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3-2-1: On staying in the game, the power of best practices, and how to handle bad events

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.

"If you spend too much time thinking about the past, you miss out on what you have right now.

Reflecting, learning, and moving on is a fruitful cycle. But replaying old mistakes and revisiting past injustices is a fast way to lose the opportunity of today.

Don't let one bad event beat you twice."

​II.

"In the long run, the opportunities that are right for you have a way of finding you. Sometimes you wish so dearly that a new relationship or a big chance will go your way. It can feel like heartbreak when it falls through. But you have to dust yourself off and keep reaching and keep working. Water always finds its level. Stay in the game, keep your energy high, and do your best each day. You'll find the moments that are meant for you."

III.

"Collect ideas on all the best practices in your industry and use that list as your starting point. Then, combine, iterate, and distill the list into what works best for your situation and plays to your strengths. Let the best material be your starting material. Then, make it your own."

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2 Quotes From Others

I.

Novelist and short story writer Henry Miller encourages us to spend more time appreciating and less time ruminating:

"Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music — the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself."

Source: Henry Miller Memorial Library ​​

​II.

Philosopher and writer Friedrich Engels reminds us that small actions beat big thoughts:

"An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory."

Source: This quote is unconfirmed and has probably been modified over the years. Engels wrote in German and the more common phrasing translates to something like, "Every step of real movement is more important than a dozen programs."

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1 Question For You

What are my favorite hours of the day and what adjustments can I make to ensure they are under my control?

Want to share this issue of 3-2-1? Just copy and paste this link: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/october-1-2026

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Until next week,

James Clear ​​
​Author of Atomic Habits​
Cofounder of Authors Equity​

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p.s. This is never a good thing. ​​

What else am I working on?