The ONE Thing

• 490. Beyond Goal Setting: The Relationship That Makes Success Inevitable

  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, and set intentions, you can maintain a strong connection with your goals. Jay highlights a powerful tool called the 411: a one-page system that aligns your weekly, monthly, and annual goals. He also shares personal anecdotes, like how weekly date nights with his wife strengthened their marriage, to emphasize the power of small, consistent habits over time. The same principle applies to your goals. Start building a relationship with your goals today—your future self will thank you. Challenge of the Week: Time to start dating your goals! Block off 30 minutes on your calendar every week for a goal check-in. Use this time to review your progress, evaluate what’s working, and set intentions for the week ahead. Consistency is the key to staying in love with your goals and achieving extraordinary results. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How having a relationship with your goals prevents goal drift and keeps you on track Why regular, 30-minute weekly check-ins build accountability and ownership of your progress How the 411 system aligns your weekly, monthly, and annual goals with your larger purpose and values Links & Tools from This Episode: Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

  --------  

  35:11
• 489. How to Win The Long Game (When Everyone Else Plays Short) with Dorie Clark

  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 progress is invisible. Challenge of the Week: Dorie challenges listeners to identify one new thing to say no to this week. By saying no to distractions, you free up time and energy to focus on your ONE Thing. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: The importance of setting realistic expectations Looking for “raindrops”: celebrating small signs of progress to stay motivated Optimizing for what’s interesting to sustain long-term motivation Links & Tools from This Episode: Learn more at Dorie Clark’s website Read The Long Game by Dorie Clark Read Entrepreneurial You by Dorie Clark Read Reinventing You by Dorie Clark Read Stand Out by Dorie Clark Read Give and Take by Adam Grant Read The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Download your free Long Game self-assessment Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

  --------  

  36:19
• 488. The Hidden Cost of Being "Busy" (And What To Do Instead)

  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, and carving out thinking time to make better decisions. By focusing on what truly matters, you can create a more fulfilling and productive life. Challenge of the Week: Take 2–3 minutes each morning to ask yourself, “What is my ONE Thing today?” Identify your top priority and focus on it first, letting it guide your decisions and reduce unnecessary busyness. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why we fall into the busyness trap and the psychology behind it The difference between activity and productivity How prioritizing downtime and thinking time can lead to better decisions Links & Tools from This Episode: Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

  --------  

  34:59
• 487. "First One In, Last One Out" Doesn’t Scale: Learn Smarter Leadership Strategies

  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 distractions to make meaningful progress. You’ll learn how to address misalignment in your work and personal life, set clear goals that resonate with your mission, and develop habits to ensure you stay focused on what matters most. Shawn’s unique framework helps leaders move from survival mode to purposeful action, fostering growth, productivity, and fulfillment. Challenge of the Week: Look at your week and ask yourself: If I only had two hours a week in my business, if I only had two hours to do my job, which two hours would matter most? What’s the meeting with myself or others that makes all the others easier or necessary? Identify that 5%, that first domino in your role or business that drives everything else. That clarity will serve you well. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How to recognize and overcome overwhelm Why prioritizing clarity can lead to better decision-making Building habits to foster long-term focus and productivity Links & Tools from This Episode: Check out Shawn’s Focus Course If you’re a business owner, visit Focus Like a Boss Follow Shawn on Instagram: @shawnblanc Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

  --------  

  30:08
• 486. You’re Underestimating How Long It Takes to Form a Habit

  ‘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 before phone.” When you wake up in the morning, don’t get on your phone first thing. Look at your list of goals. Take 60 seconds to remember what you are prioritizing. Then you can get sucked into the vortex that is your phone. If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How habit formation takes longer than most people think The importance of accountability in habit formation Why “goals before phone” works Links & Tools from This Episode: Download the 66-Day Challenge for free Read “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William H. McRaven Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

  --------  

  35:11

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About The ONE Thing

The ONE Thing: Podcasts in Family