3-2-1: On muddy puddles and leaky ceilings, the secret to productivity, and how to spoil a great relationship

Happy 3-2-1 Thursday!

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

I.

"Laughter itself cannot make a great relationship, but the lack of it can spoil one."

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​II.

"Holding onto anger and resentment is like scuba diving with an anchor. As long as you're clinging to it, you're bound to the seabed, limited in movement, unable to appreciate the coral reefs and the colorful fish that dart in and out of view.

Forgiveness is letting go of the anchor. It isn't about declaring what was done to you is okay, but about unburdening yourself so you can swim freely. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. It's the gift of letting go of the anchors you've been carrying."

III.

"I split problems into two groups: muddy puddles and leaky ceilings.

Some problems are like muddy puddles. The way to clear a muddy puddle is to leave it alone. The more you mess with it, the muddier it becomes. Many of the problems I dream up when I'm overthinking or worrying or ruminating fall into this category. Is life really falling apart or am I just in a sour mood? Is this as hard as I'm making it or do I just need to go workout? Drink some water. Go for a walk. Get some sleep. Go do something else and give the puddle time to turn clear.

Other problems are like a leaky ceiling. Ignore a small leak and it will always widen. Relationship tension that goes unaddressed. Overspending that becomes a habit. One missed workout drifting into months of inactivity. Some problems multiply when left unattended. You need to intervene now.

Are you dealing with a leak or a puddle?"

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I.

The writer Isabel offers a formula for succeeding in life:

"Figure out what you're good at without trying, then try."

Source: Twitter
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​II.

Priest and philosopher Baltasar Gracián on productivity:

"Do something well, and that is quickly enough."

Source: The Art of Worldly Wisdom ​

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A question from business coach Jeanne Torre:

"Is that assumed or confirmed?"

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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/march-28-2024

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Until next week,

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

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p.s. Are you feeling mentally sharp today?​