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3-2-1: How to start a new habit, the power of responsibility, and prioritizing the long-term

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.

"When choosing a new habit many people seem to ask themselves, "What can I do on my best days?"

The trick is to ask, "What can I stick to even on my worst days?"

Start small. Master the art of showing up. Scale up when you have the time, energy, and interest."

​II.

"Concentration produces wealth.

Diversification protects wealth."

III.

"Life rarely changes in a positive way without an increase in responsibility.

This is true in many areas: taking ownership of your health, committing to a relationship, starting a business, etc.

Whatever it is, if you want the trajectory to change, the amount of responsibility usually has to change."

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2 Quotes From Others

I.

Writer Haruki Murakami on time and money:

"Spend your money on the things money can buy. Spend your time on the things money can't buy."

Source: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle ​​

​II.

Farmer, novelist, and poet, Wendell Berry, on thinking long-term and acting in the long-term good:

"Invest in the millennium. Plant sequoias. Say that your main crop is the forest that you did not plant, that you will not live to harvest."

Source: Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front​

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1 Question For You

If not now, when?

Want to share this issue of 3-2-1? Just copy and paste this link: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/september-17-2026

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Until next week,

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

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p.s. An underrated moment in human history. ​​

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