The ONE Thing

The ONE Thing

Discover the surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results. Learn how the most successful people in the world approach productivity, time management, business, health and habits with The ONE Thing. A ProduKtive® Podcast.

  1. 5 Principles from The ONE Thing Every College Student Needs

    3 DAYS AGO

    5 Principles from The ONE Thing Every College Student Needs

    It’s graduation season—and whether you’ve got a child, a niece or nephew, or just a young person in your life heading to or already in college, you’re probably wondering how to best support them in this new chapter. In this episode, Jay gets personal. He walks through the highs and lows of his own college years—from social misfires and major indecision to joining the rugby team and becoming a double major in French and English. But more importantly, he shares what we wish college students learned… and what they actually do. Back in 2015, the ONE Thing team interviewed 15 students from across the country who had read the book and tried to apply its principles. With a little coaching and a few worksheets, they surfaced six core discoveries that can serve any young adult stepping into independence: Lay a Future Foundation – Even a vague purpose provides powerful direction. Set Mid-Term Targets – Clarity around “where you want to be when college ends” helps shape present-day decisions. Make a Success List, Not a To-Do List – Prioritize ruthlessly, especially when everything feels urgent. Think Big – Sometimes we create unnecessary limits. Big goals can make hard things feel smaller. Time Block for Willpower – Willpower isn’t on will-call. Structure your calendar to match your energy. Clarify Core Values – Use your values as a compass for choices, especially when you're on your own. Whether you're a parent, a mentor, or a recent grad yourself, this episode will inspire you to share the tools of focus, goal setting, and intention with someone who needs them most. Challenge of the Week: Identify a college-aged person in your life. Then go to the1thing.com/college to download the free college guide. Consider giving them a copy of The ONE Thing and the Core Values Deck as a graduation gift—and don’t just give it. Follow up. Ask if they’d like to go through it together. Help them put these tools into practice. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why “figuring out your ONE Thing” matters even when you’re young The halo effect of getting clear on your goals Why willpower should be scheduled, not summoned Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing College Guide The ONE Thing Core Values Deck Episode 483: Are You Using This Simple Tool to Make Better Decisions? Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

    39 min
  2. Who Do You Want to Become? with Geoff Woods

    14 APR

    Who Do You Want to Become? with Geoff Woods

    This milestone episode marks 500 episodes and over 6 million downloads of The ONE Thing Podcast—and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than bringing Geoff Woods back to the mic. Geoff helped launch this podcast and spent years leading The ONE Thing company. In this episode, we look at what’s happened since he moved on. From becoming Chief Growth Officer at a multinational conglomerate to founding a company and writing a book on AI leadership, Geoff shares the role that asking big questions played in every chapter of that journey. At the heart of our conversation is one question: Who do I want to become? Geoff talks candidly about moving from certainty to curiosity, detaching identity from outcomes, and using both The ONE Thing framework and emerging tools like AI to craft a future you’re proud of. He opens up about struggling with self-worth after stepping away from The ONE Thing, and how redefining success through values like fatherhood, friendship, and internal validation helped him build something even more meaningful. Whether you’re in a transition or just ready for more, this episode will challenge you to dream bigger—and act bolder. Challenge of the Week: Sit down with pen and paper. Fast forward 30 years and imagine sitting with your future self. Ask: – Who have I become? – What does my life look like? – What would this version of me tell me to start, stop, or double down on today? Give yourself time and space to journal. Don’t rush to the “right” answer. Just start searching. Trust the dominoes will fall. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why asking the right question changes everything How to build new habits that support your future identity Using AI as a thought partner to clarify your purpose Links & Tools from This Episode: Learn more at aileadership.com Connect with Geoff Woods on LinkedIn Read The AI-Driven Leader by Geoff Woods Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Any text or materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) should be reviewed for accuracy and reliability as there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. Produced by NOVA

