What’s Your One Thing? How to Set a Vision That Matters to You

April 13, 2025

Feeling overwhelmed by goals that don’t inspire you? I’ve been there, chasing targets that left me burned out. Then I discovered The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, which taught me that the quality of your answers—and your life—depends on the quality of your questions. Let’s focus on asking the right question to set a vision that truly matters to you.

Why Your Vision Starts with the Right Question

The One Thing emphasizes that extraordinary results come from asking the right question: “What’s the one thing I can do, such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?” This focusing question cuts through the noise to reveal what truly matters. When I asked myself this, I uncovered my one thing—creating a life with more freedom. The quality of the question determines the quality of the answer, and a 2024 study by the American Psychological Association found that people who set meaningful goals are 63% more likely to achieve them. Let’s dig in.

Steps to Set a Vision That Lights You Up

1. Ask the Focusing Question Start with the core question from The One Thing: What’s the one thing that would transform your life? For me, it was building a life with more freedom. Don’t stop at the surface—keep asking “but why?” to get to the core. I wanted freedom, but why? To be present for moments that matter. But why? Because I value deep connections over fleeting success. This process helped me uncover my true priority.

2. Connect to Your Big Why Your vision needs a purpose that resonates deeply. Once I realized my one thing was about connection, I felt a fire to pursue it. Digging into your “why” anchors your vision to what matters most. Reflect: What drives you at your core? This clarity fuels your motivation.

3. Visualize a Specific Future Moment The One Thing stresses seeing the big picture, but let’s make it vivid. Imagine a specific moment in the future when you’ve achieved your one thing. Picture the day: Where are you? Who’s with you? What do you smell, see, feel? I envisioned a sunny Saturday morning, sipping coffee on my porch with loved ones, the scent of fresh air around me, feeling calm and fulfilled. This detailed snapshot makes your vision tangible and keeps it alive.

4. Silence Judgment to Find Your Purpose As you ask the focusing question, there’s no room for judgment—it’s your life, your purpose. Your inner critic might say, “That’s not practical.” Reframe it: “This is my one thing, and it’s worth it.” I use affirmations to stay connected to my why, reminding myself daily that my vision is mine alone to define. The One Thing encourages focusing on purpose over perfection—let your why guide you.

Your Vision Sets the Foundation

A clear vision—your one thing—gives you direction and meaning. My one thing gave me clarity I’d been craving, guiding every decision I made. Take time today to ask the focusing question, dig into your why, and imagine that future moment.