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3-2-1: How to gain a competitive edge, cultivating small productive habits, and a call to self-acceptance

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​JAMESCLEAR.COM | NOVEMBER 13, 2025

Happy 3-2-1 Thursday!

Reminder: The Atomic Habits Workbook launches on December 9th. Click here to learn more and pre-order your copy.

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

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3 Ideas From Me

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I.

"One way to instantly gain a competitive edge is to work on things that genuinely interest you. The person who is having fun has a better chance of winning because they are more likely to stick with it when things get challenging.

If it felt like a hassle from the start, you're likely to quit as soon as things get tough. But if you've been having fun the whole time, you're better positioned to work through the hard parts."


​II.

"Stop waiting. Stop talking yourself out of it. Stop researching.

Go do it."


III.

"You have to run your own race. Problems begin the moment you start comparing your results to someone who is playing under different conditions.

  • The 40-year-old entrepreneur with three kids has different constraints than the single 27-year-old.
  • A painter with 20 years of practice shouldn't be the benchmark for someone in year two.
  • Someone caring for aging parents is not in the same position as someone with no obligations outside work.

Play your own game. Emphasize gradual progress and keep the comparison internal. Are you getting a little better today?"

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2 Quotes From Others

I.

The 4th Earl of Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope, on cultivating small productive habits:

"Take care of the minutes; the hours will take care of themselves."

Source: Letter to his son (November 6, 1747) ​​


​II.

Writer Virginia Woolf offers a call to self-acceptance:

"No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.”

Source: A Room of One's Own​

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1 Question For You

What story about humanity do your daily actions tell?

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Until next week,

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

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p.s. How was your tour of Willy Wonka's factory?

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What else am I working on?

Get my book

Read my #1 New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits, which has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.

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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.

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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​



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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New Release

The Overthinker's Guide to Making Decisions

How to make decisions without losing your mind

by Joseph Nguyen

​Print . Audio . Ebook​

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