    40 min
  3. The 4 Hidden Thieves Destroying Your Productivity with Jordan Freed

    7 APR

    The 4 Hidden Thieves Destroying Your Productivity with Jordan Freed

    You’ve probably heard of the Four Thieves of Productivity: the inability to say no, fear of chaos, poor health habits, and an environment that doesn’t support your goals. But have you ever stopped to ask—which one is stealing the most from you right now? This week, Jay Papasan is joined by his coach and the Head Coach of The ONE Thing, Jordan Freed, for a powerful reexamination of the Four Thieves—this time through the lens of coaching. Jordan brings a coach’s eye to these common productivity killers, helping you not only identify your thief, but also design simple, practical solutions to reclaim your focus. We talk about how environment is often the real culprit behind people-pleasing, why building a digital and physical “bunker” is key to getting deep work done, and how to turn fear of chaos into clarity through better planning. You’ll also learn Jordan’s hierarchy of health and how to build better habits by starting with the basics: breath, water, and sleep. Whether you're constantly saying yes to the wrong things or find yourself paralyzed by the unknown, this episode will help you take back control—and protect what matters most. Challenge of the Week: Engineer your bunker. Physically and digitally, design a space that helps you focus on your ONE Thing. Turn off unnecessary notifications, block distractions, and create boundaries so your environment supports—not sabotages—your goals. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How people-pleasing is often rewarded and reinforced in our work and personal lives Why your environment might be the hidden thief behind your inability to say no How to use prompting and priming to build new, healthier habits Links & Tools from This Episode: The 66-Day Challenge Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

    39 min
  4. 12 Years of The ONE Thing: How to Reclaim Your Time and Stay on Track

    31 MAR

    12 Years of The ONE Thing: How to Reclaim Your Time and Stay on Track

    Twelve years ago, The ONE Thing was published, and it’s been incredible to see its impact—over 3.75 million copies sold in 42 languages. To celebrate, we’re sharing a live session from our annual convention, where I walk through a powerful framework for reclaiming time and staying focused on what matters most. Most of us set goals backward, reacting to what’s in front of us rather than working in reverse from a clear vision. I break down goal setting to the now, a method that aligns your daily actions with your long-term aspirations. Plus, I cover two common pitfalls—goal drift and unconscious quitting—and how a simple 20-minute weekly check-in with your 411 framework keeps you on track. I also introduce the 7D Method, a system designed to help you reclaim at least four hours per week by downloading, delegating, and decreasing unnecessary commitments. Imagine what you could do with that extra time. Next week, I’m sitting down with my personal coach, Jordan Freed, to dive into the Four Thieves of Productivity—tune in to learn how to protect your time and energy. Challenge of the Week: Use the 7D Method to identify at least one hour you can reclaim this week. Fewer meetings, shorter commitments—whatever it takes to free up time for what truly matters. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why most people set goals backward and how to fix it The power of “goal setting to the now” and how to break down your big dreams The 7D Method for reclaiming four or more hours every week Links & Tools from This Episode: The 411 Goal-Setting Framework Read: The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan The 10 Year Letter by Jordan Fried Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Produktive or Keller Williams Realty, LLC and their affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information. Produced by NOVA

    48 min
  5. Tiny Experiments: The Neuroscience of Getting Unstuck with Anne-Laure Le Cunff

    24 MAR

    Tiny Experiments: The Neuroscience of Getting Unstuck with Anne-Laure Le Cunff

    We all want to build better habits, be more productive, and achieve our goals—but sometimes, the pressure to be perfect gets in the way. Enter Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a former neuroscience researcher and the brains behind Ness Labs, whose new book, Tiny Experiments, offers a simple yet powerful approach to personal growth. Anne-Laure introduces us to the concept of pacts—small commitments designed to test behaviors with curiosity instead of pressure. Her PACT framework (Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous, Trackable) makes it easier to stick to new habits without fear of failure. We also dive into why we procrastinate and how to diagnose its root cause using the head, heart, and hand method. Is it a rational issue (head), an emotional resistance (heart), or a practical obstacle (hand)? Understanding this can help you move forward with clarity. Finally, we discuss the trap of perfectionism and why embracing intentional imperfection can be the key to long-term excellence. By shifting focus from immediate results to sustainable progress, you set yourself up for lasting success. Challenge of the Week: Look at your calendar from the past week and identify one small change you'd like to make. Create a tiny experiment—a simple, low-stakes PACT to test that change for the next seven days. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How tiny experiments lower the stakes and make change easier The head, heart, and hand method for overcoming procrastination Why perfectionism holds us back and how to practice intentional imperfection Links & Tools from This Episode: Learn more: Ness Labs Read: Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff The ONE Thing 66-Day Challenge Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

