Start Sooner (2 Min Read) | Vol. 144

March 28, 2025

“It is not only right to strike while the iron is hot, but that it may be very practicable to heat it by continually striking.” — Benjamin Franklin

Start Sooner

In the spring of 2014, sales of The ONE Thing were flagging. We’d sold over 40,000 copies in our launch month but a year later we were on pace to sell less than 3,000. 

This prompted me to commit to promoting the book in some way every single week. Usually, this meant saying yes to a podcast request. Since then I’ve appeared on close to 400 podcasts and the most frequent question I’ve been asked is: What advice would you give to your younger self? It’s a great question. 

My answer has evolved over the years, but lately, I’ve been remarkably consistent: Start sooner. 

I tend to overthink and over-plan. That tendency has at times served me but often held me back. 

The best way I’ve found to get started is to “right size” the activity. How can I make this small enough to remove my anxiety and the perceived risk? We often refer to this as the “first domino.” What’s the action I can take today, no matter how small, that represents progress?

Getting in shape may begin with a short daily walk. Reading more books could begin with just 10 pages a day. Writing that book could start with a daily 30-minute writing block. If connecting with 20 potential clients a day is too daunting, can I start with 5 or 3 a day? 

Start where you are and trust the process. Taking small actions daily adds up. You’ll get better and the results will pile up.

One question to ponder in your thinking time: What’s ONE Thing you’ve been dreaming of you can start today? 

Make an Impact!
Jay Papasan
Co-author of The ONE Thing & The Millionaire Real Estate Agent 

P.S. If you’ve been wanting to start on something important but struggle to find the time, our upcoming 4×4 Bootcamp might be your “right size” activity. Four days, 45 minutes each, to help you reclaim 4+ hours weekly.

It’s a simple first step that many in our community have found transformative. If it feels right for you, you can learn more here: https://the1thing.info/bootcamp