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 que...
Apr 14, 2025•38 min•Ep. 500
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 ki...
Apr 07, 2025•37 min•Ep. 499
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 a...
Mar 31, 2025•46 min•Ep. 498
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, Cont...
Mar 24, 2025•39 min•Ep. 497
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: Where you are today Where you want to be (your freedom number) How long you have to get there We simplify the math behind financia...
Mar 17, 2025•39 min•Ep. 496
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 sha...
Mar 10, 2025•38 min•Ep. 494
Wealth building doesn’t have to be complicated, but most of us were never taught the fundamental principles that make it possible. In this first episode of our three-part series, Jay Papasan breaks down "The Path of Money"—a straightforward model originally shared by Gary Keller in The Millionaire Real Estate Investor. Jay shares his own journey from an English-French major with no financial background to a successful investor, highlighting the simple but powerful shifts that helped him and his ...
Mar 03, 2025•42 min•Ep. 494
What if success wasn’t enough? Stu McLaren, a pioneer in the world of online communities and membership businesses, faced this question head-on. By all accounts, he had built something incredible—Wishlist Member, a massively successful membership platform powering over 70,000 communities. Yet, in the quiet of a rainy night at a remote family camp, he realized he wasn’t fully aligned with his purpose. In this episode, Stu shares how reading The ONE Thing helped him recognize the gap between where...
Feb 24, 2025•37 min•Ep. 493
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 feelin...
Feb 17, 2025•34 min•Ep. 492
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, an...
Feb 10, 2025•37 min•Ep. 491
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...
Feb 03, 2025•33 min•Ep. 490
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 prog...
Jan 27, 2025•34 min•Ep. 489
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,...
Jan 20, 2025•33 min•Ep. 488
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 distractio...
Jan 13, 2025•28 min•Ep. 487
‘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 bef...
Jan 06, 2025•33 min•Ep. 486
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: What did I accomplish? What challenges did I face? Where did I fail? Who supports me and helps me grow? What relationships are missing in my life? When is enough enough? What do I fear? Wh...
Dec 30, 2024•31 min•Ep. 485
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 impo...
Dec 23, 2024•27 min•Ep. 484
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 value...
Dec 16, 2024•28 min•Ep. 483
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 h...
Dec 09, 2024•31 min•Ep. 482
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 ...
Dec 02, 2024•29 min•Ep. 481
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 p...
Nov 25, 2024•35 min•Ep. 480
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 ...
Nov 18, 2024•35 min•Ep. 479
Do you have something you’ve been dreaming about doing for a while, but keep finding reasons to put it off? Take this episode as a sign to go do it today. Officially taking over as host, Jay Papasan outlines new changes to the podcast that will better serve listeners: More actionable content and more conversations driven by questions from people trying to implement The ONE Thing out in the real world. Then Jay turns the challenge back to you. What changes do you need to make? What dream have you...
Nov 11, 2024•16 min•Ep. 478
It’s time for the host to sit in the hot seat. For over 70 episodes, Nikki Miller asked guests insightful questions, connecting their theories to practical implementation for The ONE Thing podcast listeners. Today, she’s the one being interviewed. Jay Papasan takes on his new role as host. Nikki reflects on what it’s meant to be a public ambassador of The ONE Thing, all the preparation that has gone into each show, and how she has prioritized showing up authentically. She also shares what it’s b...
Nov 04, 2024•36 min•Ep. 477
Can you imagine freeing up 30% of executives’ time, while also increasing joy and resilience in the workplace? Keith Ferrazzi joins the show today to discuss his new book, “Never Lead Alone,” which promises to do exactly that. Keith walks us through some of the diagnostic questions and high return practices (HRPs) outlined in “Never Lead Alone” that can create a new social contract and culture in teams. We talk about moving from conflict avoidance to candor; from feedback as a directive to feedb...
Oct 28, 2024•40 min•Ep. 476
Learning, innovation, and growth all rely on failure. The discomfort of failure bakes important lessons into our brains. The uncertainty that precedes the point of failure expands our minds. Dr. Manu Kapur joins the show today to explain why we should deliberately design for failure in our businesses and personal lives. Dr. Manu Kapur heads the Future Learning Initiative at ETH University Zurich and recently wrote a book called, “Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning through the Science ...
Oct 21, 2024•36 min•Ep. 475
Fifteen years ago, when Jenn Lewis was first asked questions from The Goal Setting Retreat, she cried. To be fair, her partner JP hadn’t told her what they were for and he brought them up in the middle of a busy restaurant. Today, Jenn joins the show to share what couples can expect from The Goal Setting Retreat and how they may get emotional… in a good way. Jay Papasan serves as the host for this episode. He and Jenn swap stories of attending The Goal Setting Retreat with their respective partn...
Oct 14, 2024•35 min•Ep. 474
Is your business actually stalling out or are you just bored? How can you tell the difference? And if you are just bored, how can you overcome that? Nikki Miller and Chris Dixon do a deep dive into the topic, giving clear tactics to address the issue. Nikki and Chris discuss iterative reflection, “gap and gain,” autonomy, and authorship. They also dig into habit formation, mindsets, and accountability. If you are feeling restless or burnt out, or you can sense that your team is, this is the epis...
Oct 07, 2024•44 min•Ep. 473
Jay Papasan, Nikki Miller, and one hour of pure The ONE Thing fundamentals: It doesn’t get any better than this. Recorded at the Keller Williams Family Reunion, Nikki and Jay give a one-hour masterclass on how Jay and Gary Keller developed The ONE Thing and how you can apply it to your life today. This is a must-listen and the perfect episode to share with loved ones and colleagues. Jay and Nikki go through The ONE Thing model start-to-finish: Defining success, saying no, working backward, using...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 472
We often hear the term “naive optimism,” but the fact is, most of us are living in “naive cynicism.” Dr. Jamil Zaki joins the show today to explain why cynicism harms our well-being and businesses. He also gives us ways to combat it. Dr. Jamil Zaki is the Director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. He has gathered his latest research in a new book, “Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness.” He walks us through the difference between healthy skepticism and cynicism, why bu...
Sep 23, 2024•44 min•Ep. 471
