The Psychology of Hope: A Blueprint for a More Hopeful Life with Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe

When the world feels heavy, hope can feel fragile, or even out of reach. In this episode, Jay sits down with award-winning behavioral psychologist Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe to unpack what hope really is and why it matters so much in difficult seasons. Dr. Robyne explains that hope is not the same as optimism. Optimism is often tied to a specific outcome, while hope is the steady belief that no matter what happens, we will find a way through. Together, they explore the psychology of hope, the role of agency and environment, and why small daily habits can help us stay grounded when life feels uncertain. They also talk about toxic positivity, the people who hold hope for us when we cannot hold it ourselves, and how leaders can create honest, steady environments in challenging times. Challenge of the Week: Ask someone, “What are you hoping for right now?” Then follow it with, “May I hope with you for that?” *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: [00:00] A Timely Conversation About Hope [01:08] Hope Is Different From Optimism [12:10] Leading With Honesty in Hard Seasons [15:24] The Four Building Blocks of Hope [22:43] Hope Habits That Still Work on a Bad Day [34:26] The ONE Thing Challenge Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing Operating System Read I Hope So by Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected]   Produced by NOVA

When something bad happens in the world, every business leader has a difficult decision to make - the decision to speak up, or to stay silent. In the past, silence was the safest option - today, that’s no longer the case. In such a chaotic world full of conflict, inequality, and political polarization, it’s never been more important to get this question right. In this episode of The ONE Thing Podcast, Jay Papasan tackles the modern leader's biggest dilemma: The choice to speak up. Whether it's a global crisis, a political movement, or social turmoil, the pressure to "say something" is at an all-time high. To find the answer, Jay sits down with four world-class experts - Donald Miller, Phil M. Jones, Julia Lashay Israel, and Valorie Burton - to build a definitive framework for navigating public conflict carefully and intentionally. This episode is not about telling you what to think. It is about helping you make a wiser decision, one that aligns with your values, your responsibilities, and the impact your voice can have. Challenge of the Week: The next time you feel the urge to immediately post, react, or speak out, pause first and get curious. Ask what else you need to understand before adding your voice. That pause may help you create clarity instead of more noise. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: [00:00] Should Business Owners Speak Up or Stay Silent? [07:05] Julia Lashay’s Framework for Posting With Integrity [11:01] Phil M Jones on Curiosity, Context, and Slowing Down [14:08] Donald Miller on Regret, Responsibility, and Brand Risk [16:21] Valorie Burton on Mission, Empathy, and Adding Clarity [20:56] How this shows up in our lives [26:02] The 6 Question Framework for Deciding When to Speak [36:16] Your Weekly Challenge Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing Operating System Watch and Listen to Julia Lashay full episode here Watch and Listen to Phil M Jones full episode here Donald Miller Website Valorie Burton’s Website Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected]   Produced by NOVA

A lot of talented people assume that if they work hard enough, they’ll eventually get noticed. Courtney Johnson says that’s simply not how careers work. In this episode, Jay sits down with Courtney, author of Career Cheat Codes, to unpack the unwritten rules that often separate people who get promoted, hired, and remembered from those who get overlooked. They explore how visibility, relationship-building, and personal branding shape career growth, whether you’re applying for a job, growing a business, or trying to expand your influence inside your company. Courtney shares practical ways to stand out, from sending a thoughtful follow-up note to improving your digital first impression with better lighting, audio, and online presence. She also opens up about how applying The ONE Thing helped her build her platform, land a book deal, and push through imposter syndrome. Challenge of the Week: Get visible in one way that feels a little uncomfortable this week. Post on LinkedIn, share a recent win in your company channel, or raise your hand in a room where you’d normally stay quiet. Pick the one that feels scariest and do it anyway. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: [00:00] In Corporate, Working Hard Isn’t Enough [05:53] Getting Your Foot in the Door [08:36] What Employers Look for in  [12:58] Do First Impressions Matter? [17:44] Crafting The Perfect Digital First Impression [25:52] She Focused on Her ONE Thing [38:13] The ONE Thing Challenge  Links & Tools from This Episode: Read Career Cheat Codes by Courtney Johnson Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn Follow Courtney Johnson on TikTok Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected]   Produced by NOVA

If you want to achieve real and sustainable success, you don’t need another productivity system - try this instead. In this episode, Jay Papasan sits down with Director of Training Chris Dixon to unpack one of the most requested teachings in The ONE Thing community: the 411. They explain why to-do lists, project management tools, and reactive planning often leave people busy but not truly productive. Then they walk through how the 411 creates a simple, one-page view of your most important goals by connecting the year, the month, and the week. Jay and Chris also break down the rhythm that makes the 411 work: daily review, weekly reflection, monthly adjustment, and time blocking the actions that matter most. Along the way, they share common mistakes people make, how to avoid turning the 411 into another to-do list, and why simplicity is the key to making this tool stick. If you’ve ever felt clear on your goals but unsure what to do next, this episode gives you a practical way to close that gap. Challenge of the Week: Go download the 411 tool from the1thing.com/resources, then time block 30 minutes at the end of this week to build your first 411. Keep it simple. Start with just one goal for the year, one milestone for the month, and one action for the week. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: [00:00] This is How Billionaires Set Goals [01:25] Why To-Do Lists DON’T WORK. [10:21] How to Make a 411 [16:09] What Real 411 Progress Looks Like in Practice [22:58] How To Build Rhythms  [32:19] How to Update the 411 Month to Month and Year to Year [37:08] Common Mistakes [39:59] The ONE Thing Weekly Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing Operating System Free Resources (Including the 411) Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected]   Produced by NOVA

