How many times have you said, “It’s not the right time”? Whether it’s starting a new business, writing your book, or making a big life change, we all fall into the trap of waiting for perfect timing. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist.

In this episode, Jay Papasan shares a personal story about finally deciding to adopt a second dog — and how that simple decision revealed a deeper truth about action, timing, and regret. Using insights from psychology and coaching, Jay explains two big mental traps that keep us stuck: the Planning Fallacy and the “Yes, Damn” Effect.  

You’ll also learn the surprising origin story behind Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” slogan — and how to use that same mindset to move from “one day” to “day one.”  

Challenge of the Week:

Think about the thing you’ve been putting off. In the next 24 hours, schedule one small action that gets you started. Stop waiting for the right time — make now the right time.  

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

We talk about:

Why the "perfect time" never arrives

The Planning Fallacy and "Yes, Damn" Effect

How to turn "one day" into "day one"

Links & Tools from This Episode:

The Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes  

Hillel Blumberg's Five Pillars of Wealth  

Follow Jay on Instagram: @jaypapasan

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA