Forget Dry January (I Did):
The ONE Strategy That Actually Changes Everything
If you live in LA, chances are Dry January—along with most of your New Year's resolutions—didn't stand a chance. Between evacuation orders and community crises, this month hasn't exactly been about self-optimization. It's been about taking care of immediate needs, showing up for neighbors, and helping each other get through. Survival mode has trumped self-improvement.
But here's the thing: even if life had gone according to plan, most resolutions wouldn’t have lasted past January anyway. Why? Because we overload ourselves with self-improvement like it's an all-you-can-eat buffet. We pile our plates high with lofty goals - "Exercise daily, build a personal brand, double revenue, become a morning person, drink more water, drink less alcohol..." - until our motivation crumbles under the sheer weight of it all.
So for those of us taking a February do-over (raises hand), I want to share a different approach, inspired by one of my favorite books: "The ONE Thing" by Gary Keller. Its premise is deceptively simple yet transformative:
What's the ONE thing you can do, such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
Wait. Go back and read that question one more time. This isn’t just about focus. It’s about finding the domino that, when tipped, sets in motion a series of positive changes—lightening your load and leading to lasting transformation.
Maybe your ONE thing is blocking out two hours every week for strategic long-term thinking before the world starts pulling you in a dozen different directions. Or perhaps it’s committing to a non-negotiable workout routine that gives you the energy and clarity to make better decisions all day. By identifying and focusing on the ONE thing that will have the greatest positive impact, you set off a chain reaction of improvement in all areas of your life—making it easier to stay committed and see real results.
Here’s where this lands especially hard for women: We’ve been taught that multitasking is our superpower—that doing it all makes us valuable. But this is the truth: multitasking doesn’t make us more effective; it keeps us stuck on the hamster wheel, spinning in place. When everything is equally important, nothing gets the attention it deserves. It’s not a strength; it’s a trap. And it’s the enemy of extraordinary results.
I used to thrive in chaos—always in motion, juggling endless to-do lists. Skipped lunches were victories, exhaustion a sign of success. But I’ve learned the hard way: motion isn’t progress. Without true focus, very little actually gets done. Old habits die hard, but these days I’m learning that working smarter beats working harder every time.
The One Thing principle isn’t just transformative in our personal lives—it’s a game-changer in business too. At Pizzana this month, instead of spreading ourselves thin across myriad marketing channels, we focused on ONE strategy: creating meaningful community experiences. By leaning into events that bring people together—like a special chef collaboration dinner and a ‘90s trivia night—we not only attracted local diners but also raised money for California wildfire relief. These events sparked news coverage, generated organic social content, fueled word-of-mouth, and, most importantly, gave people the real-life connection they’re craving right now. One strategic choice, countless powerful outcomes.
The magic of the ONE thing is its domino effect. Get the right focus, and momentum takes care of the rest. So if some of your resolutions have fallen by the wayside, don’t stress—this is your chance to reset with intention.
Instead of reviving a long list of abandoned goals, zero in on the ONE thing that will make the biggest difference. Choose something that aligns with your values, moves you closer to what truly matters, and makes you excited to get started. The right priority will create a ripple effect that transforms every part of your life.
Success isn't about doing it all. It's about doing what matters most. So let's make 2025 different - not another year of ambitious resolutions that fizzle by February, but the year you finally nail that one game-changing priority. Your future self will thank you!
XO,
candace
PS: Let me know - what’s your ONE thing going to be?