3-2-1: How to handle errors, eliminating points of failure, and the willingness to look foolish

Happy 3-2-1 Thursday!

Here are 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to consider this week...

I.

"Don't overlook the basics. Don't ignore the foundation. How long can a tree remain standing without the roots?"

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​II.

"Simplify. What can be done in three steps should never be done in four. Each link in the chain is a potential breaking point. Fewer links means fewer chances of failure."

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III.

"When you tolerate an error, you rob yourself of learning.

When you ruminate on an error, you rob yourself of happiness.

Notice it, improve it, and move on from it."

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I.

Molecular biologist Francis Crick, who famously helped discover the structure of DNA, explains the importance of taking many shots:

"It is amateurs who have one big bright beautiful idea that they can never abandon. Professionals know that they have to produce theory after theory before they are likely to hit the jackpot."

Source: What Mad Pursuit ​

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​II.

Aikido instructor George Leonard on the willingness to look foolish:

"It's possible that one of the reasons you got on the path of mastery was to look good. But to learn something new of any significance, you have to be willing to look foolish...

When a Most Valuable Player candidate misjudges a ball and falls on his duff, he does it in the sight of millions. You should be willing to do it before your teacher and a few friends or fellow students. If you're always thinking about appearances, you can never attain the state of concentration that's necessary for effective learning and top performance."

Source: Mastery

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Think of your childhood. What is one area where your parents did a good job? What is one area where they could have done better?

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Want to share this issue of 3-2-1 via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link:

https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/october-26-2023

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Until next week,

James Clear
​Author of Atomic Habits and keynote speaker​​

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p.s. This kid is going places.