    41 min
  6. Your Freedom Number (Wealth Series Part 3)

    17 MAR

    Your Freedom Number (Wealth Series Part 3)

    What would it take for you to never have to work again—unless you wanted to? That’s the core idea behind your freedom number. It’s not just about becoming a millionaire; it’s about having enough unearned income to live your life mission without relying on a paycheck. In this episode, we walk you through the three key data points needed to chart your financial future: Where you are today Where you want to be (your freedom number) How long you have to get there We simplify the math behind financial independence, introduce the 4% Rule for sustainable wealth, and provide actionable steps to set your target. Whether you’re looking for security or ultimate freedom, knowing your number will allow you to make informed investment choices that get you there. If financial freedom is your goal, don’t just dream about it—start mapping your path today. Challenge of the Week: Download the Freedom Number Worksheet at the1thing.com/freedomnumber and calculate your freedom number. Use the formula to determine how much your money needs to work for you, and start making strategic investment decisions today. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why financial freedom is about choices, not just wealth How to calculate your freedom number using the 4% Rule The power of compounding interest and investment strategies Links & Tools from This Episode: Download the Freedom Number Worksheet: the1thing.com/freedomnumber Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The guest’s views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the guest and not KWRI and its affiliates and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information. Any text or materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) should be reviewed for accuracy and reliability as there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. Produced by NOVA

    41 min
  7. The 9½ Habits of Wealth Building (Wealth Series Part 2)

    10 MAR

    The 9½ Habits of Wealth Building (Wealth Series Part 2)

    Wealth isn’t built in spreadsheets. It isn’t just about understanding finance books or listening to podcasts. True wealth is built in habits—the actions we take (and the ones we avoid) every single day. In part two of our special wealth-building series, Jay Papasan shares nine and a half habits that can put you on the path to financial independence. From living below your means to investing wisely, Jay explains the foundational steps that allow you to accumulate and grow wealth over time. He shares his personal experiences, lessons learned the hard way, and insights from financial experts like Dave Ramsey and Morgan Housel. Those nine habits are: Live below your means Automate your savings Pay down your debt Maintain an emergency fund Have clear financial goals Invest wisely Learn continuously Track your net worth Pay cash for luxury items If you’re looking to take control of your finances and make your money work for you, this episode gives you the step-by-step habits to get started. Challenge of the Week: Go to the1thing.com/networth and download the net worth tracking worksheet. Whether your net worth is big, small, positive, or negative—just calculate it. This will serve as your foundation for all future financial decisions. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: The power of automating savings and paying your future self first How tracking your net worth creates awareness and better decision-making Why building small financial habits compounds into long-term wealth Links & Tools from This Episode: Download the free net worth tracking worksheet. Read The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and Dave Jenks Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

    40 min
  8. The Path of Money (Wealth Series Part 1)

    3 MAR

    The Path of Money (Wealth Series Part 1)

    Wealth building doesn’t have to be complicated, but most of us were never taught the fundamental principles that make it possible. In this first episode of our three-part series, Jay Papasan breaks down "The Path of Money"—a straightforward model originally shared by Gary Keller in The Millionaire Real Estate Investor. Jay shares his own journey from an English-French major with no financial background to a successful investor, highlighting the simple but powerful shifts that helped him and his wife build financial security and freedom. This episode simplifies financial jargon and provides a clear roadmap for making money decisions with confidence. Whether you’re struggling with money, looking to grow wealth, or just curious about how the most successful investors think, this framework will help you make informed choices. Challenge of the Week: Go to the1thing.com/pathofmoney and download the free framework. Take 30 minutes to analyze where your money is currently going. How much are you spending, saving, donating, or investing? Understanding your financial choices is the first step in building wealth. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How to simplify wealth building using the "Path of Money" model. The key differences between earning, saving, and investing money. Why understanding passive vs. active investments accelerates financial freedom. Links & Tools from This Episode: Download the free Path of Money framework to start making your money work for you. Read The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and Dave Jenks Read What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars by Jim Paul and Brendan Moynihan Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The guest’s views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the guest and not KWRI and its affiliates and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information. Produced by NOVA

    44 min
    4.9
    out of 5
    43 Ratings

    About

    Discover the surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results. Learn how the most successful people in the world approach productivity, time management, business, health and habits with The ONE Thing. A ProduKtive® Podcast.

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