Turning Big Academic Goals into Manageable Steps: The One Thing Approach

Earlier this spring, I shared a post on how applying the 80/20 Rule transformed the way I prioritize tasks (you can read it here ). Since then, I've been diving deeper into The One Thing by Gary Keller.

This book has given me fresh insights into breaking down big, often overwhelming, academic goals into smaller, actionable steps. As academics, we juggle teaching, research, and personal projects—all of which can sometimes feel like a mountain of work. Whether it's finishing a dissertation, publishing papers, or starting a side hustle, the sheer scale of these tasks can be daunting.

But what if I told you there’s a way to simplify this process?

Breaking Big Goals into Manageable Steps

In The One Thing, Keller encourages us to focus on the most important task—the one that makes everything else easier or unnecessary. By applying this to your academic projects, you can break large goals into manageable, prioritized steps. Here’s how:

1. Identify your ONE Goal: Start by clarifying the big result you want. Maybe it’s finishing a dissertation chapter, submitting a paper for review, or launching a side project. Zero in on that.
2. Break it down: Ask yourself: “What’s the ONE thing I can do right now to move me closer to this goal?” ??Focus on that single step until it’s done. Then repeat.
3. Prioritize: Once you've identified those key tasks, make sure you work on them when your energy and focus are highest. This is where the 80/20 Rule still plays a role—focus on what brings the biggest results.
4. Stay consistent: Progress happens one small step at a time. Set a timeline with regular milestones, and stay consistent. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small they seem.

A Word of Honesty: It’s Not Always Perfect

It’s not about perfection, but about consistently getting back on track.

I’ll be real with you—this approach isn’t always easy. There are weeks when my work takes over my life and none of these strategies seem to help. It happens! But, overall, I’ve found that applying The One Thing has brought more clarity and focus to my work, and I’m seeing positive impacts. It’s not about perfection, but about consistently getting back on track.

If you’re balancing academic responsibilities and personal projects, this approach can help you focus and make progress without burning out.

Remember, it’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the one thing that matters most right now.

What’s the one task you can prioritize today to make the biggest impact on your goals?

#TimeManagement #Productivity #TheOneThing #AchieveGoals #ProfessorJourney

I'm Dr. Marina Silva-Opps. If you're hungry for more insights on how to share your academic journey, time management, productivity, career success, and personal development, visit my LinkedIn profile or Instagram , or send me a DM. And remember, I'm here to help!