Last month, I had the privilege of attending The ONE Thing Goal Setting Retreat with Jay Papasan—a gathering that brings the philosophy of The ONE Thing to life. Based on the best-selling book by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, The ONE Thing teaches us to simplify our focus and prioritize what matters most. For those juggling professional ambitions, personal commitments, and long-term financial goals, it offers a clarifying compass.
At its heart, The ONE Thing is about asking, “What’s the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?” This question isn’t just a productivity tool—it’s a mindset shift, one that encourages relentless clarity and focus.
The retreat was a space to revisit my goals, refine my strategies, and strengthen my resolve to align life’s “big rocks.” Here are my four biggest takeaways—and how they’re reshaping my path forward as an investor, professional, and leader.
1. Redefining Core Values: The Heck Yes Filter
Having been a student of The ONE Thing for eight years, I thought I knew my core values. But this retreat challenged me to go deeper. Revisiting the core values exercise with fresh eyes, I discovered something powerful: connection isn’t my ultimate value—it’s authenticity and fun in how I connect.
This nuanced clarity has given me a sharper decision-making filter. Whether it’s business partnerships or personal projects, I now know that authenticity and fun are my non-negotiables. Anything that lacks these elements? That’s a hard “no.”
For investors, getting clear on your values isn’t about making decisions—it’s about understanding how your financial strategies enable you to live those values more fully. For example:
If family, travel, or personal freedom are central to your values, passive investing can be a powerful tool to free up time and energy for what matters most.
If you’re an entrepreneur focused on scaling your business, diversifying into passive investments helps protect your financial future while allowing you to concentrate on your core passion.
Clarity on your values isn’t just a filter—it’s a framework for building a life of purpose and abundance.
2. Think Bigger: Revisiting the 10-Year Vision
One of the most transformative exercises at the retreat was writing a letter to my future self—a deep dive into my 10-year vision. I was astonished to realize I had achieved one of my 5-year goals—publishing a book—in just one year. This was a humbling reminder that we often underestimate what’s possible with clarity and focus.
The true power of a 10-year vision lies in looking forward and asking, “What does my life look like, and how will my portfolio serve that vision?” Are you retiring in 10 years? Planning to travel more? Preparing to send kids to college? Starting a business or funding a passion project?
Once you know the life you want to create, it’s time to work backward. What investments do you need to start making today to stay on track? The magic of compounding works best when you give it time, which means not delaying action. Align your portfolio with your vision now to harness that compounding power for your future self.
Action Tip: Write your own letter to your future self. Include details about your ideal financial situation, the impact you’ve made, and the personal milestones you’ve reached. Then break it down: what steps do you need to take today to make that vision a reality?
3. Strategies Must Become Systems
A big “aha” moment for me was turning high-level strategies into actionable systems. For the past two years, I’ve focused on my physical health, but I was coasting through my spiritual routine. The solution? Incorporating Hal Elrod’s Miracle Morning practice into my daily workout. It’s now a renewing part of my routine.
On the professional side, I’ve implemented time-blocking for financial reviews—but with a twist that’s made it far more effective. In the past, I had separate appointments for tasks like tracking expenses, updating my balance sheet, or reviewing investments. These blocks would often get moved around or ignored altogether.
Now, I’ve simplified. I set one regular monthly block on my calendar with a clear agenda that combines these tasks. This single block is easier to hold, takes less time and mental bandwidth, and yields better data because I’m reviewing everything holistically.
Monthly Review Agenda:
- Track expenses and income.
- Update my personal balance sheet.
- Review investment updates and decide on my next move.
- Prepare for the following month by revisiting goals and milestones.
These structured reviews ensure I stay proactive in my wealth management while keeping my schedule streamlined.
For investors, systems like these don’t just simplify—they amplify. They allow you to manage your portfolio efficiently, spot opportunities earlier, and ensure your financial goals stay on track.
4. Guard Your Time: Meet the CEO of Your Life
The 4-1-1 tool (The ONE Thing’s weekly action plan) is a staple in my productivity toolkit, but this retreat reinforced its importance. The lesson? Protect your high-priority work like it’s a meeting with the CEO—because it is. You’re the CEO of your life.
- Here’s how I’ve refined this: Morning Priorities: My most focused work—the first 60 minutes of the day—is reserved for high-impact tasks, like reviewing new investment opportunities or drafting content. Calls and podcasts come later when my energy shifts.
- End-of-Day Reflection: At the end of each day, I carve out 15 minutes to set intentions for tomorrow. This ensures I start each day with purpose.
- Family Time: I also block 45-60 minutes for family time right after work. It’s not just about balance—it’s about being present.
For investors, guarding your time can mean prioritizing deal analysis, dedicating hours to learning new markets, or simply stepping back to focus on your bigger vision. Every minute spent intentionally is a step closer to freedom.
BONUS: The One Question That Changes Everything
A cornerstone of The ONE Thing is the focusing question:
“What’s the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”
This question reframes how I approach challenges and opportunities. Instead of juggling 10 priorities, I narrow my focus to the ONE Thing that will create the most leverage.
For instance:
- In growing my wealth, my ONE Thing is building relationships with skilled operators in passive investments.
- For my marriage, it’s prioritizing date nights.
- For my health, it’s keeping consistency in my morning routine.
When you find your ONE Thing, you unlock the power of focus—and that’s where exponential growth happens.
Closing Thoughts: Build a Legacy That Lasts
The retreat reminded me that life’s greatest successes come from clarity, focus, and deliberate action. Whether it’s revisiting your core values, dreaming bigger, or crafting systems that work for you, the principles of The ONE Thing are transformative.
As a high-net-worth investor, you already know the importance of vision and strategy. The question is: Are you aligning them with what truly matters? If you’re ready to create clarity, build wealth with intention. Schedule a time here, and let’s get started!