536. She Turned Her Personal Productivity Journal into a 7-Figure Business w/ Cathryn Lavery

So much of life runs on a “default” operating system—school, work, productivity tools, even your phone. But what happens when that default just doesn’t work for you? In this episode, Jay Papasan sits down with BestSelf Co. founder Cathryn Lavery to talk about being diagnosed with ADHD at 31, realizing she was a “Mac forced to run PC software,” and how she began designing systems that actually matched her brain. Cathryn shares the INCUP framework (interest, novelty, challenge, urgency, passion) and how she uses gamification, short time frames, and keystone habits to stay focused. You’ll hear the origin story of the wildly successful BestSelf Journal, the shift from being a “product company” to a “problem company,” and how relationship struggles inspired tools like the Intimacy Deck and other conversation decks. Challenge of the Week: Start a “problem log” in the notes app on your phone. For the next week, capture every small friction or annoyance in your day—personal, work, or relationships. At the end of the week, review your list and ask: Which of these problems am I uniquely suited to solve? *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. Links & Tools from This Episode: Learn more about BestSelf Co. BestSelf Journal Intimacy Deck Self-Discovery Deck Core Values Deck Helm 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

Are you choosing the right book for the season you’re in—or just grabbing whatever looks interesting? In this solo episode, Jay Papasan walks through the ten books he recommends and gifts more than any others. These are not simply his “favorites”—they’re the books that shaped his craft as a writer, helped him level up as an entrepreneur, grounded him in discipline, clarified his thinking about money, and strengthened his understanding of character and growth.  Jay shares why "The War of Art" has become an annual reread for so many, how Peter Drucker’s "Managing Oneself" can reset your approach to personal mastery, why Ryan Holiday’s "The Obstacle Is the Way" remains essential for anyone doing hard things, and how Morgan Housel and JL Collins make the world of money simple, sane, and actionable. He also covers his top writing books, the research-backed lessons of Adam Grant, and the beautifully illustrated gift book he’s given to hundreds of clients. Challenge of the Week:   Ask yourself: "What is the book I need for this season of my life?" Read for what you need—not for what’s trending. Choose one book, commit to it, and let it gift you something you’ll someday pass forward. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why certain books become “sacred shelf” books Jay returns to again and again How creativity, discipline, money, and character are shaped by what we read How to choose the ONE book you need right now based on the season you’re in Books Mentioned: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday On Writing by Stephen King The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Your First 1000 Copies by Tim Grahl Give and Take by Adam Grant The Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy 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

Do you ever feel like you’re doing everything “right”? Performing at a high level, meeting everyone’s expectations, carrying the load—and yet still feel yourself slowly wearing down? It’s more common than you might realize—and there’s a way out. Jay Papasan is joined by behavioral psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe to unpack why the people who look the strongest are often the most at risk for burnout. She calls it “the curse of the strong”—the slow erosion that happens when high achievers overuse the very muscles that once made them successful. Together, they explore why burnout isn’t just about workload, but about losing agency, operating outside your values, and ignoring the subtle signs your body sends long before the collapse. Dr. Hanley-Dafoe shares practical, compassionate strategies to prevent burnout, restore alignment, and regain control—from tiny daily decisions to intentional pauses, grounding techniques, and value-based prioritization. Challenge of the Week:Look at your to-do list. If you have more than three items, you’re writing fiction. Remove one thing. Delegate it, delay it, or release it completely—and notice how much agency returns with that single act. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about:  Why high performers are uniquely vulnerable to burnout    How agency, choice, and language shape resilience    The role of values alignment in preventing exhaustion and cynicism Links & Tools from This Episode: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe  Follow Dr. Hanley-Dafoe on Instagram: @dr_robynehd Her Books: Calm Within the Storm  Stress Wisely 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

