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“The most wisdom per word of any
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3-2-1: On the ultimate form of preparation, how to increase your power, and living with conviction

read on

​JAMESCLEAR.COM | JANUARY 22, 2026

Happy 3-2-1 Thursday!

Before we begin, I just want to say thank you for reading. Life is precious and time is short. It is an honor to have you share a few minutes reading this newsletter each week. My objective is to make sure that time is always well spent.

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

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3 Ideas From Me

I.

"Compete externally and you compare.

Compete internally and you improve."


​II.

"The ultimate form of preparation is not planning for a specific scenario, but a mindset that can handle uncertainty."


III.

"The more you create, the more powerful you become.

The more you consume, the more powerful others become."

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2 Quotes From Others

I.

Writer G. K. Chesterton reminds us to not be carried along by life, but to live with energy, will, and conviction:

"A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it."

Source: The Everlasting Man ​​


​II.

Founder and investor Graham Weaver on being smart:

"The truest form of intelligence is designing the life you want to live."

Source: Instagram

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1 Question For You

What needs to happen for me to look back in December and consider the year a success?

Want to share this issue of 3-2-1? Just copy and paste this link: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/january-22-2026

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Until next week,

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

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p.s. Mango, tango, sugar and mango...​​

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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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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pre order now

Built from Broken

A science-based guide to healing painful joints, preventing injuries, and rebuilding your body

by Scott Hogan

​Print . Audio . Ebook​

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