Chapter 1: The Morning Advantage

Isn't it incredible how productive we can be in the early hours of the day?

You wake up feeling revitalized and focused, ready to conquer your goals. Tough decisions seem manageable, tasks on your to-do list get checked off, and resisting that extra piece of chocolate cake feels effortless. It's as if you're invincible!

However, as the hours slip by, your self-discipline begins to wane. What was once a stronghold of resolve starts to crumble like a cookie in a child's hand. By evening, instead of taking a refreshing walk, you find yourself engrossed in your favorite series (currently, I’m hooked on the 3 Body Problem on Netflix). And that cake? It’s no longer just a temptation; it’s a distant thought.

As a new manager, don’t fret—this decline in willpower is something we all encounter! So, what’s going on here?

Why does our willpower seem to drain as quickly as a smartphone battery?

According to research, supported by Gary Keller’s book The One Thing, willpower is not an infinite resource. Rather, it's akin to a muscle that tires with use. Every choice we make, whether significant or trivial, chips away at our willpower reserves. And let’s be honest, we make countless decisions each day!

What to wear, how to reply to that email, whether to engage in office gossip—the list goes on.

Let me share a personal story.

Just yesterday morning, I was the epitome of self-discipline. I woke up early, resisted the lure of my phone, and enjoyed a nutritious breakfast in Alexandra Park, Manchester—all before 9 a.m. But by 3 p.m., I found myself captivated by a doughnut, as if it were the last one at the Dunkin' Donuts in Manchester Piccadilly Station...

As someone who once held a radio management position, I often felt disheartened as my productivity dwindled throughout the day. To make matters worse, I had to be the pillar of strength for my team, who looked to me for motivation. No pressure, right?

So, what’s the secret to maintaining our willpower throughout the day? The One Thing provides an enlightening approach: prioritization.

Chapter 2: Harnessing the Power of Prioritization

Keller introduces a crucial question: what is the one task you can accomplish that will make everything else easier or unnecessary?

This means identifying the most impactful task and tackling it when your willpower is at its peak. Take on the significant projects early in the day, before daily distractions wear you down. Set aside dedicated time for what truly matters.

This strategy ensures that even if your willpower diminishes later, you have already invested it into the day’s most essential task.