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The ONE Thing

The ONE Thing

By: Keller Podcast Network
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 Discover the surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results. Learn how the most successful people in the world approach productivity, time management, business, health and habits with The ONE Thing. A ProduKtive® Podcast.© Rellek Publishing Partners, Ltd. A ProduKtive® Podcast. Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • 521. Build a Business That Won’t Burn You Out with Chris Ducker

    521. Build a Business That Won’t Burn You Out with Chris Ducker
    Sep 1 2025
    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
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    36 mins
  • 520. Addicted to Busyness? The Science, the Symptoms, and the Cure

    520. Addicted to Busyness? The Science, the Symptoms, and the Cure
    Aug 25 2025
    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
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    36 mins
  • 519. 6 Self-Sabotage Habits That Kill Your Progress (And How to Break Them)

    519. 6 Self-Sabotage Habits That Kill Your Progress (And How to Break Them)
    Aug 18 2025
    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
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    39 mins
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