3-2-1 for the week

[mizzou7016]

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

3-2-1: On muddy puddles and leaky ceilings, the secret to productivity, and how to spoil a great relationship

read on JAMESCLEAR.COM | MARCH 28, 2024

Happy 3-2-1 Thursday!

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

3 Ideas From Me

I.

"Laughter itself cannot make a great relationship, but the lack of it can spoil one."

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II.

"Holding onto anger and resentment is like scuba diving with an anchor. As long as you're clinging to it, you're bound to the seabed, limited in movement, unable to appreciate the coral reefs and the colorful fish that dart in and out of view.

Forgiveness is letting go of the anchor. It isn't about declaring what was done to you is okay, but about unburdening yourself so you can swim freely. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. It's the gift of letting go of the anchors you've been carrying."

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III.

"I split problems into two groups: muddy puddles and leaky ceilings.

Some problems are like muddy puddles. The way to clear a muddy puddle is to leave it alone. The more you mess with it, the muddier it becomes. Many of the problems I dream up when I'm overthinking or worrying or ruminating fall into this category. Is life really falling apart or am I just in a sour mood? Is this as hard as I'm making it or do I just need to go workout? Drink some water. Go for a walk. Get some sleep. Go do something else and give the puddle time to turn clear.

Other problems are like a leaky ceiling. Ignore a small leak and it will always widen. Relationship tension that goes unaddressed. Overspending that becomes a habit. One missed workout drifting into months of inactivity. Some problems multiply when left unattended. You need to intervene now.

Are you dealing with a leak or a puddle?"

2 Quotes From Others

I.

The writer Isabel offers a formula for succeeding in life:

"Figure out what you're good at without trying, then try."

Source: Twitter

II.

Priest and philosopher Baltasar Gracián on productivity:

"Do something well, and that is quickly enough."

Source: The Art of Worldly Wisdom

Question For You

A question from business coach Jeanne Torre:

"Is that assumed or confirmed?"

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Until next week,

James Clear

Author of Atomic Habits and keynote speaker

[Ellamaye]

Muddy puddles and leaky ceilings? Interesting concept. Way better than my volcanos or tornadoes 🙈

[mizzou7016 in reply to Ellamaye]

That one is a pretty accurate statement....sad thing is is that you can't control any of it....which makes it very tough for people to leave alone.....always feel like we have to do something.

[Ellamaye in reply to mizzou7016]

I always feel like I have to do something. I'm gonna think about muddy puddles though. Gotta leave things alone sometimes

[mizzou7016 in reply to Ellamaye]

that's just it.....why are you doing something....is it to genuinely help someone....or is it to make yourself look or feel better.....sometimes the best thing you can do in a situation is to do nothing....I am always struggling with whether or not to do something....why am i doing it...what is the benefit of doing it...for me and for them....don't forgt that you sould be on your own priority list to get better

[Ellamaye in reply to mizzou7016]

Did you just take a peep into my soul? I'm feeling really uncomfortable right now 🤣

[mizzou7016]

not your soul my dear friend.....mine.....have struggled with that for along time....still struggle with it.....but am getting better

[CLB1125]

that is quite insightful. Thanks for sharing.

[SayNOtoPanic]

Beautiful and very inciteful. Thanks mizzou.