All it takes is for one to work out
Recorded: Nov. 30, 2025, 1:04 a.m.
| Original | Summarized |
All it takes is for one to work out – A Learning a Day Skip to content A Learning a Day Home Email Search Search for: About All it takes is for one to work out More than a decade ago, when I was applying to graduate school, I went through a period of deep uncertainty. I had tried the previous year and hadn’t gotten in anywhere. I wanted to try again, but I had a lot going against me. Related Posted on November 28, 2025November 23, 2025Author alearningadayCategories Everything else Post navigation Blog at WordPress.com. Subscribe Subscribed A Learning a Day Join 285 other subscribers
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The core of this piece, penned by a learningaday, centers on a deceptively simple yet profoundly impactful maxim – “All it takes is for one to work out.” Initially articulated during a period of intense self-doubt and repeated by a friend, this statement evolved into a guiding principle for the author, proving instrumental in navigating challenging high-stakes scenarios, notably during a second attempt at graduate school admissions. The narrative skillfully illustrates how focusing on securing a single, suitable opportunity, rather than fixating on overall rejection, can dramatically alter one’s emotional experience and ultimately lead to a positive outcome. The author recounts their experience applying to graduate programs, detailing the circumstances that initially fostered a sense of hopelessness: a struggling startup, a compromised GPA, a satisfactory but not exceptional GMAT score, and a lack of affiliation with a prestigious brand employer. This confluence of factors created a highly competitive environment, increasing the likelihood of rejection. However, the consistent affirmation from a friend – “All it takes is for one to work out” – shifted the author’s perspective. Instead of allowing setbacks to accumulate and generate despair, the author began to concentrate solely on identifying and securing the single program that represented the best fit. This focused approach proved effective, as eventually, one institution accepted the author’s application, fundamentally altering the trajectory of their life. The piece then expands the scope of this core principle beyond the context of graduate school admissions, demonstrating its applicability across a spectrum of significant life decisions. It argues that in processes like home buying, relationship building, and career advancement, the tendency to be discouraged by multiple rejections is counterproductive. The author effectively positions the concept as a corrective to the emotionally draining experience of pursuing a multitude of opportunities simultaneously. The central argument posits that in each situation – whether it's a job search, house purchase, or personal relationship – one need only find the “one” that aligns appropriately with one’s needs and goals. This is not a dismissal of the value of broader exploration, but rather a strategic refocusing that prioritizes the identification and acceptance of the single, optimal choice. The author uses several concise analogies – “You don’t need every job to choose you,” “You don’t need every house to accept your offer,” “You don’t need every person to want to build a life with you” – to powerfully demonstrate this principle. It’s a message founded on the idea that vulnerability and emotional resilience can be cultivated through accepting the acknowledgement that “one” is sufficient to propel a person towards their aspirations. This philosophy transcends narrow self-optimization and speaks to the profound importance of recognizing the value inherent in finding a singular, fulfilling path. |