In The Power of One Thing, author Randy Carlson’s goal is to help readers intentionally change their lives. With the academic credentials to go with over 25 years of counselling experience, Dr. Carlson is well-equipped to help people improve in the five essential areas of life: faith, family, health, finances, and work. As President of Family Life Communications Incorporated, he oversees the ministries of Intentional Living and Family Life Radio, where he fields numerous calls from listeners dealing with problems in one or more of these spheres.
Divided into two
parts, the book’s primary arguments are that you’re only “one thing” away from
a better life and that changing one thing at a time is the most sensible
approach. Most of us have tried to ameliorate our lives by biting off more than
we can chew in one mouthful (I know I have!). Carlson encourages us to see the power in doing
just one thing differently. If, for
example, the idea of writing a full-length novel has struck you with writers’
paralysis, why not keep your sights on the next 1,000 words and produce them
daily? If you’re spending too much time
on social media and failing to accomplish more important work, why not limit
social media time to an hour each night? Can you think of other ways to use this principle to improve your writing life?
Overall, Carlson covers nine things to consider changing, and you can start wherever you need to most. Do you need to change your thinking or attitude, how you deal with emotions, or the words that come into your mind and out of your mouth? There are chapters on each of these. Do you need to change your use of time, the state of your house, the friends you choose? How about the questions you ask yourself and the way you make decisions?
Change is possible. Look to the power of one thing.
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You can find out more about Susan Barclay's writing at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com.
Dear Susan, your review is inspiring. I like the idea of making one important change at a time. It's doable and not overwhelming. Thank you for introducing us to this encouraging book and its simple but effective concept.
ReplyDeleteBlessings - Wendy Mac 🕊️
You're welcome, Wendy! I love the simplicity of this approach. So often we fail because we try tackling too much at once and get discouraged and overwhelmed.
DeleteI'm inspired just by this post so obviously the book is worth reading! Thanks for sharing this timely review today Susan. Many blessings.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Tracy! I hope you get a chance to read and apply it. It's always in the application!
DeleteIt sounds like a great book. I recommend having a separate writing computer which isn't hooked up to a router or Ethernet cable. It removes the temptation to check e-mail or social media. In my case, I have a Windows XP computer. It's dedicated purpose is for writing. In that bedroom office, I feel more like writing than when I use this Windows 10 PC. My old programs work on the other machine too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your suggestion of "one thing" we can try, Bruce. I think that it is wise to have a dedicated computer for your writing if you can. I think those of us with Wireless service face a greater challenge in staying off of email or social media on our devices... Blessings!
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