There’s a reason rest feels like stress when you’re hooked on hustle. Jay unpacks why so many high achievers get trapped in a cycle of motion over progress—how the Zeigarnik effect and our dopamine bias for fast wins pull us toward low-value tasks—and what it costs us in value, time, and morale. He then gets tactical: how to own the problem, say “no” more often, and swap performative work for priorities you can point to at day’s end.

Jay shares practical moves that break the cycle: “clear the decks” before deep work, use the focusing question as a sobriety check (“Is this my ONE Thing?”), and start your day with goals before phones so you can say “not now” with confidence. He also highlights the power of building buffer time, translating big goals into weekly milestones, and adding accountability so priorities stick. For the long game, Jay emphasizes weekly 4-1-1 planning, end-of-day reflection, a standing hour of “thinking time,” and quarterly reviews. Even small pauses—a half-Friday off each month—can retrain your system away from busyness and back toward meaningful results.

Challenge of the Week:

Do a 48‑hour busyness fast. For two consecutive workdays, keep a visible note open and check in a few times a day: “Am I in the busyness trap or on my ONE Thing?” Don’t judge—just observe. Do a short reflection each evening on where you drifted and what helped you refocus.

***

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

We talk about:

How the Zeigarnik effect and dopamine loops fuel shallow work

Why “goals before phones” makes it easier to say no and protect deep work

The weekly 4‑1‑1, thinking time, and simple buffers that sustain focus

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read Deep Work by Cal Newport

Harvard Business Review: Beware a Culture of Busyness

Read The Progress Principle by Teresa Amabile

Read The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham

Read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

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

What if the biggest thing standing between you and your goals isn’t the economy, the competition, or even your circumstances—it’s you? In this solo episode, Jay Papasan shares six common patterns of self-sabotage uncovered from hundreds of coaching participants and offers simple, actionable ways to break them.

From procrastination and avoidance to people-pleasing, poor boundaries, and constant distractions, Jay reveals how these habits show up and how to replace them with strategies that move you forward. You’ll learn to stop over-planning, quiet self-doubt, design an environment that supports focus, and protect your time so you can do your most important work.

Self-sabotage isn’t a character flaw—it’s a habit you can change. Small, intentional adjustments can set you up for greater focus, productivity, and progress toward your goals.

Challenge of the Week:

Pick one area of your environment—your workspace, your phone settings, or your daily routine—and make one change to help you be more successful and prevent self-sabotage.

***

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

We talk about:

The six main ways people get in their own way

Why perfectionism is just disguised procrastination

How to design your environment to reduce distractions and protect your focus

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

Read Give and Take by Adam Grant

Listen to Episode 509. The ADHD Advantage: How Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs Outperform with Tyler Elstrom - The ONE Thing

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 

Most people think the market is too crowded to stand out, but Sam Vander Wielen proves otherwise. After leaving a legal career she hated, Sam faced enormous personal and professional challenges, yet built an eight-figure business selling legal templates online. Her secret? Embracing authenticity—sharing her real story, letting her brand reflect her true self, and doing the unglamorous work of listening deeply to her customers.

In this episode, Sam reveals how 1,200 sales calls became the foundation for her flagship product, and why building a loyal email audience matters more than chasing social media likes. She shares how to collect meaningful feedback, spot patterns, and deliver what your audience wants, while still giving them what they truly need.

Challenge of the Week:

Start a “sizzle file:” a note on your phone or a document where you collect every question, comment, or bit of feedback you get from clients, friends, or anyone who asks about your business or expertise. Don’t overthink it—just start dropping them in and look for the patterns. If you have time, go back over your texts, emails, and DMs from the past week and add any other relevant questions.

***

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

We talk about:

How Sam’s authenticity became her superpower in business

The process of turning 1,200 sales calls into an eight-figure product

Building a business on your own platform (email!) instead of rented social media land

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Learn more at samvanderwielen.com

Order Sam’s book, When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy

Check out Sam’s signature product, The Ultimate Bundle®

Follow Sam on Instagram: @samvanderwielen

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 

Before discovering The ONE Thing, Mauricio and Christine were stuck in survival mode—juggling kids, work, and the chaos of daily life. Everything changed when a copy of The ONE Thing landed on Mauricio’s desk. What started as reluctant curiosity grew into a shared commitment: they embraced the 411 and time-blocking, turning scattered days into intentional progress.

By having weekly conversations and getting clear on each other’s goals, they found real alignment and deeper intimacy in their marriage. The impact didn’t stop at home—they began applying these tools to their business and community, helping others lead with intention. Today, their ordinary days look extraordinary, simply because they made space to dream and do the work together.

