“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear
I’ve spent 35 years compiling every leadership and self-improvement “hack” that has hit the best seller list—but I have recently gained a deeper appreciation that mastery comes from practicing the few, versus accumulating the many. Here’s the secret: we all spend too much time, becoming average focusing on too many skills, versus mastering the skills that matter. The real game changer is narrowing your focus. What is the one skill that if you concentrate on this year, would transform your work, relationships and your life. Let’s talk about your “one thing.”
Effective leaders are less about strategy and more, about healthy behaviors (or poise) in a rapidly evolving world. Too often, we get lost in the noise: complex strategies, endless to-do lists, a flurry of efficiency or time management tactics. But what if the real game-changer, the critical leverage point, is your inner game?
What if success boils down to identifying the ONE thing that, if mastered, could dramatically shift the way you lead, engage your team, and thrive in a volatile environment? It’s time to shift the focus.
WHY FOCUS ON ONE THING?
Deliberate practice is the gold standard for excellence. In his groundbreaking book Peak, psychologist Anders Ericsson argues that to achieve greatness, you must engage in thoughtful, repetitive practice of a skill. But what many leaders fail to appreciate is that the skill isn’t always technical—sometimes it’s a behavior, a mindset, or way of showing up consistently in the world. It is the inner game.
Research shows that most leaders aren’t born with natural leadership qualities; they develop them through deliberate practice. It’s small, consistent behaviors that compound over time and build a strong foundation, and a capacity to influence others. Yet, most of us focus on too many nonessential skills avoiding the critical, one behavior that could make all the difference. What is the one critical behavior you are focusing on this year?
THE NEUROSCIENCE OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Let’s dive into the science behind behavior change. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, gives us confidence: we can rewire our brains to learn new behaviors—even well into our older years. If you’re willing to commit to practice, you can reshape how you show up. You don’t need to be born with it; you need to commit to a daily practice.
3 TIPS TO MASTER YOUR ONE THING
To harness this power, let’s get granular. Ask yourself: What’s my one thing? It could be the ability to act without hesitation, shifting a mindset that’s holding you back, or reframing the discomfort of failure. Whatever it is, it’s time to start practicing. Here are three ideas to help you focus on a new behavior while enjoying the process.
WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO YOURSELF?
We all have that voice in our heads—sometimes it’s supportive, other times it’s harsh. But did you know that the way you talk to yourself directly influences your performance? Research on self-talk shows that positive, encouraging inner dialogue can elevate motivation and cognitive performance. If you want to become a more confident leader, start by speaking well to yourself. Replace the inner critic with encouragement. It’s a simple but powerful way to reassess how you approach challenges and build a mindset needed to strengthen a new behavior. Do you speak well of yourself?
PERFECTION IS NOT YOUR FRIEND
Imposter syndrome is real, natural, and it hits even the most seasoned leaders. Research by Dr. Pauline Clance reveals that 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. The trick is not to avoid it, but to reframe it. Instead of anxiously striving for perfection, focus on micro goals, and progress. Celebrate every tiny win. Each action you take—each step forward—builds a new skill. Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about waiting for a perfect moment, it’s about seizing the moment and acting, one step at a time. Be courageous, make peace with imperfection.
5-MINUTES A DAY
The behaviors that define us today aren’t fixed. We can change. Research shows that habit formation takes a little more than two months to take hold. Focusing on one new behavioral improvement—whether it’s listening more, taking five minutes to breathe in between meetings, or journaling every morning—can dramatically transform your day. It is about consistency, not intensity. Small, unwavering daily actions lead to perceivable long-term results. This is how you make your “one thing” part of your new identity as a leader.
As you move forward, remember, doing more is rarely the answer. It’s focusing more on the right things. What is the one new behavior that could shift your performance, and your personal life? It is not magic. Top of FormDeliberate practice, coupled with consistent focus, and a relaxed mindset, is what supports you in the change journey.
“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.” – Mike Murdock
