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
  • 518. How to Find Your Million-Dollar Product with Sam Vander Wielen

    518. How to Find Your Million-Dollar Product with Sam Vander Wielen
    Aug 11 2025
    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
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    37 mins
  • 517. How This Couple Transformed Their Marriage, Career & Life with The ONE Thing

    517. How This Couple Transformed Their Marriage, Career & Life with The ONE Thing
    Aug 4 2025
    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
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    32 mins
  • 516. The 10 BOLD Truths for Building an Amazing Life with Gary Keller

    516. The 10 BOLD Truths for Building an Amazing Life with Gary Keller
    Jul 28 2025
    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
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    1 hr
  • 515. The Way: 5 Principles That Create Extraordinary Results with Gary Keller

    515. The Way: 5 Principles That Create Extraordinary Results with Gary Keller
    Jul 21 2025
    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
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    37 mins
  • 514. Why Smart People Stay Stuck in "Getting Ready" Mode with Pat Flynn

    514. Why Smart People Stay Stuck in "Getting Ready" Mode with Pat Flynn
    Jul 14 2025
    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
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    43 mins