One Decision Book Summary - One Decision Book explained in key points
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One Decision summary

Mike Bayer

The First Step to a Better Life

4.4 (249 ratings)
22 mins

Brief summary

'One Decision' by Mike Bayer is a self-improvement book that guides readers to transform their lives by making one important decision. It provides proven techniques and inspiring stories to help individuals unleash their potential.

Table of Contents

    One Decision
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    Deciding to see opportunities can change your life.

    What’s something that we all do, without fail, every single day?

    We make decisions. About 35,000 of them, in fact. 

    Most of these decisions are instinctive; we’re not even aware of making them. We reach for the coffee every morning instead of making a cup of tea, or we tune into a preferred news channel. These decisions don’t impact us in major ways, but there’s one conscious decision that can bring positive change to our lives.

    Whether it’s a dream career, a healthier lifestyle, or more fulfilling relationships, a better life isn’t something that just happens. It’s the result of many intentional decisions. And the first and most important of these is choosing to see opportunities rather than obstacles.

    The key message here is: Deciding to see opportunities can change your life.

    There are opportunities in any situation, no matter how bad it may seem. When you focus on them, you become optimistic and solutions-oriented. You can then take actions that allow you to grow, learn new things, and steer your life in positive directions. When you focus on obstacles, on the other hand, your problems seem unsolvable. You feel stuck and sorry for yourself. You might even blame others or make excuses for your circumstances.

    A great example is a retiree who finds himself struggling financially. Looking at the obstacles, he might be disappointed at the thought of going back to work. He could worry that his skills are no longer relevant. But what if he decides to look for the opportunities instead? He could see this as a chance to learn something new. He could reach out to his network to ask if they know of any vacancies. One option keeps him stuck; the other moves him forward.

    So what does it take to switch from an obstacle mindset to one primed for opportunities?

    The key is understanding the thinking patterns that shape how we view the world. They determine whether we perceive opportunities or obstacles. The author sees these patterns as positive and negative forces. Allowing the negative forces to take over makes us pessimistic and blinds us to opportunities. And tapping into the positive forces reveals opportunities to us.

    In the following blinks, we’ll learn more about each of these forces.

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    What is One Decision about?

    One Decision (2020) is a guide to understanding the various thinking patterns that determine whether we see obstacles or opportunities. It breaks down why we often base decisions on the bleak outlook created by rigidity and confusion and provides practical tools for fostering an opportunity mindset and making life-changing decisions.

    One Decision Review

    One Decision (2020) by Mike Bayer is a compelling book that challenges us to take responsibility for our lives and make one powerful decision that can change everything. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers practical strategies and tools to help us make decisions that align with our values and lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
    • Through real-life stories and relatable examples, it shows how making one decision can have a profound impact on our relationships, careers, and overall well-being.
    • The book's straightforward and actionable advice empowers readers to take control of their lives and create a future they truly desire.

    Best quote from One Decision

    When we are looking to pivot in any area of life, or to create change, we must be willing to try something new.

    —Mike Bayer
    example alt text

    Who should read One Decision?

    • People who feel overwhelmed by obstacles
    • Those who are stuck in a cycle of bad decisions
    • Anyone who wants to create a better life

    About the Author

    Mike Bayer is a sought-after personal development coach and the founder of CAST Centers, a leading mental health and wellness facility. He hosts the Always Evolving podcast and is a regular contributor on the Dr. Phil television show. Bayer is also the author of the New York Times best-seller Best Self.

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    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

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    One Decision FAQs 

    What is the main message of One Decision?

    The main message of One Decision is that making a single powerful decision can transform your life.

    How long does it take to read One Decision?

    Reading One Decision takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is One Decision a good book? Is it worth reading?

    One Decision is worth reading because it provides valuable insights and practical steps for making positive changes in your life.

    Who is the author of One Decision?

    Mike Bayer is the author of One Decision.

    What to read after One Decision?

    If you're wondering what to read next after One Decision, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck by Sarah Knight
    • Decisive by Chip and Dan Heath
    • Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
    • How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman
    • Mindset by Carol Dweck
    • You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
    • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
    • 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
    • Know Thyself by Stephen M. Fleming