Believe it or not, there was a time when Apple was struggling. It was a younger company with great talent but had a problem. And it’s problem was that there were too many good ideas. Steve Jobs recognized this and said that while the engineers were doing interesting work, the company was being sent in “18 different directions.”

In 1997, following a holiday season which yielded lower than expected sales, Jobs knew it was time to change. His goal was simple —focus the company…and that’s what he did. Instead of having many people working on many things—they shifted their focus to one main thing—One main goal or objective for the many to focus on. As a result, Apple has consistently been one of the most innovative companies to ever exist.

So how can this help you with writing your book? Well, first, it should highlight the fact that a narrowly focused book can have incredible impact. It just needs to start with your one thing. Or as I like to refer to it as your “Aha!”.

What holds many people back from writing a book is the fact that they have too many great ideas. Like Apple, they’re doing interesting work, coming up with interesting concepts, yet are being sent in “18 different directions.”

The first step in writing a book that leaves a lasting impact, that makes a difference, is to pinpoint that one thing. Then focus on it, write about, move towards it.

That’s easier said than done I’ll admit but it’s vitally important. In order to get someone curious about your book, you have to give them a reason—a promise if you will. Read this book to learn this and here’s why that’s important.

These things have to be communicated quickly, clearly, and with conviction. As Jobs found out, a company can move much faster going one direction instead of eighteen.