We all want to make a difference — but how do you start giving when life already feels full? In this solo episode, Jay Papasan shares his personal “5 Step Giving Framework,” a simple and strategic way to turn good intentions into consistent action. Drawing from research, experience, and years of purposeful practice with his wife, Wendy, Jay outlines how gratitude, time, money, leadership, and wealth form a natural progression in becoming a generous, fulfilled person. You’ll hear stories of everyday generosity, examples from inspiring philanthropists, and practical steps for integrating giving into your daily routine — even when resources are tight. The goal isn’t just to give more, but to give smarter and more intentionally. Challenge of the Week:For the next seven days, be purposefully thankful to one person each day. Write a note, say it out loud, or send a message — and notice how that simple act of gratitude shifts your energy and perspective. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: The research-backed benefits of giving Jay’s 5 Step Giving Framework How small, consistent acts create big impact Links & Tools from This Episode: Give and Take by Adam Grant KW Cares & KW NextGen Follow Jay on Instagram 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

How many times have you said, “It’s not the right time”? Whether it’s starting a new business, writing your book, or making a big life change, we all fall into the trap of waiting for perfect timing. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist. In this episode, Jay Papasan shares a personal story about finally deciding to adopt a second dog — and how that simple decision revealed a deeper truth about action, timing, and regret. Using insights from psychology and coaching, Jay explains two big mental traps that keep us stuck: the Planning Fallacy and the “Yes, Damn” Effect.   You’ll also learn the surprising origin story behind Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” slogan — and how to use that same mindset to move from “one day” to “day one.”   Challenge of the Week: Think about the thing you’ve been putting off. In the next 24 hours, schedule one small action that gets you started. Stop waiting for the right time — make now the right time.   *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why the "perfect time" never arrives The Planning Fallacy and "Yes, Damn" Effect How to turn "one day" into "day one" Links & Tools from This Episode: The Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes   Hillel Blumberg's Five Pillars of Wealth   Follow Jay on Instagram: @jaypapasan 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

Every November, Jay Papasan dedicates time to exploring one of the most powerful productivity tools you have—the ability to say no. This year's "No-vember Special" dives deep into 11 different ways to protect your time, energy, and focus, often without ever saying the word "no." From Steve Jobs' legendary turnaround at Apple to simple scripts you can use in daily life, Jay explains why saying no is essential for achieving extraordinary results. You'll learn how to anticipate requests, set healthy boundaries, delay decisions, and reframe your priorities so that every "yes" truly counts. He also shares practical tools like the "Get Ahead of the Ask" method, batching decisions, and using alternate resources—all designed to help you focus on your ONE Thing while preserving your relationships and sanity. Challenge of the Week:Identify one thing in your life or work that's not serving you—and say no to it today. Use one of Jay's 11 techniques to make your no both clear and kind. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How to say no without damaging relationships   Why protecting your yeses leads to extraordinary results   Jay’s 11 practical techniques for setting boundaries  Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan Follow Jay on Instagram Speakpipe.com/the1thing — Send us an audio note or feedback 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

Every year, Americans spend more than $100 billion on education—books, courses, conferences, and training—and research shows that less than 20% ever do anything with what they learn. That means roughly $80 billion of potential goes unrealized every year. This episode is about joining the 20% who act. Jay Papasan walks you through the T.I.P.P.S. framework—a simple process he’s taught for years to help people turn learning into lasting change. You’ll learn how to **Take notes** that stick, **Identify key takeaways**, **Prioritize** what really matters, **Put it on your calendar** within 24 hours, and **Seek accountability** so your ideas turn into real-world results. Along the way, Jay explains why handwritten notes dramatically improve retention, how to use Pareto’s Principle to cut through information overload, and the data behind why accountability multiplies your odds of success. Whether you’re fresh from a conference or finishing a great book, this episode shows you how to make learning pay off. Challenge of the Week: Pick one idea from this episode and put it on your calendar within the next 24 hours. Then, share it with an accountability partner who can check in with you. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why most learning doesn’t lead to action   The five-step T.I.P.P.S. framework for implementation   How accountability drives extraordinary results Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve (memory research) Dr. Gail Matthews Goal Achievement Study 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

