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:

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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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:

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.

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

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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.

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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:

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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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What if success wasn’t enough?

Stu McLaren, a pioneer in the world of online communities and membership businesses, faced this question head-on. By all accounts, he had built something incredible—Wishlist Member, a massively successful membership platform powering over 70,000 communities. Yet, in the quiet of a rainy night at a remote family camp, he realized he wasn’t fully aligned with his purpose.

In this episode, Stu shares how reading The ONE Thing helped him recognize the gap between where he was and where he truly wanted to be. He walks us through the defining moment when he decided to sell his business and pursue a path that connected more deeply to his values and his nonprofit, Village Impact.

But this episode isn’t just about making bold choices. It’s also a masterclass in community building. Stu reveals the essential question anyone leading a team, organization, or membership community must ask: Why would someone want to be part of this community? From shared purpose to inside jokes, he breaks down the key ingredients that transform a group of people into a thriving, engaged community.

If you're feeling stuck between comfort and passion, or if you're looking to create a community that truly matters, this episode will give you the clarity—and the push—you need.

Challenge of the Week:

Define the vision for your community. Whether it's a business, a workplace team, or a personal network, ask yourself: What do I see happening? Where is this going? What will life be like for those who are part of it? The clearer your vision, the stronger your community will be.

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

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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.

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

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