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

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3-2-1: On finding your desired lifestyle, a simple rule for life, and working with what you have

read on

​JAMESCLEAR.COM | DECEMBER 18, 2025

Happy 3-2-1 Thursday!

I have a quick deal to share before we begin...

MasterClass. My class on building better habits has been one of the top five most popular classes on MasterClass since its release. Right now, you can get it for 50% off during their special holiday sale.

Click here to get 50% off: masterclass.com/jamesclear

Sale ends December 24 at 11:59pm PT.

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

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3 Ideas From Me

I.

"Optimize for your desired lifestyle, not your desired title."


​II.

"Reflection requires stillness.

One cost of rushing from thing to thing is that you lose the space to think. Hard work matters, but nonstop motion often hides a quiet truth: you could have used your time better.

If you never pause, you confuse activity with effectiveness. Make time to think. Walk outside. Sit quietly. Create space. Then move again, but this time on purpose."


III.

"Here's a rule I find useful:

You should attempt things that are difficult enough to guarantee some early embarrassment, but important enough that long-term regret is unlikely.

Trying something difficult will usually make you look foolish or inexperienced. That’s fine. That's the cost of learning.

But if it's important to you, then you'll work through the early failures and — even if things ultimately change shape or don't work out — you'll never regret going for it."

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2 Quotes From Others

I.

The influential Roman poet, Horace, on getting started:

“Well begun is half done.”

Source: Epistles I (20 BC)​​


​II.

Writer Virginia Woolf reminds us that agency is not in controlling what happens, but in working with what we have:

"Arrange whatever pieces come your way."

Source: A Writer's Diary ​

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1 Question For You

If you weren't allowed to complain about this thing anymore, what action would you have to take?

Want to share this issue of 3-2-1? Just copy and paste this link: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/december-18-2025

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Until next week,

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

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p.s. A big day for the whole family.​​

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What else am I working on?

The Atomic Habits Workbook

The official companion to Atomic Habits. Filled with simple exercises for building the life you want.

​

Click here to learn more

Get my popular MasterClass

​My class on building better habits has been one of the top five most popular classes on MasterClass since its release. In a few short video lessons, I share simple ways to make habits easier.

Click here to learn more

Atoms - the official Atomic Habits app

Build good habits and break bad ones in just five minutes a day. Atoms helps you track your habits and teaches powerful daily lessons right on your device.

Click here to learn more

My book recommendations this week

In addition to my own writing, I cofounded a publishing company called Authors Equity to help other authors publish their books. As a result, I get a front row seat to a lot of great books.

Here are a few books I think you'll love:

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Over 1 Million copies sold

​The Simple Path to Wealth ​

Your road map to financial independence and a rich, free life

by JL Collins

​Print . Audio . Ebook​


new york times bestseller

​Don't Believe Everything You Think ​

Why your thinking is the beginning & end of suffering

by Joseph Nguyen

​Print . Audio . Ebook​


OVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD

​Almanack of Naval Ravikant​

How to get rich without getting lucky

by Eric Jorgenson

​Print . Audio . Ebook​

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