Elizabeth Whitworth

Senior SEO Writer

Elizabeth has a lifelong love of books. She devours nonfiction, especially in the areas of history, theology, and philosophy. A switch to audiobooks has kindled her enjoyment of well-narrated fiction, particularly Victorian and early 20th-century works. She appreciates idea-driven books—and a classic murder mystery now and then. Elizabeth has a Substack and is writing a book about what the Bible says about death and hell.

Expertise

History, Theology, Government

Awards

Contributions to joint task force efforts (FBI), Contributions to Special Operations Division (DOJ & DEA), Efforts to fight the war on drugs (NSA), Contributions to Operation Storm Front (US Customs Service)

How Choice Overload and Ambiguity Thwart Change

What is choice overload? How does it impact our ability to change? Choice overload happens when people are overwhelmed with options. It can lead to decision paralysis—when we end up either doing nothing or doing the same thing every time. Ultimately, it makes change difficult. Too much ambiguity, just like too many options, can thwart change efforts. Keep reading to learn how to overcome choice overload and ambiguity in order to bring about change.

The Focusing Question: What Is Your One Thing?

Have you asked yourself the Focusing Question? What is your one thing? It’s easy to think that the key to success is doing more than anyone else. However, that’s a recipe for spreading yourself too thin and accomplishing nothing significant. Instead, you should focus on a few, right things. It starts with asking yourself the Focusing Question. Continue reading to learn what the Focusing Question from The One Thing is and how to apply it.

Why Parents Should Teach Kids to Defer Gratification

Why should parents keep their kids from developing an attachment to immediate gratification? What problems arise when a child doesn’t learn to defer gratification? M. Scott Peck, in his book The Road Less Traveled, argues that the first and most valuable tool you can develop to support spiritual growth is discipline. There are four key components to discipline. One of them is the ability to defer gratification. He explains two problems that can occur when a child fails to learn this skill. Keep reading to learn about the problems that can arise when we don’t defer gratification.

A Growth Mindset: Think and Change

What are the two types of mindset? What’s the role of mindset in behavior change? There are two primary types of mindset: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. If you have a fixed mindset, you believe that you’re wired a certain way and can’t change. If you have a growth mindset, you believe you can grow if you put in the effort. You’re far more likely to change when you believe that you can. Here’s how having a growth mindset can help you make behavior change a reality.

The 4 Productivity Killers & How to Overcome Them

What productivity killers are getting in your way? How much more could you get done if you got over these hurdles? You’re probably committed to productivity. But, if you’re like most people, stuff gets in your way. In order to fight off these productivity killers, it helps to identify and understand them. Whether it’s your fears, your habits, or your environment, you can confront these killers and ultimately get more done. Keep reading to learn how to banish productivity killers.

The 4 Simple Steps to Using a Time Block Schedule

How can using a time block schedule boost your productivity? What are the steps to implementing one? Using a time block schedule is a critical aspect of the One Thing principle, as it helps you use your time in a focused way. Implementing such a schedule involves blocking off time as well as protecting that time from distractions. Read more to learn how to implement a time block schedule for greater focus and productivity.

How to Build Willpower: Treat It Like a Battery

Do you know how to build willpower? What drains it? Willpower is critical to success. But you likely will fail if you don’t understand how it works and how to manage it. Once you know how to build willpower and use it effectively, you set yourself up for success. Read more to learn how to build willpower and use it well.

How to Become an Expert: The 2 Steps Toward Mastery

Do you know how to become an expert at something? What commitment is needed? To become an expert, you must invest a great amount of time. That time must be focused on the right thing for it to be productive. You also need to have a purposeful approach, seeking new and better ways to do what you’re doing. Keep reading to learn how to become an expert.

Find Your Life Purpose: 4 Tips for Discovery

What is your life purpose? Are you living it? Your purpose is the one thing you want your life to be about more than any other. Your life purpose determines your priority. Connecting purpose and priority with productivity determines your success. To live an exceptional life, live with purpose, live by priority, and live for productivity. Continue reading to learn how to find your life purpose.

Hold Yourself Accountable: Be the Author of Your Life

Do you hold yourself accountable for the way things turn out? Or are you just a victim of circumstance? Like everyone else, you want to succeed. You want great results. Holding yourself accountable is a critical aspect of success. It means that you are the owner—the author—of your life. Read more to learn the power of holding yourself accountable.