The ONE Thing

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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.

5 DAYS AGO

The Science of Self-Doubt: Transform Fear Into Your Superpower

Have you ever felt like a fraud? Like you're just one step away from being "found out"—that you're not as capable as others believe you to be? If so, you're not alone. Imposter syndrome affects up to 70% of high achievers at some point, making them question their worth and downplay their accomplishments. In this episode, we explore the roots of imposter syndrome, how it manifests, and why it’s so common among high achievers. Jay shares research-backed insights into why we experience these feelings, from the Dunning-Kruger effect to the brain’s natural tendency to protect us from risk. But self-doubt doesn’t have to hold us back. Jay lays out seven strategies to move through imposter syndrome. From recognizing how self-doubt impacts the brain to reframing negative thoughts, preparing for success, and celebrating small wins, he offers practical ways to shift our mindset. Challenge of the Week: Validate your self-doubt. When high-stakes moments hit—before a big meeting or tough decision—pause and acknowledge it. Tell yourself: “I’m nervous because this matters. It’s scary, but that doesn’t mean I’m not good enough. Feeling this way is normal.” Your doubt is real, but it doesn’t define you. It might even be pushing you to prepare better. This week, when doubt shows up, recognize it, accept it, and move forward anyway. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How imposter syndrome develops and why high achievers are more likely to experience it. The connection between self-doubt and the brain’s instinct to protect us from failure. Seven strategies to overcome self-doubt and build lasting confidence. Links & Tools from This Episode: Episode 440. Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life Read: Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima Read: Amazon.com: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Read: Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen Read: Amazon.com: The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy 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

36 min
FEB 10

The 3 Growth Killers Every Leader Must Solve with Chris Dixon

What do you do when your company isn’t clear about where it’s going? When your role feels ambiguous? When you and your team get off track? Chris Dixon, our Director of Training, has spent years coaching leaders and teams of all sizes—from Fortune 50 companies to small real estate teams. In this episode, he shares the three most common challenges he sees inside organizations and the proven solutions to overcome them. This episode is packed with insights that will help you bring clarity, focus, and alignment to your work. Challenge of the Week: Ask yourself: "If I got fired tomorrow and someone new stepped into my role, what’s the first thing they would do differently?" Use this question to identify what you already know needs to change—then take action on it. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How a lack of organizational clarity creates confusion and how “goal setting to the now” helps define a clear vision. Why individuals struggle with priorities and how the GPS framework keeps teams focused on the right goals. What causes focus drift and how a rhythm of accountability helps maintain productivity. Links & Tools from This Episode: 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
FEB 3

Beyond Goal Setting: The Relationship That Makes Success Inevitable

It’s February, and love is in the air—but are you in love with your goals? In this Valentine’s-themed episode, Jay Papasan dives into a transformative way of thinking about goals: treating them as a relationship rather than a simple task list. He explores how most goal-setting systems fail because they skip the “dating” phase and rush straight into commitment, leaving you disengaged and directionless. The solution is surprisingly simple. By dedicating just 30 minutes each week to review, reflect, and set intentions, you can maintain a strong connection with your goals. Jay highlights a powerful tool called the 411: a one-page system that aligns your weekly, monthly, and annual goals. He also shares personal anecdotes, like how weekly date nights with his wife strengthened their marriage, to emphasize the power of small, consistent habits over time. The same principle applies to your goals. Start building a relationship with your goals today—your future self will thank you. Challenge of the Week: Time to start dating your goals! Block off 30 minutes on your calendar every week for a goal check-in. Use this time to review your progress, evaluate what’s working, and set intentions for the week ahead. Consistency is the key to staying in love with your goals and achieving extraordinary results. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How having a relationship with your goals prevents goal drift and keeps you on track Why regular, 30-minute weekly check-ins build accountability and ownership of your progress How the 411 system aligns your weekly, monthly, and annual goals with your larger purpose and values Links & Tools from This Episode: 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

35 min
JAN 27

How to Win The Long Game (When Everyone Else Plays Short) with Dorie Clark

What does it take to achieve long-term, exponential success? Dorie Clark, the best-selling author of The Long Game, joins Jay Papasan to discuss how to create lasting impact through resilience, focus, and strategic decision-making. Dorie reflects on her journey, from facing years of invisibility and rejection as an aspiring author to becoming a sought-after speaker, consultant, and professor. Her story emphasizes the power of perseverance—staying the course even when results feel distant or progress is invisible. Challenge of the Week: Dorie challenges listeners to identify one new thing to say no to this week. By saying no to distractions, you free up time and energy to focus on your ONE Thing. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: The importance of setting realistic expectations Looking for “raindrops”: celebrating small signs of progress to stay motivated Optimizing for what’s interesting to sustain long-term motivation Links & Tools from This Episode: Learn more at Dorie Clark’s website Read The Long Game by Dorie Clark Read Entrepreneurial You by Dorie Clark Read Reinventing You by Dorie Clark Read Stand Out by Dorie Clark Read Give and Take by Adam Grant Read The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Download your free Long Game self-assessment 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

36 min
JAN 20

The Hidden Cost of Being "Busy" (And What To Do Instead)

