Are you constantly busy but feeling unfulfilled? In this episode, Jay Papasan explores the hidden costs of busyness and how it impacts our stress levels, empathy, and ability to focus on priorities. He shares research-backed insights into why we fall into this trap and practical strategies to break free.

Jay discusses how busyness can act as a shield, masking deeper fears of failure or discomfort. He also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing meaningful work, scheduling intentional downtime, and carving out thinking time to make better decisions. By focusing on what truly matters, you can create a more fulfilling and productive life.

Challenge of the Week:

Take 2–3 minutes each morning to ask yourself, “What is my ONE Thing today?” Identify your top priority and focus on it first, letting it guide your decisions and reduce unnecessary busyness.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA 

If you’re feeling stretched thin, juggling competing priorities, or stuck in a cycle of busyness, you’re not alone. Many leaders and entrepreneurs face the same challenges.

In this episode, Jay Papasan sits down with Shawn Blanc, founder of The Focus Course, to explore how to navigate overwhelm, create focus, and build clarity in both life and work. Shawn shares actionable strategies, including the importance of identifying core values, establishing clear priorities, and letting go of distractions to make meaningful progress.

You’ll learn how to address misalignment in your work and personal life, set clear goals that resonate with your mission, and develop habits to ensure you stay focused on what matters most. Shawn’s unique framework helps leaders move from survival mode to purposeful action, fostering growth, productivity, and fulfillment.

Challenge of the Week:

Look at your week and ask yourself: If I only had two hours a week in my business, if I only had two hours to do my job, which two hours would matter most? What’s the meeting with myself or others that makes all the others easier or necessary? Identify that 5%, that first domino in your role or business that drives everything else. That clarity will serve you well.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA 

‘Tis the season for resolutions. 

Chances are, you’ve hit the new year with a new resolution—something you wanted to change about your life. In this episode, Jay explains how you can actually stick to your resolution and make your new habit last.

Jay breaks down the research behind behavior change and habit formation, giving you three clear actions you need to take to succeed. Plus, he shares the single most impactful habit that he has seen people take on.

Challenge of the Week:

“Choose goals before phone.” When you wake up in the morning, don’t get on your phone first thing. Look at your list of goals. Take 60 seconds to remember what you are prioritizing. Then you can get sucked into the vortex that is your phone.

If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA

If you’re listening to this podcast you’re probably a high achiever. A doer. Someone who is in constant motion. That’s all great, but don’t forget to pause and reflect. Purposeful reflection will lead you to more success and satisfaction.

Here are the nine reflection questions Jay goes over in today’s episode:

Write down your answers. Identify patterns in your answers. Discuss them with the people closest to you in life and business.

Then use it to create your intention for 2025: This is the year that I finally– fill in the blank.

Jay walks you through, step-by-step, how to get the most out of this reflection and intention activity. Be sure to tune in.

Challenge of the Week:

Set a clear intention for 2025. This will be the year that I finally… you fill in the blank. Put that somewhere where you cannot avoid it. You cannot ignore it. You cannot forget it. Set your intention for 2025. You will be surprised at the end of the year how much progress you have made towards that goal. 

If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com.

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA 

Whenever Jay and Gary are out giving talks about The ONE Thing, they inevitably hear someone say, “Oh, you can do that because you are Gary Keller.” The fact is, he is Gary Keller because he has consistently applied The ONE Thing in his life.

Gary joins the show today to discuss one of the core principles of The ONE Thing: consistency. Anyone can be consistent, but few people are.

Gary and Jay break down the intersection of consistency and motivation, the role of habits and rituals, and the importance of blocking out time for your own ONE Thing.

Challenge of the Week:

Sit down with your favorite beverage and pick a category in an area that matters to you and ask yourself, what's the one thing that I could do to move this forward such that by doing it, any other thing that I need to do would be easier or unnecessary. Then, once you've identified it, look at your calendar, and ask the question, at what time in the morning should I do that? And then make sure you protect that time. It could be a very small thing, but by putting it on your calendar, you take that first step. You might be surprised—that first step might be all the momentum you need to keep doing it. 

If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA

If someone asked you to name your core values, you might quickly list a few. But have you ever paused to deeply reflect on them? Are you honest with yourself about what truly matters—and how those values guide your life?

In this episode, Jay is joined by his wife, Wendy Papasan, for a thought-provoking conversation on identifying and living by core values. For nearly two decades, they’ve done the core values exercise together. Today, they share their insights about how to uncover your true values, why they might evolve over time, and the importance of understanding the values of those closest to you.

This discussion will leave you with a deeper understanding of how core values can shape your decisions, relationships, and overall sense of purpose.

Challenge of the Week:

Go to the1thing.com/free-resources, download the core values exercise, and complete it. In about 30 minutes, you can identify your top three core values and start applying them to your personal life, your relationships, and your team. Then report back to us! Let us know in the comments and reviews if you did it and what it did for you.

If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com.

***

Boost your language skills fast.

Want to learn a new language but tired of the same old boring apps? Check out Lingoda. Lingoda provides real live classes with actual teachers, 24/7. Yes, 24/7. So whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you can fit language learning into your busy schedule.

