Hustle can help you finish a launch, but it can’t be your lifestyle. In this episode, Jay and Chris dig into what it really means to lead for the long haul: trading glorified exhaustion for intentional sustainability. Chris shares his 2021 brush with burnout—and the hard reset that followed—making the case that energy, not time, is a leader’s most valuable asset. Together, they explore where to start: sleep as a keystone habit, self-care as a leadership strategy, and putting constraints on work (think four-day weeks and planned sabbaticals) so impact—not busyness—wins your calendar.

Chris walks Jay through his three-column Stop–Stay–Start audit to eliminate what isn’t working, amplify what is via 1% “micro moves,” and finally add in what’s missing. They also talk about making “hustle” a season with a clear end, why hobbies supercharge productivity and creativity, and how designing a business around your life creates better results at work and at home. If you’ve felt the warning signs of burnout—or you’re simply ready to work smarter for longer—this conversation will help you realign fast.

Challenge of the Week:

Do the Stop–Stay–Start audit—but only complete the STOP column. Write down everything in your work and life that isn’t working or bringing value right now. Circle three items you’ll stop this week and remove them from your calendar.

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To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

Why hustle should be a season, not a lifestyle

How to run a Stop–Stay–Start audit to make space for what matters

Shifting from managing time to managing energy

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read The Long-Haul Leader by Chris Ducker

Read Virtual Freedom by Chris Ducker

Read Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Watch: Why Smart People Stay Stuck in ‘Getting Ready’ Mode with Pat Flynn (Ep. 514)

Free Resources

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Produced by NOVA