What if the path out of overwhelm starts with a glass of water? In this conversation, Sarah Reynolds—co-founder of Empower Home—shares how building one small keystone habit led her to lose 110 pounds and rebuild her energy. She explains how focusing on hydration, then adding practices like intermittent fasting, helped her replace perfectionism with progress and even shift the culture of health on her team. We also explore how she and her husband used The ONE Thing’s goal-setting framework to stay unified in a two-entrepreneur household with three kids. Simple rhythms like a Sunday family huddle and nightly couple time kept them aligned while honoring each other’s core values. Finally, Sarah describes how stepping out of the executive “ivory tower” and back into agent leadership reignited both company growth and her own joy. Her message for leaders: your mission needs you in your joy zone—replacing yourself in the wrong jobs is not abdication, it’s alignment. Challenge of the Week: Have the courage to run after your ONE Thing—especially if it’s your joy zone. Pick one habit or role change that moves you toward it and take the first concrete step this week. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How a single keystone habit can catalyze lasting health change Simple family rhythms that keep two entrepreneurs aligned at home Replacing yourself so you can lead from strengths and reclaim joy Links & Tools from This Episode: Listen to the Empire Building Podcast Her Best Life Empire Circle CliftonStrengths The ONE Thing Goal-Setting Retreat Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA 

Hustle can help you finish a launch, but it can’t be your lifestyle. In this episode, Jay and Chris dig into what it really means to lead for the long haul: trading glorified exhaustion for intentional sustainability. Chris shares his 2021 brush with burnout—and the hard reset that followed—making the case that energy, not time, is a leader’s most valuable asset. Together, they explore where to start: sleep as a keystone habit, self-care as a leadership strategy, and putting constraints on work (think four-day weeks and planned sabbaticals) so impact—not busyness—wins your calendar. Chris walks Jay through his three-column Stop–Stay–Start audit to eliminate what isn’t working, amplify what is via 1% “micro moves,” and finally add in what’s missing. They also talk about making “hustle” a season with a clear end, why hobbies supercharge productivity and creativity, and how designing a business around your life creates better results at work and at home. If you’ve felt the warning signs of burnout—or you’re simply ready to work smarter for longer—this conversation will help you realign fast. Challenge of the Week: Do the Stop–Stay–Start audit—but only complete the STOP column. Write down everything in your work and life that isn’t working or bringing value right now. Circle three items you’ll stop this week and remove them from your calendar. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why hustle should be a season, not a lifestyle How to run a Stop–Stay–Start audit to make space for what matters Shifting from managing time to managing energy Links & Tools from This Episode: Read The Long-Haul Leader by Chris Ducker Read Virtual Freedom by Chris Ducker Read Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Watch: Why Smart People Stay Stuck in ‘Getting Ready’ Mode with Pat Flynn (Ep. 514) Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA 

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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

We spend a lot of time worrying about uncertainty—tariffs, market volatility, the looming threat of a recession. But what if these aren’t just obstacles, but some of the greatest opportunities for your business or career? History shows that recessions often create more millionaires than any other time and open the door for companies to leap ahead. In this episode, I break down the seven strategies you can use to become recession-proof. These are the same ideas that helped Keller Williams not just survive the Great Recession, but emerge as the #1 company in our industry. We talk about how to develop a resilient mindset, get lean and cut unnecessary expenses, and focus ruthlessly on what actually moves the needle. I walk you through practical exercises—like the ABCs of expenses—and challenge you to find your margin so you can weather any market. We’ll cover how to stay agile and adapt your business model for the market ahead, not the one you’re leaving behind. You’ll hear why being connected—to your team, your network, your vendors, and even your competitors—is more important than ever. And we dig into the importance of becoming irreplaceable to your clients, plus how to become a beacon of leadership when everyone else is running for cover. The truth is, change is coming whether we like it or not. The only question is: will you be ready to seize the opportunity? Challenge of the Week: Set aside an hour to do the ABCs of expenses. Grab three months of statements and label every expense as an A (absolutely essential), B (optional), or C (stuff you can cut right now). Take action to reduce or eliminate your Bs and Cs—your business and your bank account will thank you. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why uncertainty and recessions can be your biggest opportunity Seven strategies to thrive and gain market share in tough times How to cut costs, get focused, and become irreplaceable Links & Tools from This Episode: Read Shift: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and Dave Jenks Read Grit by Angela Duckworth Read Antifragile by Nassim Taleb Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA 

If you’ve ever struggled to get started, finish what you begin, or felt like your brain just doesn’t operate like everyone else’s—you’re not alone. Jay sits down with ADHD coach and entrepreneur Tyler Elstrom to unpack what’s really going on in the ADHD brain, from dopamine regulation to executive function to emotional overwhelm. Tyler introduces the “INCUP” framework—five triggers that can help neurodivergent people enter flow, stay productive, and feel fulfilled: Interesting, New, Challenging, Urgent, and Passionate. When these five levers are present, the ADHD brain actually produces more dopamine than a neurotypical brain—and that’s where the superpower lies. This episode is packed with practical strategies for tapping into motivation without relying on shame or stress. Tyler and Jay talk about everything from time blindness to body doubling to why a $7 coffee might just be the best investment you can make in your focus. Whether you have ADHD or love someone who does, this episode is a compassionate, empowering deep dive into a better way of working. Challenge of the Week: When you fall short—miss a deadline, forget something, or show up late—say “Oops” and move on. Practice offering yourself grace instead of shame. This one small habit can completely change your relationship with productivity and self-worth. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why ADHD brains don’t respond to rewards the same way—and how to work around it The five productivity triggers that flood the ADHD brain with dopamine Why harshness and shame are counterproductive (and what to do instead) Links & Tools from This Episode: Tyler Elstrom’s website: ADHDTyler.com Follow Tyler on Instagram: @tylerelstrom_ Read Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA 

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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com 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 podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA