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?

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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 podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA

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