Are you constantly busy but feeling unfulfilled? In this episode, Jay Papasan explores the hidden costs of busyness and how it impacts our stress levels, empathy, and ability to focus on priorities. He shares research-backed insights into why we fall into this trap and practical strategies to break free. Jay discusses how busyness can act as a shield, masking deeper fears of failure or discomfort. He also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing meaningful work, scheduling intentional downtime, and carving out thinking time to make better decisions. By focusing on what truly matters, you can create a more fulfilling and productive life. Challenge of the Week: Take 2–3 minutes each morning to ask yourself, “What is my ONE Thing today?” Identify your top priority and focus on it first, letting it guide your decisions and reduce unnecessary busyness. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why we fall into the busyness trap and the psychology behind it The difference between activity and productivity How prioritizing downtime and thinking time can lead to better decisions Links & Tools from This Episode: 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

35 min
JAN 13

"First One In, Last One Out" Doesn’t Scale: Learn Smarter Leadership Strategies

If you’re feeling stretched thin, juggling competing priorities, or stuck in a cycle of busyness, you’re not alone. Many leaders and entrepreneurs face the same challenges. In this episode, Jay Papasan sits down with Shawn Blanc, founder of The Focus Course, to explore how to navigate overwhelm, create focus, and build clarity in both life and work. Shawn shares actionable strategies, including the importance of identifying core values, establishing clear priorities, and letting go of distractions to make meaningful progress. You’ll learn how to address misalignment in your work and personal life, set clear goals that resonate with your mission, and develop habits to ensure you stay focused on what matters most. Shawn’s unique framework helps leaders move from survival mode to purposeful action, fostering growth, productivity, and fulfillment. Challenge of the Week: Look at your week and ask yourself: If I only had two hours a week in my business, if I only had two hours to do my job, which two hours would matter most? What’s the meeting with myself or others that makes all the others easier or necessary? Identify that 5%, that first domino in your role or business that drives everything else. That clarity will serve you well. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How to recognize and overcome overwhelm Why prioritizing clarity can lead to better decision-making Building habits to foster long-term focus and productivity Links & Tools from This Episode: Check out Shawn’s Focus Course If you’re a business owner, visit Focus Like a Boss Follow Shawn on Instagram: @shawnblanc 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

30 min
JAN 6

You’re Underestimating How Long It Takes to Form a Habit

‘Tis the season for resolutions. Chances are, you’ve hit the new year with a new resolution—something you wanted to change about your life. In this episode, Jay explains how you can actually stick to your resolution and make your new habit last. Jay breaks down the research behind behavior change and habit formation, giving you three clear actions you need to take to succeed. Plus, he shares the single most impactful habit that he has seen people take on. Challenge of the Week: “Choose goals before phone.” When you wake up in the morning, don’t get on your phone first thing. Look at your list of goals. Take 60 seconds to remember what you are prioritizing. Then you can get sucked into the vortex that is your phone. If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How habit formation takes longer than most people think The importance of accountability in habit formation Why “goals before phone” works Links & Tools from This Episode: Download the 66-Day Challenge for free Read “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William H. McRaven 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

35 min
12/30/2024

9 Questions Top Performers Ask to Start the Year Strong

If you’re listening to this podcast you’re probably a high achiever. A doer. Someone who is in constant motion. That’s all great, but don’t forget to pause and reflect. Purposeful reflection will lead you to more success and satisfaction. Here are the nine reflection questions Jay goes over in today’s episode: What did I accomplish? What challenges did I face? Where did I fail? Who supports me and helps me grow? What relationships are missing in my life? When is enough enough? What do I fear? What brings meaning to my life? Who am I becoming and who will I be in the end? Write down your answers. Identify patterns in your answers. Discuss them with the people closest to you in life and business. Then use it to create your intention for 2025: This is the year that I finally– fill in the blank. Jay walks you through, step-by-step, how to get the most out of this reflection and intention activity. Be sure to tune in. Challenge of the Week: Set a clear intention for 2025. This will be the year that I finally… you fill in the blank. Put that somewhere where you cannot avoid it. You cannot ignore it. You cannot forget it. Set your intention for 2025. You will be surprised at the end of the year how much progress you have made towards that goal. If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Nine questions to guide your purposeful reflection One sentence to set your intention for the next year The importance of keeping your intentional highly visible throughout the year Links & Tools from This Episode: Read “Managing Oneself” by Peter Drucker Listen to Episode 480: Is Your Serial Achievement an Addiction? Here’s How to Break the Cycle Check out The Ed Mylett Show 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

33 min

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Jay Papasan

Host

4.8

out of 5

1,078 Ratings

Wisdom, Experience, Thinking Bigger while Taking Action on Less

11/14/2024

Follow This Podcast

If you want to build your best possible life this is the podcast for you. Jay has a super power of communicating & teaching lessons, tactics, & best practices to build your best possible business to fund your best life.
Cheers to new beginnings

11/13/2024

Oh Say Sey

I have been a long time fan of the One Thing, both the podcast and the practice. Jay coming back to the helm gives a refreshing look at what it means to dream and to do. So many of my friends are in stages of growth and reinvention - this podcast gives such practical ways to grow slowly and then suddenly into the life we want to imagine. Highly recommend a listen! And even better - a subscribe. :)
Lost focus

09/17/2024

Lgobp

Prime focus no longer “The One Thing”. Has some good content but definitely changed course after changing host. Sorry but the caliber has never recovered.
A must-listen!

09/29/2023

mvelasco07

The One Thing has quickly become a standout favorite of mine! I’m consistently impressed by the engaging conversations, insightful content, and actionable ideas. I truly learn something valuable every time I tune in. 10/10 recommend!