When Gary and Jay wrote The ONE Thing, they defined success as “getting what you want.” But most of us chase goals we didn’t truly choose. In this episode, author and creator Sahil Bloom shares how he reset his scorecard, left a lucrative path, and built a life aligned with his values—starting with time. Sahil explains why the worst distractions often look like great opportunities, and how to run cheap, fast experiments to discover your highest point of leverage. He breaks down the “no unforced errors” mindset, distinguishes planning from preparation, and explains how batching management tasks (thanks to Parkinson’s Law) protects time for deep thinking and creative work. You’ll also hear how to build a high-agency team so you spend more of your week in your zone of genius. If you’ve been pulled in too many directions, this conversation will help you get clear on what matters—and defend it. Challenge of the Week: Ask: “If a third party watched my week, what would they say my priorities are?” Identify one mismatch between your calendar and your stated priorities, then take one tiny action to close the gap this week. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: How to use low-cost experiments to find your highest-leverage work Why “no unforced errors” beats flashy wins over the long term Protecting thinking time with Parkinson’s Law and better batching Links & Tools from This Episode: The Five Pillars of Wealth by Sahil Bloom The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey Moneyball by Michael Lewis Naval Ravikant (quote referenced) Anne-Laure Le Cunff (on tiny experiments) David Galenson’s research on conceptual vs. experimental innovators 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

Are you constantly trying to please everyone—and still ending up exhausted and unfulfilled? This week, Jay shares the five permission slips every high achiever needs to hear. From setting healthy boundaries to redefining what success looks like, Jay walks you through how to release perfectionism, protect your energy, and rebuild self-trust. You’ll learn how to give yourself permission to disappoint others, be bad at the 80%, protect your attention, sleep on it, and most importantly—believe in yourself. These five shifts can help you step out of burnout and into balance. You’ll walk away with practical habits like creating a daily “evidence journal” that reminds you how capable you truly are. Challenge of the Week:Open a note on your phone titled “My Wins.” Each day for the next seven days, write down one thing you did well—big or small. Build your confidence by giving yourself permission to believe in yourself. Head to the1thing.com to find your ONE Thing and start living it today. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit:the1thing.com/pods We talk about: The 5 permission slips every high achiever needs How to protect your attention and focus Building self-confidence through small daily wins Links & Tools from This Episode: The ONE Thing Follow Jay Papasan on Instagram: @jaypapasan Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA

Are you overwhelmed by the sheer number of business and self-help books out there? With more than 40,000 titles published every year, it's impossible to read them all — and most of us don't have the time to waste on the wrong ones. The real challenge is knowing which books will actually help you grow, both personally and professionally. That's why Jay Papasan sits down with Todd Sattersten, publisher of The ONE Thing and author of The 100 Best Books for Work and Life. Over the past 20 years, Todd has read more than 3,000 books, reviewed over 1,000 of them, and curated the top 100 that deliver the greatest insights for work, leadership, growth, and purpose. In this conversation, he shares the lessons he's learned from a lifetime of reading---why self-awareness is the most consistent takeaway across categories, how to choose books that truly add value, and why organizing your reading around the problems you're facing is the fastest path to results. You'll come away with a clearer framework for deciding what to read, how to apply it, and when to let go of books that don't serve you. If you've ever struggled with too many choices and not enough time, this episode will help you build a smarter, more intentional reading habit that compounds over time. Challenge of the Week:Be honest with yourself about the ONE problem you need to be working on right now. Then, choose a book---or a short list of books---that speaks directly to that problem. Don't try to read everything. Read for what you need. Want more tools to help you simplify your choices, focus on what matters, and get extraordinary results? Visit the1thing.com *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: What reading 3,000+ business and self-help books reveals about personal growth How to choose the right book for the problem you're facing right now The surprising lessons from curating The 100 Best Books for Work and Life Links & Tools from This Episode: The 100 Best Books for Work and Life by Todd Sattersten Jay Papasan on Instagram Follow Todd Sattersten on Instagram: @toddsattersten 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