The ONE Thing

The ONE Thing

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.

  1. The 4 Hidden Thieves Destroying Your Productivity with Jordan Freed

    6D AGO

    The 4 Hidden Thieves Destroying Your Productivity with Jordan Freed

    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: How people-pleasing is often rewarded and reinforced in our work and personal lives Why your environment might be the hidden thief behind your inability to say no How to use prompting and priming to build new, healthier habits Links & Tools from This Episode: The 66-Day Challenge 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

    39 min
  2. 12 Years of The ONE Thing: How to Reclaim Your Time and Stay on Track

    MAR 31

    12 Years of The ONE Thing: How to Reclaim Your Time and Stay on Track

    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 actions with your long-term aspirations. Plus, I cover two common pitfalls—goal drift and unconscious quitting—and how a simple 20-minute weekly check-in with your 411 framework keeps you on track. I also introduce the 7D Method, a system designed to help you reclaim at least four hours per week by downloading, delegating, and decreasing unnecessary commitments. Imagine what you could do with that extra time. Next week, I’m sitting down with my personal coach, Jordan Freed, to dive into the Four Thieves of Productivity—tune in to learn how to protect your time and energy. Challenge of the Week: Use the 7D Method to identify at least one hour you can reclaim this week. Fewer meetings, shorter commitments—whatever it takes to free up time for what truly matters. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why most people set goals backward and how to fix it The power of “goal setting to the now” and how to break down your big dreams The 7D Method for reclaiming four or more hours every week Links & Tools from This Episode: The 411 Goal-Setting Framework Read: The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan The 10 Year Letter by Jordan Fried Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest 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. Produced by NOVA

    48 min
  3. Tiny Experiments: The Neuroscience of Getting Unstuck with Anne-Laure Le Cunff

    MAR 24

    Tiny Experiments: The Neuroscience of Getting Unstuck with Anne-Laure Le Cunff

    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, Continuous, Trackable) makes it easier to stick to new habits without fear of failure. We also dive into why we procrastinate and how to diagnose its root cause using the head, heart, and hand method. Is it a rational issue (head), an emotional resistance (heart), or a practical obstacle (hand)? Understanding this can help you move forward with clarity. Finally, we discuss the trap of perfectionism and why embracing intentional imperfection can be the key to long-term excellence. By shifting focus from immediate results to sustainable progress, you set yourself up for lasting success. Challenge of the Week: Look at your calendar from the past week and identify one small change you'd like to make. Create a tiny experiment—a simple, low-stakes PACT to test that change for the next seven days. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How tiny experiments lower the stakes and make change easier The head, heart, and hand method for overcoming procrastination Why perfectionism holds us back and how to practice intentional imperfection Links & Tools from This Episode: Learn more: Ness Labs Read: Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff The ONE Thing 66-Day Challenge 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

    41 min
  4. Your Freedom Number (Wealth Series Part 3)

    MAR 17

    Your Freedom Number (Wealth Series Part 3)

    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 financial independence, introduce the 4% Rule for sustainable wealth, and provide actionable steps to set your target. Whether you’re looking for security or ultimate freedom, knowing your number will allow you to make informed investment choices that get you there. If financial freedom is your goal, don’t just dream about it—start mapping your path today. Challenge of the Week: Download the Freedom Number Worksheet at the1thing.com/freedomnumber and calculate your freedom number. Use the formula to determine how much your money needs to work for you, and start making strategic investment decisions today. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why financial freedom is about choices, not just wealth How to calculate your freedom number using the 4% Rule The power of compounding interest and investment strategies Links & Tools from This Episode: Download the Freedom Number Worksheet: the1thing.com/freedomnumber Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The guest’s views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the guest and not KWRI and its 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. 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

    41 min
  5. The 9½ Habits of Wealth Building (Wealth Series Part 2)

    MAR 10

    The 9½ Habits of Wealth Building (Wealth Series Part 2)

