Before I get started on today’s topic, I’ve got something exciting to share with you. Recently, I was interviewed on the Pony Tales Podcast where we went deep into my Southwestern days and how those experiences shaped everything I teach you today.
If you’ve ever wondered where my passion for personal development, resilience, and breakthrough thinking comes from, this episode is going to blow your mind. Those summers selling books door-to-door through college weren’t just about making money—they were my real-world MBA in life transformation.
I got vulnerable and share the raw moments that taught me how to push through rejection, believe in myself, and create opportunities when none seemed to exist. This isn’t just another “back in the day when I was younger” story— it’s the foundation of everything I bring to you each week.
After reading today’s installment, head over to Pony Tales Podcast, episode #263 (not yet available as of this posting), and get ready to see behind the curtain of my journey. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
Ok, back to this week’s topic: The Concept of the One Thing! On January 1, my homework assignment for you, if you listened to the episode I put out on New Year’s Day, was find “One thing” you want to improve on this year. If you haven’t read that post: New Year New You: Unlocking the secrets to New Year’s Resolutions That Actually Work, it is worth the read. Why did I say just pick one thing? It’s because everything I’ve read about and have experienced myself is that the mistake most of us make in writing out New Year’s resolutions is that we write down too many things! The goals get so big and there are so many of them, that even the planning gets overwhelming. The result is either we start and quit, or we never even start at all. I learned this a long time ago, the saying: “inch-by-inch it’s a cinch but by the yard it’s hard,” is simple, but true!
I’m going to share with you a time when picking the “One Thing” worked for me. This is a while back, but it was a huge turnaround with my health! I was doing the yo-yo dieting thing. Where I had several sizes of clothes in my closet. I was frustrated about my weight, and I was doing it to myself. Can you relate? Whatever the season we were in I had my candy stash in the console of my car. If it was Halloween, it was candy corn, if it was Easter, it was Cadbury eggs. You get the picture! I was a closet candy eater. And this particular year, I made the decision! I realized how fully consumed I was by the whole weight thing. Anyway, I made a decision I wanted to be healthy. I decided to start doing spin classes. It was my “One thing.” It was really hard. I started out, and I was terrible. But I made a commitment I was going to do this “One thing”. No matter what. I went full in! I did it all, I bought the heart monitor, did the test to see where I should maintain my heart rate throughout the class. I wore the bike pants, bought the click in bike shoes, all of it! I went to spin class two to three times a week. I committed to do this “One thing” for a year. And it worked. I was dedicated. I got better and better. I could finish a class without feeling like I was going to pass out when I got off the bike. I lost weight, I started maintaining the same weight. I felt better in my clothes. I stopped buying candy and hiding it in the console in my car. I showed myself I could do a hard thing. This “One thing Concept” was a game changer for me. I proved to myself, I was worth taking care of. This was the “One Thing!”
Ok, if you haven’t picked the “One Thing,” think about it now. If you were sitting here, one year from now, and you accomplished or improved on this “One Thing” (whatever that is) how would you be feeling right now? How would your life be better? Think about these different areas: your physical health, financial health, business or career health, spiritual health, marriage relationships, or even friendships? You know there is one area that if it improved, you would be so proud of yourself, and your life would be better. Keep it simple! Let’s find your “One thing.”
I am going to walk you through a simple exercise.
First, get out that journal and write the “One Thing” down. This is major, don’t just keep it in your head. Put this on paper, otherwise this will just be a fleeting thought. A nice idea, but nothing will change.
Write out all the reasons your life will be better if you do this “One thing” or improve in this one area. (This is your life, no one knows what you struggle with more than you.) Do the work here, this is really important. We rarely change if we don’t get real with ourselves and acknowledge: “I don’t want to feel this way about this ______ (you fill in the blank), anymore.” And: “I have the ability to find the solution to this ‘One thing.’”
Now, brainstorm ideas how to accomplish this “One Thing.” You likely have ideas that come and go in this area all the time, now just write them down. You’ll amaze yourself at how resourceful you can become. If you write something down and think “no,” then write something else. Be creative here, be playful with this part. This “One thing” you want to improve on has a solution. Go on chat GPT and get some ideas there. Just think to yourself: “In a year from now, by coming up with a plan, my future self will thank me.” Pray about this.
Pick one thing you are willing to do and, this is the key step, take action! Give yourself some mini goals with a timeline!
Here are some additional ideas, tell that friend that you trust. Tell her your “One thing.” I want you to text someone right now, your “One Thing”
Figure out how often you will check in with this friend. Either once a day, once a week, or checking in once a month that you are working on this “One Thing” and share your progress!
Another idea, screen shot your goals and your game plan. It’s always more fun when we have someone to check in with and share our progress.
I can’t emphasize enough that small consistent steps will lead to significant transformation. Remember: “inch-by-inch it’s a cinch, by the yard it’s hard.”
Have you ever had the experience of seeing someone who has lost the ability to move, someone who is bedridden? What begins to happen over time when their muscles are not used? The muscles begin to atrophy. It is so difficult to watch this happen. It reminds us, that there is so much we take for granted, and we don’t appreciate that thing, until it is taken away. Our health is just one example. I believe relationships, and our mental abilities are also strong examples, too. That saying: “use it or lose it,” is so true! I think it is one of our responsibilities as humans to better ourselves and improve ourselves. I’m challenging you here to not let this opportunity pass you by. To do the exercise I shared with you. Here’s a quick recap.
“One Thing” Concept:
• Write down your specific goal in a journal
• Identify why improving this area matters to you
• Brainstorm potential solutions and strategies
• Choose one actionable approach
The Implementation part:
• Set mini goals with clear timelines
• Take consistent, small actions
• Share your goal with a trusted friend
• Create accountability check-ins
• Track your progress regularly
Remember:
• Small, consistent steps create significant transformation
• “Inch by inch, it’s a cinch; by the yard, it’s hard”
I hope you will check out the Pony Tales Podcast episode #263, let my backstory inspire you, and then commit to your “One Thing.” Your potential is waiting. One focused goal, consistent small steps, and unwavering commitment can transform your entire life. You’re designed to grow, improve, and breakthrough—so pick your “One Thing” and go after it with everything you’ve got! Your future self is waiting to thank you for the courage you show today.
Monette hosts a weekly podcast: Mornings with Monette. She has been a lifelong learner and and appreciates the opportunity to share what she has learned–both through her podcast and here at The Best-Life Project (based on the content of her weekly podcast). Her messages are raw, honest and straight from the heart. She lives in Albuquerque, NM with her husband Leland. They have three adult children and are enjoying living their best lives filled with travel and adventure.