Challenge of the Week:

Make space for silence this week. Pick a routine task—whether it’s walking, driving, or doing the dishes—and turn off the noise. No radio, no podcast, no distractions. Just give yourself a little space to think (or not think), and see what comes up. Sometimes, the best ideas and clarity come in those quiet moments.

***

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

We talk about:

How chaos becomes the “new normal” for so many couples with young kids

Using the 411 and time-blocking to align goals and schedules as a family

The power of intentional conversations for building intimacy and dreaming bigger

Links & Tools from This Episode:

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 

This week, we’re doing something special. I’m bringing you a live keynote from none other than Gary Keller, where he shares what he calls the “10 Bold Truths”—a collection of powerful ideas designed to help you build an extraordinary life. These truths are the backbone of our BOLD training at Keller Williams, and they align beautifully with the principles behind The ONE Thing.

From mindset and focus to accountability and love, each truth challenges the way we think and invites us to make braver choices. You’ll hear Gary unpack timeless wisdom like “Happiness is a choice,” “The path is in the math,” and “No one succeeds alone.” I chime in between each with some of my own reflections and applications you can take into your own business and life.

This episode is about more than real estate—it’s about being bold in every part of your life.

Challenge of the Week:

Think of someone you truly love and tell them. Just one person. Pick up the phone or send a text. You’ll never regret letting them know.

***

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

We talk about:

Why happiness isn’t circumstantial—it’s a conscious choice

How to use math and measurement to break down your goals

The importance of choosing accountability over victimhood

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

Read Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Read Mindset by Carol Dweck

Read The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Past episode: 483. Are You Using This Simple Tool to Make Better Decisions?

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 

What does it really take to live your best life? This week, we’re joined by Gary Keller for part one of a special two-part conversation about “The Way”—five powerful concepts for leveling up, drawn from the newly rewritten Bold course.

Gary and I walk through each idea, starting with the Misogi Challenge: setting a focused, time-limited challenge that pushes you beyond your comfort zone and transforms what you think is possible. Next, we explore the power of deliberate discomfort (or “exposure therapy”)—intentionally facing the things that make you uneasy, one tiny step at a time, to build real courage. Then comes Kaizen, the practice of making small, consistent improvements and trusting in the magic of compounding results. We dig into the science of habit formation—what Gary calls “the Myelin Effect”—and how repeating the right actions literally rewires your brain for success. Finally, we talk about the ancient art of Kintsugi: embracing your setbacks and using them to become stronger and more beautiful than before.

These aren’t just concepts; they’re practices that can change your trajectory. Whether you’re taking on a bold challenge, working to expand your comfort zone, or putting the pieces back together after a setback, The Way is about choosing intentional growth, again and again.

Challenge of the Week:

Pick one small, uncomfortable thing you’ve been avoiding—something that nudges you out of your comfort zone. Maybe it’s asking for help, sending food back at a restaurant, or speaking up in a meeting. Take one tiny step toward it this week and see how it feels. Remember, progress starts at the edge of your comfort zone.

***

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

We talk about:

Why taking on big, time-limited goals can change your self-belief

How deliberate discomfort expands your comfort zone and reduces fear

Why tiny, consistent improvements and habit formation are the real keys to mastery

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Training: BOLD course by Keller Williams

Read Grit by Angela Duckworth

Read Atomic Habits by James Clear

Watch: Episode 512. Stuck Building Your Personal Brand? Here's How to Break Through with Rory Vaden

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 

If you love learning but find yourself stuck in preparation mode, this episode is for you.

I sit down with Pat Flynn—entrepreneur, host of Smart Passive Income, and author of Lean Learning—to talk about why consuming more information doesn’t always lead to better results. Pat shares how learning can become a form of procrastination, why we fall into the trap of information overload, and how to break the cycle by focusing on purposeful action.

We unpack strategies like just-in-time learning, unsubscribing from distractions, and using the “joy of opting out” to reclaim your focus. Pat also introduces the idea of micro-mastery: zooming in on the smallest skill you can improve to create real momentum. Learning less—and acting more—might be your fastest path to extraordinary results.

Challenge of the Week:

Pick a very small part of your craft or business—the tiniest sliver that matters—and focus on getting a little bit better at just that. Micro-mastery starts with one small improvement. What’s yours?

***

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

We talk about:

How to tell if you’re stuck in learning as a form of procrastination

The difference between just-in-case and just-in-time learning

How to use micro-mastery to accelerate your growth

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read Lean Learning by Pat Flynn

Listen to the Smart Passive Income podcast

Read Will It Fly? by Pat Flynn

Read Moonlighting on the Internet by Yanik Silver

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 

Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025? If you’re like me, you’ve probably had your head down, working hard, only to look up and wonder where the year went. It’s normal to drift away from your original goals or even forget them entirely by this point in the year. Life gets complex, priorities shift, and sometimes what mattered in January doesn’t feel as urgent now. The good news? It’s never too late to reset, and that’s exactly what this episode is about.

