

Startup life isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s chaotic, relentless, and often feels like you’re racing the clock with no finish line in sight. There’s always another fire to put out, another email to send, another role to fill. Some days, it feels like you’re barely keeping your head above water, let alone thriving.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer weight of it all—your endless to-do list, the pressure to wear a dozen hats, the constant hustle just to keep things moving—you’re not alone.

But here’s the thing: That feeling? That grinding, never-enough energy? It’s not just the nature of startups—it’s a symptom of being pulled in too many directions. And that’s where The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan offers a lifeline.

This isn’t just another productivity hack. It’s a mindset shift so fundamental that I recommend reading it every year. Because as founders, grounding ourselves in the basics isn’t optional—it’s essential.

-----

NOTE: RCY Labs has curated a list of 52 books for Founders (2025 Edition) who care about business profitability AND impact. Don't have time to read all 52 books? We've got you! We'll read them for you, and give you the summaries, audio casts, outlines, and frameworks to apply to your business ... all FREE in the Founders' Lab Community (on Slack). Join here.

-----

Why You Feel Overwhelmed—and How to Fix It

Here’s the truth: Most founders struggle because they’re trying to do everything. But not everything matters equally. In fact, most of it doesn’t matter at all.

The ONE Thing asks us to zoom out of the chaos and focus on one simple, powerful question:

"What’s the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?"

This question is more than a productivity tool—it’s a compass. It strips away the noise and helps you zero in on the one thing that truly drives progress.

Think about it: If your startup is in its early stages, your ONE Thing might be solving a customer’s most painful problem with your product. When you nail that, everything else—scaling, marketing, team-building—becomes exponentially easier.

The Lies We Believe About Success

The reason so many of us feel stuck is that we’re working under false assumptions about what it takes to succeed. The ONE Thing calls out six lies that derail us:

1. Everything Matters Equally
   It’s easy to get trapped in the belief that every task is critical. But imagine a founder spending hours tweaking their website while ignoring high-value customer calls. Not all tasks are created equal. Focus on the few that truly move the needle.
2. Multitasking
   Ever tried answering emails during a strategy meeting? You end up doing both poorly. Studies show multitasking reduces productivity by 40%. Do one thing at a time, and do it well.
3. A Disciplined Life
   You don’t need endless discipline to succeed. You need habits that align with your goals. Think of discipline as the starter fuel; habits take you the distance.
4. Willpower Is Always on Will-Call
   If you’ve ever made terrible decisions at 5 p.m., it’s because willpower isn’t infinite. Use your best energy on your most important tasks—preferably in the morning.
5. A Balanced Life
   Forget balance. Life is about counterbalancing. Some seasons require total focus on your business; others, more time for health or family. Lean into what matters most in the moment.
6. Big Is Bad
   Stop playing small. Airbnb started with a few air mattresses. Big dreams inspire bold actions, and bold actions drive extraordinary results.

These lies aren’t just unhelpful—they’re holding you back. Letting them go creates space for clarity and focus.

How to Find Your ONE Thing

Finding your ONE Thing doesn’t require a massive overhaul. It starts with clarity:

1. Begin with your someday goal—that big, audacious vision for the future.
2. Break it down into five-year goals, one-year goals, and monthly goals.
3. Keep going until you land on your daily goal—the single most important action you can take today to move closer to your vision.

Here’s an example: If your someday goal is to build a $10 million company, your five-year goal might be reaching $2 million in revenue. Your one-year goal could be acquiring 100 new customers. Your daily goal? Making five high-value sales calls or refining your product pitch.

Each step connects to the next, creating a domino effect of progress.

Time-Blocking: Protect What Matters Most

Once you know your ONE Thing, guard it like your life depends on it. Schedule uninterrupted time to focus on it every day. Jeff Bezos, for instance, prioritizes his mornings for high-quality decision-making when his energy is at its peak.

Time-blocking isn’t just about scheduling—it’s about saying no. No to distractions, no to non-essential tasks, and yes to what truly matters.

The Four Thieves of Productivity

Even with the best intentions, life can derail us. These are the Four Thieves of Productivity—and how to defeat them:

1. Inability to Say No
   Saying yes to everything dilutes your focus. Remember Warren Buffett’s advice: “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything.”
2. Fear of Chaos
   Progress is messy. Focus on your ONE Thing, and accept that other areas may temporarily fall behind.
3. Poor Health Habits
   Your energy is your greatest asset. Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and movement so you can show up fully for what matters.
4. Unproductive Environment
   Set yourself up for success. Declutter your workspace, silence distractions, and surround yourself with tools that help you thrive.

Why This Matters So Much

At its core, The ONE Thing is about clarity, purpose, and freedom. It reminds us that success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.

As startup founders, it’s easy to get lost in the grind. But taking the time to ground yourself in these principles can change everything. That’s why I recommend revisiting this book every year. Let it be your anchor, your reset button, your reminder of what’s truly important.

So as you step into this new year, ask yourself:

What’s my ONE Thing?

And then commit to it. Because when you focus on the ONE Thing that matters most, everything else becomes easier—or unnecessary.

This is your year to cut through the chaos, reclaim your time, and build something extraordinary. You’ve got this.

Here’s to clarity, focus, and making it happen. Let’s do this together.

-----

RCY Labs has curated a list of 52 books for Founders (2025 Edition) who care about business profitability AND impact. Don't have time to read all 52 books? We've got you! We'll read them for you, and give you the summaries, audio casts, outlines, and frameworks to apply to your business ... all FREE in the Founders' Lab Community (on Slack). Join here.