Sometimes the challenges life throws at us are bigger than anything we could have prepared for. In today’s episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Gene Rivers, one of the top instructors and true practitioners of The ONE Thing, to hear the remarkable story of how he and his family survived a devastating hurricane—and what they did next.

Gene shares what life was like before the hurricane hit, how they made the leap from corporate careers into real estate, and what happened when they lost everything overnight. He walks us through the mindset shift that allowed them not just to rebuild but to aim even higher than before. Their story is a real-world example of what it looks like to face reality head-on, focus on what matters most, and turn clarity into action.

We talk about how Gene and Rebecca rebuilt their real estate business from a garage, the simple but powerful strategy that fueled their growth, and why building relationships—not just making sales—was the real secret to their success. We also explore how the clarity they found during hard times helped them create a life centered around family, growth, and experiences worth sharing.

If you've ever wondered how to stay focused when the world around you feels uncertain, this episode is for you. Gene’s story is a reminder that no matter where you're starting from—or starting over—you always have the power to take the next right step.

Challenge of the Week:

Take five minutes each morning this week to sit quietly, without your phone or distractions, and reflect on what’s most important for your day. Ask yourself: What’s the one thing I can do today that would make everything else easier or unnecessary? See if that simple practice starts to shift your focus and energy.

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

We talk about:

How Gene and Rebecca rebuilt their business after losing everything in Hurricane Andrew

Why talking to people about real estate everywhere they went became their winning strategy

How staying grounded in family and clarity helped them build an extraordinary life

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Connect with Gene at GeneRivers.info

Free Resources

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

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WARNING! You must comply with the TCPA and any other federal, state or local laws, including for B2B calls and texts. Never call or text a number on any Do Not Call list, and do not use an autodialer or artificial voice or prerecorded messages without proper consent. Contact your attorney to ensure your compliance.

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guests represent those of the guests 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.

When Jay Papasan launched the Twentypercenter newsletter, it was his personal version of a Rocky-style training montage. He committed to writing, editing, and publishing a new piece every single week—no matter what. 137 newsletters later, he’s gained more than just consistency. He’s built a powerful, intentional audience and uncovered key lessons about what it takes to grow something meaningful.

In this solo episode, Jay shares 16 and a half of the most valuable lessons he’s learned along the way. From the importance of patience and vulnerability to the surprising power of simplicity and repetition, Jay opens up about the creative systems and mindset shifts that helped him grow from 89 subscribers to over 12,000—with zero paid ads.

Whether you’re starting a newsletter, podcast, YouTube channel, or just building something of your own, these lessons will help you create with purpose—and keep going long enough to see it pay off.

Challenge of the Week:

Pick one idea you’ve been waiting to start—a newsletter, podcast, blog, or creative habit—and publish the first version this week. Don’t overprepare. Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Just hit send. Then, create a simple system that will help you show up consistently from here on out.

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

We talk about:

Why creativity snowballs once you start creating consistently

How quality beats quantity—and why 1,000 true fans is enough

The critical role of systems, habits, and reader feedback in sustainable growth

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Build Your Audience Resources

Kevin Kelly's “1000 True Fans”

Read Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas

Read Getting Things Done by David Allen

Read Atomic Habits by James Clear

Free Resources

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

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What if the ability to bounce back isn’t something you’re born with—but something you can build?

This week, you’ll hear from Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, a behavioral psychologist and expert on resilience and stress. Robyne breaks down how resilience is not just about “toughing it out”—it’s about building habits that create consistent, calm comebacks even in the face of chaos. We talked about how high achievers fall into the “when-then” trap, why your family relationships are the glass balls you can’t afford to drop, and how naming your emotions for just 90 seconds can change your entire day—and maybe even your future.

We also explore how chronic stress hijacks your brain, how to get back to shore when you’re overwhelmed, and why the answer isn’t in hydrogen water or another hype cycle. It’s in the basics—sleep, movement, quiet rituals, and trusted people who check your blind spots.

Challenge of the Week:

When you reunite with someone you love—your partner, your kids, a teammate—let your face light up. Let them feel how good it is to be seen, and how good it is to come home.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

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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.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

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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.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

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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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.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

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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.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

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.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA 

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.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

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.

Produced by NOVA

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.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA