3-2-1: How to build a career in 7 steps, paying attention to boredom, and setting boundaries

Happy 3-2-1 Thursday,

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

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I.

"You only need to know the direction, not the destination.

The direction is enough to make the next choice."

(Share this on Twitter)​

​II.

"If you want to find a better path, you have to be willing to explore a different path.

That sounds simple, but how often do you try something different?"

(Share this on Twitter)​

III.

"How to build a career in 7 steps:

1. Do great work.

2. Share it publicly.

3. Cold email people 2 steps ahead of you.

4. Talk about your work and trade ideas.

5. Host events and meet in-person.

6. Become friends.

7. Rise together."

(Share this on Twitter)​

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I.

Abolitionist, author, and runaway slave Frederick Douglass on taking action:

"I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs."

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Source: Frederick Douglass: Autobiographies* (Hat tip to Web Smith.)

​II.

The painter Bridget Riley on paying attention to boredom:

"Boredom is a tremendous indicator. Your energy goes; it caves in on you; you can’t do anything. That’s very frightening but you must listen because you are being told that whatever it is you are doing is not quite right. It may only need a small adjustment or it may need more drastic treatment."

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Source: The Eye’s Mind: Bridget Riley, Collected Writings, 1965–2009​

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In what areas would you benefit from setting clearer boundaries?

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https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/september-30-2021?rh_ref=b6775c9d

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Until next week,

James Clear
​Author of the multi-million-copy bestseller, Atomic Habits​
Creator of the Habit Journal​

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p.s. One pack of M&Ms? That'll be $47.

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*Editor's Note: The Frederick Douglass quote is widely attributed to his autobiography although I could not verify the precise page myself. If anyone is aware of the specific page or original source, please share and I will update the website version.

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