Here’s the best part: Lingoda is extending their biggest sale of the year! You can save up to 50%! Visit try.lingoda.com/onething and use the code 50ONETHING at checkout. This exclusive offer ends on December 21st, so don’t wait! 

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA

The second Friday in January is “Quitters’ Day,” according to Strava, a company that helps people track their fitness goals. That’s because most people’s New Year’s resolutions grind to a halt around that time.

You can avoid this trap for all your goals. Jay explains how in this episode.

First, Jay outlines the common mistakes people make when goal setting and how to identify them in your own process. Then, Jay dives into the “first domino” concept, explaining how to pick your optimal keystone habit.

Don’t underestimate the power of small habits to do extraordinary things in your life.

Challenge of the Week: 

Look at your number one goal for 2025, Identify your first domino, and then try to make that a habit. If you have to get out your calendar like Jerry Seinfeld and put an X, we have it on the website. Go to the1thing.com/free-resources, download your calendar, and start building that habit around your first domino.

If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com.

***

Boost your language skills fast.

Want to learn a new language but tired of the same old boring apps? Check out Lingoda. Lingoda provides real live classes with actual teachers, 24/7. Yes, 24/7. So whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you can fit language learning into your busy schedule.

Here’s the best part: Lingoda is extending their biggest sale of the year! You can save up to 50%! Visit try.lingoda.com/onething and use the code 50ONETHING at checkout. This exclusive offer ends on December 21st, so don’t wait! 

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA 

December is chaotic. The kids are out of school. Family is visiting, or you're traveling. There are parties you should go to and gifts you should buy. Don't forget the holiday cards! If ever there was a season for The ONE Thing, 'tis the season.

Jay and his personal coach, Jordan Freed, spend this episode giving you the tools you need to have a meaningful, calm(ish) holiday season. They walk you through how to use your imagination to gain clarity, identify the things you can't control, and stay on track with at least one positive habit.

Our hope is you make this a holiday season that you'll look back on with joy. 

Challenge of the Week: Don't Pause the Positive

Identify one positive habit you already practice and commit to maintaining it throughout the holiday season. It could be taking 10,000 steps/day, drinking a set amount of water, or sticking to another simple, achievable habit.

If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com.

***

Boost your language skills fast.

Want to learn a new language but tired of the same old boring apps? Check out Lingoda. Lingoda provides real live classes with actual teachers, 24/7. Yes, 24/7. So whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you can fit language learning into your busy schedule.

Start your 7-day free trial today! Use my promo code ONETHING50 to get up to 50% off. Visit try.lingoda.com/OnethingPod now and discover why Lingoda is your perfect language partner.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA 

Here at The ONE Thing, we’re all about helping people be successful. Most folks would assume we value serial high achievement, but we don’t. In this episode, we take a look at when achievement becomes an addiction and why it isn’t the same thing as success.

Kim Zuroff, our Director of Growth at The ONE Thing, is our guest. She dominated Ironman Triathlons, climbed Kilimanjaro, and raced up the career ladder until she realized she wasn’t living the life she wanted. We break down exactly how she pivoted to a more fulfilling and still successful life.

You aren’t your achievements. If that statement makes you uncomfortable, lean into this episode and hear us out.

Challenge of the Week: Pull out a pen and a piece of paper. Journal answers to a few questions. Think about your goals. Are your decisions moving you toward or away from where you want to be? Also, think about who else in your life is being impacted by the decisions that you’re making.

If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com.

***

Boost your language skills fast.

Want to learn a new language but tired of the same old boring apps? Check out Lingoda. Lingoda provides real live classes with actual teachers, 24/7. Yes, 24/7. So whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you can fit language learning into your busy schedule.

Start your 7-day free trial today! Use my promo code ONETHING50 to get up to 50% off. Visit try.lingoda.com/OnethingPod now and discover why Lingoda is your perfect language partner.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA Media

Captain Daryle Cardone has 5,000 sailors entrusted to him, many of them in their 20s without much experience in life, much less in battle. He has two nuclear power plants to manage, plus a floating runway with multi-million dollar aircraft taking off 24 hours a day. Sufficient to say Captain Cardone knows a thing or two about leadership. We’re thrilled to have him on the show today.

Jay and Captain Cardone have a deep discussion about how to establish a relationship-based culture with a cadence of accountability and feedback. They also talk about the models and systems Captain Cardone has used, especially as he transitioned from leading a crew of 150 to leading a crew of thousands.

You can tell just how much Captain Cardone cares about his team. If you’ve been struggling with delegating tasks and developing your team members, this episode is for you.

Challenge of the Week: The next time someone asks you a question, instead of giving them the answer, take an extra second and ask a clarifying question. Take that extra step to get even clearer about what they're looking for and give them a chance to find the answer themselves. 

If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com.

***

Boost your language skills fast.

Want to learn a new language but tired of the same old boring apps? Check out Lingoda. Lingoda provides real live classes with actual teachers, 24/7. Yes, 24/7. So whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you can fit language learning into your busy schedule.

Join Ligoda for a one-month sprint to boost your language skills. Go to try.lingoda.com/Onething to get an additional $25 off.

***

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

We talk about:

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Produced by NOVA Media