“The most wisdom per word of any
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3-2-1: How to help someone, the value of bad luck, and rewarding competence

Happy 3-2-1 Thursday!

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

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3 Ideas From Me

I.

"The way to help someone is not to critique what makes them smaller, but to encourage what makes them larger."

​II.

"Even bad luck is a source of opportunity—but only if you live each day as if that is true."

III.

"Each year, Steve Jobs would hold an annual meeting with the 100 most important people at Apple.

Crucially, these were not the top 100 executives, but rather the 100 people who were most important to the company that year. Jobs personally chose attendees based on their direct contribution, creativity, vision, and impact within the company, regardless of their official titles or positions.

I always loved the spirit of that practice. Competence over credentials."

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2 Quotes From Others

I.

Writer and pilot Richard Bach on how our beliefs shape our reality:

"Argue for your limitations and, sure enough, they're yours."

Source: Illusions ​​

​II.

Poet and novelist Hermann Hesse offers some perspective:

"Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest."

Source: Steppenwolf ​

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1 Question For You

Which distractions in your life have become disguised as priorities?

Want to share this issue of 3-2-1? Just copy and paste this link: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/march-20-2025

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Until next week,

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

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p.s. When Atomic Habits goes too far...​​

What else am I working on?