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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What do you do when your company isn’t clear about where it’s going? When your role feels ambiguous? When you and your team get off track?

Chris Dixon, our Director of Training, has spent years coaching leaders and teams of all sizes—from Fortune 50 companies to small real estate teams. In this episode, he shares the three most common challenges he sees inside organizations and the proven solutions to overcome them.

This episode is packed with insights that will help you bring clarity, focus, and alignment to your work.

Challenge of the Week:

Ask yourself: "If I got fired tomorrow and someone new stepped into my role, what’s the first thing they would do differently?" Use this question to identify what you already know needs to change—then take action on it.

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

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It’s February, and love is in the air—but are you in love with your goals? In this Valentine’s-themed episode, Jay Papasan dives into a transformative way of thinking about goals: treating them as a relationship rather than a simple task list. He explores how most goal-setting systems fail because they skip the “dating” phase and rush straight into commitment, leaving you disengaged and directionless.

The solution is surprisingly simple. By dedicating just 30 minutes each week to review, reflect, and set intentions, you can maintain a strong connection with your goals. Jay highlights a powerful tool called the 411: a one-page system that aligns your weekly, monthly, and annual goals.

He also shares personal anecdotes, like how weekly date nights with his wife strengthened their marriage, to emphasize the power of small, consistent habits over time. The same principle applies to your goals. Start building a relationship with your goals today—your future self will thank you.

Challenge of the Week:

Time to start dating your goals! Block off 30 minutes on your calendar every week for a goal check-in. Use this time to review your progress, evaluate what’s working, and set intentions for the week ahead. Consistency is the key to staying in love with your goals and achieving extraordinary results.

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

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What does it take to achieve long-term, exponential success? Dorie Clark, the best-selling author of The Long Game, joins Jay Papasan to discuss how to create lasting impact through resilience, focus, and strategic decision-making.

Dorie reflects on her journey, from facing years of invisibility and rejection as an aspiring author to becoming a sought-after speaker, consultant, and professor. Her story emphasizes the power of perseverance—staying the course even when results feel distant or progress is invisible.

Challenge of the Week:

Dorie challenges listeners to identify one new thing to say no to this week. By saying no to distractions, you free up time and energy to focus on your ONE Thing.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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‘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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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! 

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

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