I walk you through the RESET process—a simple, five-step system we’ve been using for years to help people get back on track with what matters most. We start by reflecting on the goals you set at the beginning of the year and reconnecting with the ones that truly matter. Next, we evaluate your current progress and identify the gaps. From there, it’s all about simplifying your focus, establishing specific activities that move the needle, and time blocking those actions so your priorities are reflected on your calendar. Along the way, I share how constraints and limitations can actually spark your best ideas and fuel real progress.

By taking just an hour to reset your focus now, you give yourself a much better chance to finish the year strong—and maybe even surpass what you thought was possible. The RESET process is here to help you ditch the guilt, reconnect with your core values, and recommit to what matters most for the rest of 2025.

Challenge of the Week:

Pull out your calendar and commit to a RESET. Block 30-60 minutes to work through the five steps—reflect, evaluate, simplify, establish, and time block.

***

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

We talk about:

How goal drift and unconscious quitting happen

Why constraints can actually drive innovation and progress

The five-step RESET framework to course-correct at mid-year

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Listen to Episode 490. Beyond Goal Setting: The Relationship That Makes Success Inevitable

Listen to Episode 483. Are You Using This Simple Tool to Make Better Decisions?

Sign up for The Twentypercenter newsletter

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

What happens when everything you’ve built suddenly disappears? In this episode, Jay Papasan sits down with Rory Vaden—someone who knows what it’s like to lose everything and rebuild from scratch. After Rory and his wife, AJ, were forced out of the business they’d spent 12 years building, they had to start over with nothing but a non-compete, their expertise, and a lot of hard-won lessons.

That painful reset led to the creation of Brand Builders Group, a business built around the exact process Rory and AJ used to reinvent themselves—one that now serves some of the world’s top personal brands. But at its core, their conversation with Jay isn’t just about strategy. It’s about identity, focus, and service.

Rory explains why most people get stuck on the wrong side of what he calls “Sheehan’s Wall”—trying to emulate big names by doing too much, too soon, with scattered focus. True breakthrough comes from relentless focus on one thing: the unique problem you solve, in one word, for a specific “who.” Together, Jay and Rory break down the six key questions that define your brand DNA, explore how your past pain and setbacks can prepare you for your greatest impact, and discuss why the person you’re best positioned to serve is who you once were.

Challenge of the Week:

Get out your notebook and journal your answers to these questions: What challenges have I conquered? What setbacks have I survived? Who is the person I once was—and how could I serve that version of myself? Use this reflection as your first step toward clarity and breakthrough.

***

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

We talk about:

How to find your “one word” problem and the audience you’re meant to serve

Why focus beats diversification—especially when building a personal brand

The six questions behind Brand Builders Group’s brand DNA process

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read Wealthy and Well-Known by Rory & AJ Vaden

Brand Builders Group: freebrandtraining.com/TOT

Read Take the Stairs by Rory Vaden

Listen to The School of Greatness podcast with Lewis Howes

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 

When The ONE Thing first came out, Brandon Turner didn’t just read it—he made it his only book for an entire year, reading it cover to cover more than 20 times. The result? He didn’t just hit his audacious goal of acquiring $50 million in real estate in three years—he soared past it, buying $300 million worth.

In this episode, Brandon pulls back the curtain on exactly how he did it. We talk about how to audit your time, create a “not to do” list, and get ruthless about delegating anything that isn’t your highest-value work. Brandon shares the keystone habits that unlock everything else, the difference between setting a vision and just dreaming, and why tracking your personal life is just as important as any business KPI.

We also dive into practical strategies for goal setting with your spouse, the importance of supporting each other’s dreams (even if they’re wildly different), and how habit tracking can turn your goals into a game you actually want to play.

Challenge of the Week:

Pick one habit you want to build. Make yourself a simple tracker—just a piece of paper and a pen will do. Track it every day this week. At the end of the week, look at your score. Did you hit your target? If not, what got in the way? Gamify it, and see how much progress you can make, one small step at a time.

***

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

We talk about:

How to reverse engineer your vision down to a single next step

Why your “not to do” list is just as important as your to-do list

How gamifying your habits can make growth inevitable

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Learn more: BiggerPockets

Listen: The Better Life Podcast

Read: Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold

Follow Brandon on Instagram: @beardybrandon

Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn

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