    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 shares his personal experiences, lessons learned the hard way, and insights from financial experts like Dave Ramsey and Morgan Housel. Those nine habits are: Live below your means Automate your savings Pay down your debt Maintain an emergency fund Have clear financial goals Invest wisely Learn continuously Track your net worth Pay cash for luxury items If you’re looking to take control of your finances and make your money work for you, this episode gives you the step-by-step habits to get started. Challenge of the Week: Go to the1thing.com/networth and download the net worth tracking worksheet. Whether your net worth is big, small, positive, or negative—just calculate it. This will serve as your foundation for all future financial decisions. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: The power of automating savings and paying your future self first How tracking your net worth creates awareness and better decision-making Why building small financial habits compounds into long-term wealth Links & Tools from This Episode: Download the free net worth tracking worksheet. Read The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and Dave Jenks 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

    40 min
  6. The Path of Money (Wealth Series Part 1)

    MAR 3

    The Path of Money (Wealth Series Part 1)

    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 wife build financial security and freedom. This episode simplifies financial jargon and provides a clear roadmap for making money decisions with confidence. Whether you’re struggling with money, looking to grow wealth, or just curious about how the most successful investors think, this framework will help you make informed choices. Challenge of the Week: Go to the1thing.com/pathofmoney and download the free framework. Take 30 minutes to analyze where your money is currently going. How much are you spending, saving, donating, or investing? Understanding your financial choices is the first step in building wealth. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How to simplify wealth building using the "Path of Money" model. The key differences between earning, saving, and investing money. Why understanding passive vs. active investments accelerates financial freedom. Links & Tools from This Episode: Download the free Path of Money framework to start making your money work for you. Read The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and Dave Jenks Read What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars by Jim Paul and Brendan Moynihan Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The guest’s views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the guest and not KWRI and its 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. Produced by NOVA

    44 min
  7. How The ONE Thing Made Success Finally Feel Right for Stu McLaren

    FEB 24

    How The ONE Thing Made Success Finally Feel Right for Stu McLaren

    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 he was and where he truly wanted to be. He walks us through the defining moment when he decided to sell his business and pursue a path that connected more deeply to his values and his nonprofit, Village Impact. But this episode isn’t just about making bold choices. It’s also a masterclass in community building. Stu reveals the essential question anyone leading a team, organization, or membership community must ask: Why would someone want to be part of this community? From shared purpose to inside jokes, he breaks down the key ingredients that transform a group of people into a thriving, engaged community. If you're feeling stuck between comfort and passion, or if you're looking to create a community that truly matters, this episode will give you the clarity—and the push—you need. Challenge of the Week: Define the vision for your community. Whether it's a business, a workplace team, or a personal network, ask yourself: What do I see happening? Where is this going? What will life be like for those who are part of it? The clearer your vision, the stronger your community will be. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How Stu McLaren used The ONE Thing to make a bold decision and sell his business. The essential ingredients that turn a group into a true community. Why celebrating small progress milestones matters more than big wins. Links & Tools from This Episode: Learn more at stu.me Support Stu’s nonprofit Village Impact Connect with Stu on LinkedIn Follow Stu on Instagram: @stumclaren Read Predictable Profits by Stu McLaren 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

    39 min
  8. The Science of Self-Doubt: Transform Fear Into Your Superpower

    FEB 17

    The Science of Self-Doubt: Transform Fear Into Your Superpower

    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 feelings, from the Dunning-Kruger effect to the brain’s natural tendency to protect us from risk. But self-doubt doesn’t have to hold us back. Jay lays out seven strategies to move through imposter syndrome. From recognizing how self-doubt impacts the brain to reframing negative thoughts, preparing for success, and celebrating small wins, he offers practical ways to shift our mindset. Challenge of the Week:   Validate your self-doubt. When high-stakes moments hit—before a big meeting or tough decision—pause and acknowledge it. Tell yourself: “I’m nervous because this matters. It’s scary, but that doesn’t mean I’m not good enough. Feeling this way is normal.” Your doubt is real, but it doesn’t define you. It might even be pushing you to prepare better. This week, when doubt shows up, recognize it, accept it, and move forward anyway. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How imposter syndrome develops and why high achievers are more likely to experience it. The connection between self-doubt and the brain’s instinct to protect us from failure. Seven strategies to overcome self-doubt and build lasting confidence. Links & Tools from This Episode: Episode 440. Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life Read: Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima Read: Amazon.com: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Read: Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen Read: Amazon.com: The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy 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

    36 min

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    4.8
    out of 5
    1,082 Ratings

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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.

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