“The most wisdom per word of any
newsletter on the web.”

​

3-2-1: How to learn faster, what you put into the world, and the value of numerous attempts

Happy 3-2-1 Thursday,

Big update! Earlier this year I helped launch a new publishing company called Authors Equity — and today I'm excited to share that we officially have our first book on the New York Times bestseller list!

​Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen​

This book has become an instant hit. Readers are calling it "a must-read for anyone prone to overthinking or who finds themselves caught in the cycle of their own thoughts."

If you enjoy reading 3-2-1, then I think you'll enjoy reading this book as well. Click here to learn more.

​

And now, here are 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to consider this week.

​

3 Ideas From Me

I.

"When dreaming, imagine success.

When preparing, imagine failure.

When acting, imagine success."

(​Share this on Twitter)

​II.

"If you do not actively choose a better way, then society, culture, and the general inertia of life will push you into a worse way. The default is distraction, not improvement."

(​Share this on Twitter)

III.

"You draw out of the world what you put into it.
​
Want to attract reliable people? Be reliable.
Want to attract trustworthy people? Be trustworthy.
Want to attract welcoming people? Be welcoming.
Want to attract exceptional people? Be exceptional."

(​Share this on Twitter​)

​

2 Quotes From Others

I.

Journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson reminds us that we have the power to choose our path:

"It is not necessary to accept the choices handed down to you by life as you know it. There is more to it than that — no one HAS to do something he doesn't want to do for the rest of his life. But then again, if that's what you wind up doing, by all means convince yourself that you HAD to do it. You'll have lots of company."

Source: Letter to Hume Logan (April 22, 1958) as featured in Letters of Note ​​

​II.

Roman scholar and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero on the value of making numerous attempts:

"For who is there who, shooting all day, will not sometimes hit the mark?"

Source: De Oratore​

​

1 Question For You

The common narrative is that kids learn faster than adults, but if you watch any toddler they spend a large portion of the day attempting things that are on the edge of their ability.

How much time have you spent on the edge of your ability today?

(​Share this on Twitter)

Want to share this issue of 3-2-1? Just copy and paste this link: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/december-5-2024

​

Until next week,

James Clear ​​
​Author of Atomic Habits​
Creator of the 3-2-1 Newsletter​
Founding Author of Authors Equity​

​

p.s. The perfect way to start the day. ​​

What else am I working on?