One Big Goal Can Change Everything, by Tom Monson
Life isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes it feels like you’re spinning your wheels, overwhelmed by chaos and unsure how to move forward. But here’s the truth: One Big Goal can change everything. It might sound simple, but deciding on one clear, meaningful goal can pull you out of a rut, give you direction, and bring you back to life.
I learned this firsthand not long ago. I was feeling stuck, weighed down by the negativity of the world around me. But when I heard the simple idea of focusing on one goal, everything began to shift. Let me share what happened and how it might help.
Feeling Stuck in a World of Noise
A couple of months ago, I was in a tough spot. The news was bleak—killings, war, unrest in the Middle East, and endless hateful posts on social media. It was draining. The negativity wasn’t just out there in the world; it was seeping into my own life.
I felt scattered and unproductive. Sure, I had goals—plenty of them. But they were all over the place. One day I’d focus on one thing, and the next day I’d jump to something else. I was busy, but I wasn’t moving forward. And honestly, I felt stuck.
The Moment Everything Changed
In the middle of all that chaos, I turned to Bob Proctor for some inspiration. He mentioned Earl Nightingale’s classic recording, The Strangest Secret. I’d heard it before, but this time, I decided to listen again.
Nightingale’s words hit me like a lightning bolt when he said:
“People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going. It’s that simple.”
He wasn’t talking about having a laundry list of goals. He was talking about one big, clear goal—a goal so meaningful that it gives your life direction. That’s when it clicked. I didn’t know where I was going because I didn’t have a single goal to focus on. I had too many, and that kept me stuck in place.
The Power of One Big Goal
I decided to try it. I sat down and asked myself, What’s the one big goal that really matters to me right now? Not ten different goals. Not a vague idea of success. Just one.
It wasn’t an easy question to answer. I had to sift through the noise in my mind—all the “shoulds” and distractions. But when I finally settled on my goal, something incredible happened.
Suddenly, I had focus. My energy wasn’t scattered anymore. I wasn’t wasting time on things that didn’t matter. For the first time in a long time, I had clarity.
Why One Big Goal Changes Everything
Here’s why focusing on one big goal is so powerful:
- It Sharpens Your Focus
When you have one goal, you stop spreading yourself too thin. You know what you’re working toward, and that clarity keeps you on track. - It Simplifies Your Decisions
Life feels overwhelming when you’re pulled in too many directions. A single goal simplifies everything. You don’t have to wonder what to do next because your goal becomes your guide. - It Builds Momentum
Focusing on one goal allows you to make steady progress. Each small step forward builds confidence and keeps you motivated. - It Fills You with Purpose
A big goal gives you a reason to get up in the morning. It gives your life meaning and direction, which is exactly what you need when you’re feeling stuck.
My Experience
Once I committed to my big goal, everything started to change. I woke up feeling energized. The negativity that used to weigh me down—the bad news, the endless doom-scrolling—started to lose its grip on me. My focus was somewhere else.
That’s not to say it was always easy. There were days when doubt crept in, and I felt tempted to return to my old, scattered ways. But every time I thought about giving up, I reminded myself of Earl Nightingale’s words: “People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.”
Those words became my anchor. Anytime I feel lost, I come back to my goal. And every time I do, I feel a renewed sense of purpose.
How to Find Your One Big Goal
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, here’s how you can find and focus on your one big goal:
- Reflect on What Matters Most
Think about what’s truly important to you. What’s the one thing that would make the biggest difference in your life right now? - Be Specific
A vague goal like “be more successful” won’t work. Get specific. What exactly do you want to achieve? - Write It Down
There’s power in writing your goal on paper. It makes it real and gives you a constant reminder of what you’re working toward. - Break It into Steps
A big goal can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Break it into smaller, manageable steps, and focus on one step at a time. - Commit Fully
Once you’ve chosen your goal, commit to it. Let it guide your actions and decisions.
The Truth About Change
Change doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in small, consistent steps. But the moment you decide on one big goal, you set that change in motion. You stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward.
For me, that single decision—to focus on that goal—was life-changing. It gave me the clarity and direction I’d been missing. It reminded me that even in the middle of chaos, we have the power to take control of our lives.
So, what’s your one big goal? Remember, as Earl Nightingale said, “People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going. It’s that simple.” And sometimes, simple is exactly what we need.
Once your big goal is insight, you will naturally have to set another big goal.
My Big Goal? My new podcast: It’s a Great Life.
While you are working to live a better life, be sure to check take a look at my new book, “It’s a Great Life!” Available on Amazon and other book sellers.
