The Power of One
What if one decision could change the course of your life — and the lives of those around you?
Leadership isn’t about titles or authority — it’s about breaking free from fear, taking bold action, and inspiring others to fulfill their potential. Napoleon Hill’s Outwitting the Devil reveals how fear and “drifting” hold people back, while Laurie Beth Jones’ Jesus CEO shows how Jesus led with purpose and strategy, allowing His followers to carry out their divine calling. At the core of both books is the concept of “The Power of One” — the idea that one leader, one decision, or one act of courage can ignite transformation. True leaders don’t wait for perfect conditions — they make strategic end runs around obstacles so that others can follow.
Success and influence begin with one purposeful decision.
Hill warns against drifting — living without clear direction — while Jones presents Jesus’ unwavering mission: to bring hope, healing, and salvation. Despite opposition, He never wavered. Leaders today must define their mission and commit to it fully. A single decision to pursue purpose creates a ripple effect that uplifts others. One leader with a clear vision can inspire an entire team to achieve greatness.
Fear is the greatest obstacle to success. Hill identifies fear as the Devil’s primary tool, while Jones shows how Jesus constantly confronted fear — whether calming storms, challenging religious authorities, or facing His own crucifixion. Yet, He never let fear dictate His actions. Conquering fear is essential for leaders — not just for personal growth, but to embolden those who follow. When a leader faces challenges with courage, it inspires others to do the same. Overcoming one fear — whether failure, criticism, or uncertainty — models resilience, creating a culture where others feel confident pursuing their calling.
One of the most powerful concepts in Jesus CEO is that Jesus was a master of the “end run” — finding innovative ways to bypass obstacles and fulfill His mission. When religious leaders tried to trap Him with legalism, He responded with wisdom and compassion. When crowds threatened to overwhelm Him, He withdrew to recharge and refocus. When His disciples doubted, He strengthened them with confidence and authority. Similarly, great leaders recognize that obstacles are inevitable, but they don’t have to be roadblocks. Instead, they find ways to move past them, opening new paths for their teams. Whether it’s launching a new product despite industry skepticism or finding creative solutions to financial challenges, leaders who master the end run help their teams succeed.
Success is rarely the result of a single event — it’s the product of consistent, daily habits. Hill emphasizes the power of self-discipline, while Jones illustrates Jesus’ daily habits of prayer, teaching, and mentoring. These consistent actions built momentum, creating a movement that changed the world. For modern leaders, the lesson is clear: Start with one habit. Whether it’s strategic planning, mentoring a team member, or leading by example, one consistent habit can create a culture of excellence. Over time, these small actions compound, creating lasting impact.
At the heart of both books is the idea that one person can change the world. Hill believed that anyone who masters their thoughts and actions can achieve success, while Jones shows that Jesus, a single individual, transformed history through His leadership and compassion. A leader’s influence extends far beyond their own achievements. Every decision made, every fear conquered, and every obstacle overcome sets an example for those who follow. This ripple effect multiplies over time, helping countless others reach their full potential.
The greatest lesson from Outwitting the Devil and Jesus CEO is that success and leadership are within your control. Whether leading a company, a team, or yourself, the power of one decision, one habit, and one courageous action can change everything.
One decision to stop drifting and start leading with purpose.
One fear conquered to inspire those around you.
One habit repeated daily to build momentum.
One strategic end run to overcome obstacles.
One life lived with passion and vision to change the world.
So, what’s the one thing you can do today to step into your calling as a leader? The power of one is the power to transform everything — and it starts with you.
Take the first step now — because your decision could be the catalyst that changes everything.