Are you succeeding so slowly you think you're failing—or failing so slowly you think you're succeeding?”

In this solo episode, Jay Papasan introduces the concept of quality inflation: the idea that the standards for average—and especially extraordinary—performance keep rising every year. Drawing inspiration from the Red Queen Hypothesis and his experience coaching high achievers, Jay breaks down what it takes to stay competitive in a world where standing still means falling behind.

We walk through five powerful strategies to help you not just survive but thrive in a high-growth environment: from “reading for what you need,” to modeling excellence, to building accountability into your life. Whether you’re early in your journey or already well into your career, these practical tools can help you identify your biggest opportunity for growth and take the first step toward it.

Challenge of the Week:

What’s your biggest opportunity for growth—the one you’ve been avoiding because it’s painful, uncomfortable, or ego-bruising? Choose one strategy from the episode (books, courses, mentor, group, coach) and take the first step toward improving it this week.

***

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

We talk about:

Why “change is a strategy, not a threat”

What the Red Queen Hypothesis can teach us about professional growth

Five ways to beat quality inflation in your industry

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 

What if the very traits you’ve been told to hide are actually your greatest assets? This week, I’m joined by Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, to explore nine provocative traits—like being weird, selfish, nosy, shameless, or even brutal—and how to use them as superpowers.

Jenny shares how embracing qualities like “shameless” self-advocacy and “nosy” curiosity can help you push past imposter syndrome and open doors you didn’t know existed. We break down practical frameworks like defining your “power assets,” sending a “shameless Monday email,” and practicing “woo with you”—flipping “I” statements to “you” statements to build stronger relationships and influence outcomes.

Jenny’s journey from corporate leader to entrepreneur is a masterclass in acting despite fear and reframing discomfort as a signal to move forward. If you struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or fear of standing out, this episode will help you see those challenges as opportunities. Opportunity lives just outside your comfort zone—and Jenny’s stories and tools show you how to step into it.

Challenge of the Week:

Practice one small act of wild courage—ask for something that feels uncomfortable, whether it’s at work, at home, or even sending back your order at a restaurant. Notice what happens when you advocate for yourself and step out of your comfort zone.

***

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

We talk about:

How to flip traits like “selfish” and “nosy” into career strengths

The Monday “shameless” email and other simple frameworks to stand out

Why learning to say “no” (and being a little “brutal”) leads to more success

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Learn more at itsjennywood.com

Read Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It by Jenny Wood

Take Jenny’s “Wild Courage” Quiz

Follow Jenny on Instagram: @itsjennywood

Connect with Jenny 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 

This episode wraps up our two-part series on what leadership lessons we can learn from parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy, author of Good Inside. If you caught part one, you know these lessons aren't just for parents—they’re tools for anyone who wants to show up better in their relationships and at work.

We dive into the last three lessons Jay took from Dr. Becky’s work: The Power of Repair, Resilience Over Happiness, and Playing the Long Game.

We start with the power of repair—the idea that it's never too late to take ownership and mend trust, whether it's with your child or your team. Then we explore why great leaders prioritize resilience over happiness and learn to tolerate discomfort so that growth can happen. Finally, Jay shares how Dr. Becky’s philosophy of always choosing the long game can change not only your parenting, but your leadership legacy.

Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about reflection, accountability, and choosing growth over ease. Let’s model what we want to see, in our kids and in our teams.

Challenge of the Week:

Look for a moment where you can recognize that two things can be true at the same time. Maybe you’re a strong leader who’s struggling right now. Maybe a team member is usually dependable but underperforming. Acknowledge both sides. It will change how you approach the challenge.

***

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

We talk about:

Why self-awareness around triggers is key to great leadership

How repair builds trust after mistakes

What it means to lead for the long game, not the quick win

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read: Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy

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 episode started as a parenting read and turned into a masterclass in leadership.

After picking up Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy, Jay found himself repeatedly thinking, "This is leadership." In the first of a two-part series, he explores the surprising—and incredibly useful—ways that parenting advice maps directly onto leadership. If you're mission-driven, leading a team, or simply trying to show up better in your relationships, these four lessons will stick with you: Two Things Can Be True, Know Your Job, Behavior Is a Window, and Connection Before Correction.

Jay shares practical tools and reflective questions to help you take each of these ideas into your work life. And yes, if you're a parent too, you’ll walk away with some insights there as well.

***

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

We talk about:

Why “two things can be true” might be the most powerful mindset for handling conflict

How knowing your job (and your people knowing theirs) clears the fog in the workplace

Why behavior is a window, and what curiosity can teach you about your team

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read: Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy

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 

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.

***

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.

Produced by NOVA 

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.

***

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.

Produced by NOVA 

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:

Produced by NOVA 

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:

Produced by NOVA

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.

Produced by NOVA 

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:

Produced by NOVA