Owners of a professional service-based business are aware of how difficult it can be to keep track of everything on your to-do list. It's simple to become overburdened and find yourself fighting to move towards your goals when there are so many demands on your time.

But your capacity to concentrate on the issues that really matter will determine your level of achievement. You may streamline your workload, work more efficiently, and get the outcomes you want by being honest with yourself and making the most of your skills.

Let's examine three straightforward questions that can help you finish your to-do list, put in less time, and focus on the things that really important.

What is your ONE Thing?

I can move the Earth if you give me a solid place to stand and a lever, as the great Greek philosopher Archimedes famously declared. Leverage is based on the idea that you can accomplish more with less. Finding your "One Thing" is the best approach to make the most of your time and resources.

Given where my business is today, what is the one thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary? This is the focused question suggested by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan in their book "The One Thing."

You probably have a to-do list and a long list of chores as the owner of a professional service business. But how many of them are in line with your priorities and goals? How many of them will actually help you succeed more?

You need to use your creativity to discover your One Thing. What would be the one thing you could do to get rid of several things at once? Or even just make them simpler?

The solution for many business owners is to hire a Virtual Assistant (VA). By doing this, you not only save up time but also cross things off your to-do list that you dislike or aren't particularly excellent at.

Where in your business do you add the most value?

Asking yourself "What's the one thing in your business that no one else can do as well as you" is another variation of the "One Thing" enquiry. This query reveals the core of what you have to offer.

For instance, if you work as a buyers’ agent, your ability to value property, negotiate and give your clients strategic insights may be what makes you distinctive. Alternatively, if you're a lawyer, your area of competence may be in your capacity to decipher complex legal matters and offer succinct guidance.

You can arrange your firm so that you can concentrate on the things that matter most once you have determined your unique value proposition. This may be assigning work to others, contracting out certain duties, or automating regular procedures.

You can operate more productively and effectively while also providing more value to your clients by concentrating on your talents and outsourcing the rest of the work.

What is the next thing you need to do right away to get the outcomes you want?

It's simple to fall victim to "analytical paralysis" when you're feeling helpless and stuck. The numerous options and future plans can cause you to overthink them, which will only make you feel more stressed and anxious.

Try asking yourself a more empowering question to help you escape this cycle: "What can I do tomorrow?" You can take action and move forwards rather than becoming paralysed by indecision by concentrating on the next thing you need to accomplish to achieve your goals.

For instance, if increasing your clientele is your primary objective, your next move might be to contact three potential customers and arrange consultations. Making a content calendar and scheduling your blog posts and social media updates for the upcoming month can be your next move if you're seeking to boost your marketing.

You'll get momentum and start to make actual progress if you act to achieve your goals.

Is working with a business coach your One Thing?

At the risk of coming across as self-serving, electing to seek expert assistance is frequently a great "One Thing" choice.

An experienced business coach will independently assess your current thinking and challenge you on whether the ‘One Thing’ you’ve currently identified is in fact correct or appropriate. In my experience, even seasoned business leaders often miscategorise their most important issues and priorities.

Working with a business coach requires motivation, hard work, and a willingness to change. A great business coach will push you, ask you tough questions, and challenge you to look within yourself and make changes. They'll be your harshest critic, but they'll also be your greatest champion. They'll believe in you and your business, and they'll help you achieve the success you desire.