The One Step Formula
Build unstoppable momentum by taking one small, accountable action every day
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time to result
- ~weeks to results
- Steps
- 6
- Confidence
- 99%
The One Step Formula treats progress as a flywheel rather than a heroic leap. Starting is difficult because fear and inertia create resistance, much like the force required to move a stationary boulder. The user first distinguishes objective risk from fears of embarrassment, judgment, or failure while protecting essential needs. They then choose the smallest easy action that advances the goal and repeat that behavior consistently. Each action reduces resistance, creates evidence of capability, and increases the likelihood of encountering useful opportunities. Because early movement may feel insignificant or even backward, accountability is used to maintain consistency until the actions compound into visible progress. The method prizes sustained movement over intensity and frames failures as pivots that produce learning.
Origin
Ben Nemtin developed the formula from years of pursuing bucket-list goals and observing how tiny actions generated momentum, opportunities, and accountability. He later called his course the One Step Formula. Extracted from The Jasmine Star Show.
Core principles
- 01The first movement requires the most force
- 02Small actions compound like invested money
- 03Risk should be evaluated separately from fear
- 04Failure provides information for the next pivot
- 05Consistency matters more than dramatic leaps
- 06Accountability keeps the flywheel moving
How to run it
- 1
Protect the Foundation
Verify that the contemplated action will not jeopardize essential safety, shelter, food, or family well-being.
Pro tip Define non-negotiable boundaries before evaluating an ambitious move.
Watch out Do not romanticize reckless risk as courage.
- 2
Separate Risk From Fear
List concrete adverse outcomes separately from emotional fears such as looking foolish, being judged, or failing.
Pro tip Ask what is genuinely at stake rather than how uncomfortable the action feels.
Watch out Emotional discomfort can be real without representing material danger.
- 3
Choose the Smallest Step
Select the easiest useful action that creates movement toward the goal. Make it small enough to complete without waiting for confidence.
Pro tip Favor an action that can be finished today.
Watch out Planning alone does not count unless it changes what happens next.
- 4
Take the Step
Complete the action and use the resulting movement to make the next step easier.
Pro tip Focus on starting rather than evaluating the entire journey.
Watch out Do not interpret the difficulty of the first step as evidence that the goal is impossible.
- 5
Create Accountability
Tell supportive people what you completed and what you will do next. Use a partner or community to keep movement alive when motivation falls.
Pro tip Record each completed action so progress becomes visible.
Watch out Choose accountability partners who support the goal rather than shame imperfect execution.
- 6
Compound Daily
Repeat a small action every day and allow momentum, learning, and opportunities to accumulate over time.
Pro tip Assess the trend over weeks rather than demanding proof after every step.
Watch out The process can feel motionless early on; abandoning it too quickly interrupts compounding.
In the wild
Nemtin and his friends began with jobs, parties, sponsorship calls, borrowed resources, and a short road trip. They continued filming, traveling, meeting industry contacts, and pitching despite setbacks. Those accumulated actions eventually enabled them to sell their show to MTV while retaining meaningful control.
→ A sequence of modest and persistent actions produced an opportunity no single initial leap could have secured.
An employee who wants to change fields protects their income, lists the actual financial risks, and identifies fear of looking inexperienced as an ego concern. They spend 20 minutes each day building a sample project and share weekly progress with a peer.
→ A portfolio and growing confidence emerge without an unsafe all-or-nothing resignation.
Common mistakes
Waiting for a Dramatic Leap
Demanding a large first move makes fear and inertia stronger when a tiny action could begin building momentum.
Confusing Ego With Risk
Fear of judgment or failure can feel dangerous even when basic needs and material safety are protected.
Quitting Before Compounding Appears
Early actions may not produce visible results, but inconsistency prevents their cumulative effect from emerging.
Is it for you?
Best for
It is best for people who know what they want but are stalled by fear, overwhelm, or a lack of visible early progress.
Not ideal for
It is not ideal for actions that threaten essential safety, shelter, food, or family well-being without adequate safeguards.
From the transcript
“You just need to do the smallest, easiest thing so that you can start that momentum.”
“So action begets more action because it's really like compounding interest.”
“And it's called the one step formula because of that compounding action where it's it's like you can't lose if you.”
From the episode
How to Live Out Your Bucketlist Life