The Game Changing Attorney Podcast with Michael Mogill

40. Jay Papasan — The ONE Thing

Jan 12, 2021

56:31

"If you constantly cheat on time, there is a massive price that you will pay." - Jay Papasan

Is multitasking a lie?
What's the difference between a to-do list and a success list?
Are willpower-based actions wasting your energy?
What is the ONE BIG QUESTION whose answer will unlock your productivity?

From Artist to Entrepreneur

Jay Papasan is an executive, real estate expert, speaker, and best-selling author of Wall Street Journal Business best-selling book “The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results.”

From his humble beginnings as a French/English major and self-confessed book nerd, Jay Papasan learned business in later life and underwent a total paradigm shift. Now a leadership coach and co-owner of several successful businesses, he shares his journey from craftsman and artist to entrepreneur — and the lessons he learned along the way.

Success is Sequential: The Devastating Costs of Multitasking

In the thirst for success, many entrepreneurs invite a level of complexity into their lives that can be utterly counterproductive. As Jay Papasan explains, making real progress professionally requires both discipline and simplicity — but that doesn't mean it's easy.

We discuss why the most successful people have an awesome day before noon, how mindful order and honed energy create a domino effect, and why multitasking breeds untold levels of inefficiency.

Misdirected Energy: Why Discipline Trumps Willpower

Jay Papasan is a serial entrepreneur who is consistently juggling numerous ventures at the same time. It takes a certain level of mental stamina to give maximum efficiency to all of his endeavours. Is it sheer strength of willpower...or is something else at play?

We explore Jay's thesis on the difference between discipline and willpower. He shares incredible scientific insight on the “horrible mileage” your brain gets out of willpower-based actions, and the physiological ramifications that have a huge impact on your workplace prowess.

Key takeaways:

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. If you can focus on a smaller number of things that are more meaningful, you’ll make a much greater impact.
Multitasking is a lie. You will get more accomplished by focusing on ONE thing at a time, rather than toggling back and forth between tasks or projects.
Balancing is a verb, not a noun. Balance is not a destination — it's an ongoing process characterized by actions and decisions that keep you on track and moving forward.

Links and Resources