💡 This post is based on an idea I share inside 12 Easy Steps To Change Your Life: Stop Waiting For That Big Thing.

My dad, Bob Proctor, was a man of simplicity. Despite being one of the most influential thought leaders in the personal development world, he always believed that success wasn’t about complexity—it was about mastering a few simple, powerful habits. One of those habits, which I still practice to this day, is what I call “The Five Things List.”

Dad used to say, “If you want to move the needle in your life, don’t overcomplicate it. Focus on just a few things each day that will move you closer to your goals.” And you know what? He was right.

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Why “The Five Things List” Works

I remember a time when I felt completely overwhelmed. Life was pulling me in every direction—business responsibilities, personal goals, some relationship challenges. I asked my dad how he managed to accomplish so much while maintaining calmness of mind. He leaned back, smiled, and said, “Brian, the secret is to remain in the present moment and escape the trap of overwhelm. To help you do this, each night before bed, write down five things you intend to accomplish the next day. Focus on those, and you’ll win. That’s it.”

It wasn’t about tackling every task on my plate. It was about prioritizing the key actions that would have the biggest impact on my progress as my next few steps.

And guess what? When I started doing it, everything changed. I went from feeling scattered and stuck to feeling focused and accomplished. And beyond the more empowering feelings, the needle in measurable results moved, too.

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How to Use “The Five Things List” in Your Life

This practice is simple, but don’t let its simplicity fool you—it’s powerful. Here’s how you can start using it today:

Step 1: Set Your Goal

Before you even write your list, get clear on what you’re working toward. Whether it’s growing your business, improving your health, or strengthening your relationships, clarity is key.

Ask yourself: What’s my big goal right now? Write it down. If you don’t currently have a goal card, create one.

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Step 2: Write Down Five Key Actions

Each evening, write down five things you can do the next day to move closer to your goal. They don’t have to be huge; they just need to be meaningful steps forward. Don’t include things like “take out the garbage” or “eat lunch”. Make them goal-oriented.

For example, if your goal is to grow your business, your list might look like this:

1. Follow up with three potential clients.
2. Post valuable content on social media.
3. Spend 30 minutes reading a book on leadership.
4. Reach out to a mentor for advice.
5. Plan tomorrow’s schedule in advance.

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Step 3: Take Action, One Step at a Time

Focus on completing each item on your list without distraction. The key is to keep your attention on the present task and avoid multitasking. Don’t move onto item #2 until #1 is complete – unless you need to wait for someone else to help you cross off #1; then you can move on to #2, but come back to #1 as soon as you can.

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Step 4: Reflect and Celebrate

At the end of the day, review your list. Did you complete all five? If not, don’t beat yourself up—acknowledge what you did achieve and carry over unfinished tasks to the next day.

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A Story to Inspire You

One of my favorite memories of Dad using this principle was during a particularly busy season in his life. He had an overwhelming number of speaking engagements, book projects, and personal commitments. I witnessed him every morning, sitting at a table with a notepad and good pen, quietly jotting down his five things.

One morning, I asked him why he stuck with it so religiously. He looked at me and said, “Brian, when I focus on these five things, I can go to bed every night knowing I’ve done my part. And I surrender to Universal Law to take care of the rest.”

I’ve carried this practice with me ever since.

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Your Challenge: Try It for a Week

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or like you’re not making progress fast enough, I challenge you to try the Five Things List for the next seven days.

1. Each evening, write down five key things you’ll do that day.
2. Stay focused on completing them.
3. Reflect on your progress the next day.

I guarantee you’ll feel more focused, productive, and in control of your life.

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Closing Thought

Remember, success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things, consistently. By focusing on just five key actions each day, you’ll find yourself moving steadily toward your goals with clarity and confidence. And you’ll be having a lot more fun.

If you found this insight helpful and want to dive deeper into life-changing principles, I invite you to explore both of my books, 12 Easy Steps to Change Your Life and My Father Knew the Secret. Each book is packed with timeless lessons, personal stories, and actionable strategies that will empower you to create the life you truly desire.

📚 Available now on Amazon and other major retailers in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook formats.

Here’s to your success—one easy step (or five) at a time.

I’d love to hear from you in a comment below – do you do this already? Will you begin now? Why?