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your skills, your resources, or even your discipline—but your beliefs? In this conversation, Jay sits down with Nir Eyal to unpack the hidden force behind motivation and persistence. While most people think success comes from knowing what to do, Nir makes a compelling case that the real driver is belief. If you don’t believe the effort will pay off—or that you’re capable of sustaining it—you’ll quit long before results show up. They break down the “motivation triangle” of behavior, benefit, and belief, and explore how limiting beliefs quietly shape your decisions, your relationships, and your ability to follow through. You’ll also learn a practical method to uncover those beliefs and replace them with ones that actually serve you. This episode also tackles a critical question: when should you keep going, and when should you quit? Nir shares a simple three-part framework to help you decide with clarity instead of emotion. If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or ready to give up, this conversation will change how you see yourself—and what’s possible. Challenge of the Week: Identify one limiting belief that’s holding you back. Write it down, then ask yourself: “Could the exact opposite be true?” Create a new belief that serves you—and repeat it when things get hard. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: [00:00] Introduction to Nir Eyal and Persistence in Success [05:30] The Motivation Triangle [10:54] How to Identify and Replace Limiting Beliefs [23:55] If You Want to Quit, Ask These 3 Questions [30:16] How Your Brain Filters Reality and Shapes Your Success [42:39] The ONE Thing Weekly Challenge Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing Operating System Beyond Belief by Nir Eyal   Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) / The Work by Byron Katie  Grit by Angela Duckworth Research by Gabriele Oettingen on visualization (Mental Contrasting / WOOP)  Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected]   Produced by NOVA

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of the loss of a child and experiences of grief. It may be distressing for some listeners. Please listen with care and take the space you need. Resilience isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build—often in the moments you’d never choose. In this episode, Jay sits down with Julia Lashay to explore how adversity shapes leadership. From losing everything financially during the Great Recession to the unimaginable loss of her son, Julia shares how she found a way forward when life felt impossible. Instead of pushing past pain, she learned to work through it—starting small, giving herself grace, and using simple tools like the 411 to regain momentum. Along the way, she discovered that purpose isn’t fixed. It evolves. And when you reconnect with it, it becomes the fuel that carries you through even the hardest seasons. They also unpack the role of failure, why feedback accelerates growth, and how the people around you can either lift you higher or hold you back. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, this conversation offers a path—one step at a time.  Challenge of the Week: Start defining your personal mission statement. If that feels overwhelming, begin with your core values. Clarity around what matters most will help guide everything else. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: [00:00] Julia Lashay's Introduction [03:14] Losing Everything and Navigating Personal Tragedy   [10:16] The First Steps to Rebuilding Life [15:38] Embracing Learning Lessons [22:46] Surrounding Yourself with the Right People [29:57] The ONE Thing Weekly Challenge  Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing Operating System  Julia Lashay (speaker, coaching, resources) Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected]   Produced by NOVA

When the world feels heavy, many of us fall into the same cycle: doom scrolling, numbing out, or waiting for things to improve In this episode, Jay shares a powerful perspective shift inspired by a lesson from Mr. Rogers: instead of just looking for the helpers, as Mr. Rogers suggests - become one. Rather than waiting for change, we must act. Jay breaks down the science behind action and emotions, including the surprising research of Brené Brown, and outlines his 11 "infinite resources" - 11 ways we can influence change in our life, our relationships, and our world - all without feeling depleted afterwards. The antidote is simple: start giving the very thing you want more of. Challenge of the Week: Identify the emotion or experience that feels most scarce in your life right now - gratitude, encouragement, connection, or something else. Then choose one person and give it to them this week. One small act can create a ripple you may never fully see. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: [00:00] “Maybe you've heard the story about Mr. Rogers…” Mr. Rodgers Helpers and the Idea Behind the Infinite Resources [09:02] “So number one, love is an infinite resource…” Infinite Resource #1: Love [09:38] “Number one, kindness, so you can offer…” Infinite Resource #2: Kindness [10:15] “ Two creativity. I've written about this, I've talked..” Infinite Resource #3: Creativity [10:52] “Gratitude. Right? Every single day…” Infinite Resource #4: Gratitude [11:42] “Connection, authentic connection feels scarce…” Infinite Resource #5: Connection [12:02] “Curiosity. This is a big one…” Infinite Resource #6: Curiosity [12:41] “Hope when we encourage other people…” Infinite Resource #7: Hope [12:54] “Inspiration. When you inspire others…” Infinite Resource #8: Inspiration [12:58] “Positivity. A positive outlook…” Infinite Resource #9: Positivity [13:01] “Encouragement, when we encourage others…” Infinite Resource #10: Encouragement [13:09] “And finally… forgiveness…” Infinite Resource #11: Forgiveness [13:39] “So there's all of these resources around us that we can tap into..” How To Give Infinite Resources Away [22:53] “So Jay's very unofficial inventory of our infinite resources…” the ONE Thing Challenge Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing Operating System Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown Jay Shetty Amy Bloom Subsrcibe to Jay Papason’s Newsletter Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected]   Produced by NOVA

