One of my martial arts students tested for her first belt tonight.
At the end, I asked her what she wanted to improve in her life as an accompanying challenge with the new rank.
She said, “I need to improve my Work/Life Balance, I’d like to work on my strength, …” and before she could list anything else I stopped her.
“Just one thing.” I told her.
And so we talked about work/life balance.
We made a specific plan that had a singular focus to it.
And she’s going to work the plan for the next three months up until her next belt test.
Then—and only then—after she tests for her next belt, will we discuss the next “just one thing.” And only if, of course, this current challenge has been successfully completed.
Regardless of whether or not you’re a martial artist, you should try following a similar protocol.
As much as we want to improve everything at once, just one thing at a time is how anything is ever really changed.