Jay sits down with research scientist-turned-entrepreneur David Priemer to do a deep dive into the proven science and psychology of sales. In this conversation, David shares how curiosity - not charisma - became his competitive advantage, and the foundation of his newest business, Cerebral Selling. He breaks down the psychology behind buying decisions and explains why the best sales conversations don’t start with your product. They start with the problem. You’ll hear how David used The ONE Thing to host high-impact executive dinners at Salesforce, turning simple focus questions into powerful masterminds that drove real results. He also unpacks his “PITCH” framework - the storytelling structure behind infomercials - and shows how it applies to premium products, leadership, and everyday conversations. Whether you carry a sales title or not, you are in the business of influence. This episode will help you approach it with more empathy, clarity, and intention. Challenge of the Week: Before your next important conversation, pause and ask yourself: What does this person truly value? Shape your message around that—and see what changes. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: [00:00]  From Research Scientist to Sales Authority [08:14] Turning Curiosity Into Cerebral Selling [09:30] Why The ONE Thing Became Required Reading for Sales Teams [12:40]  How Executive Dinners Became High-ROI Masterminds [13:57] Using the Focusing Question to Unlock Peer Coaching [21:13] The Psychology of Selling the Problem First [23:19]  Breaking Down the PITCH Infomercial Formula [31:52] Applying the PITCH Formula to Premium Enterprise Sales [37:56]  The Power of Selling What People Truly Value Links & Tools from This Episode: To Sell Is Human by Daniel Pink Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive Check out David’s Business Cerebral Selling Sell the Way You Buy by David Priemer David Priemer’s TED Talk: “Why You’re Bad at Buying Stuff” Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected]   Produced by NOVA

If you feel like you have 30 browser tabs open in your brain, you’re not alone. Most business owners don’t have a capacity problem—they have a clarity problem. In this episode, Jay Papasan unpacks the science behind overwhelm, including the Zeigarnik effect and additive bias, and explains why unfinished tasks drain your mental bandwidth. When you try to multitask your way out, you only slow everything down and create more open loops. The solution isn’t better time management. It's a better selection. Jay walks you through how to download all your open loops, apply extreme Pareto thinking, and identify the first domino that deserves your full focus. You’ll learn why extraordinary success is sequential, not simultaneous, and how redefining what “finished” means can free up mental space and build momentum. If you’re tired of chasing inbox zero and still feeling behind, this episode gives you permission to subtract, prioritize, and focus on what truly matters. Challenge of the Week: Download every open loop in your life—personal and professional. Identify your true 20 percent. Choose your ONE Thing for the week, give it extra time, and let the rest wait. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: [00:00] Reframing the Overwhelm: From Myth to Clarity and Boundaries [4:45] The Science Behind Open Loops: Zeigarnik Effect, Additive Bias, and Decision Drift  [9:59] The ONE Thing’s Principle and the Alphabet vs Alternating Test [17:09] Real World Stories: In-N-Out to Daya and Courtney [23:37] Practical Steps: Download, Extreme Pareto and Redefine “Finished”. [30:20] The ONE Thing Weekly Challenge  Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing Operating System Bluma Zeigarnik (Zeigarnik Effect) Leidy Klotz (Additive Bias Research) Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected]   Produced by NOVA

Most high performers think they have a productivity problem. They don’t. They have a purpose problem. In this episode, Jay Papasan pulls back the curtain on what The ONE Thing has always been about. Yes, it lives in the productivity section of bookstores. Yes, it teaches focus. But at its core, it’s a purpose book. Using the iceberg metaphor from the original book, Jay walks through the real order of success: purpose drives priority, and priority drives productivity. When you start at the surface with hacks and tools, you get busyness. When you start beneath the surface with clarity about why you’re working in the first place, everything changes. He shares stories from Stu McLaren and Pat Flynn, unpacks the rider-and-elephant concept from The Happiness Hypothesis, and challenges you to define your “season” of life. What matters most right now? What role can you not afford to fail? If you’ve been feeling busy but unfulfilled, this conversation will help you realign your work with what truly matters. Challenge of the Week: Block 30 minutes this week and ask yourself one simple question: Why am I working so hard? Journal your answer. Don’t edit it. Just get honest. Clarity begins there. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: [00:00] Productivity vs. Purpose [01:09] The Busyness Trap [04:30] The Iceberg [13:59] Stu McLaren and the Courage to Pivot Toward Purpose [17:09]  Building a Successful Business Can’t Be The Only Goal [18:18] Purpose Is Always in Charge [24:31] The Simple Challenge: Start With Purpose Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing Operating System The ONE Thing (book) Stu McLaren Website Michael Hyatt Website Pat Flynn Will It Fly? by Pat Flynn The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected]   Produced by NOVA