According to a Housing Wire article dated April 10, 2025, which references a new report from Anytime Estimate (a subsidiary of Clever), the relationship between homesellers and real estate agents is evolving in 2025. While a significant majority (91%) of homeowners planning to sell in the next year still intend to hire an agent, there’s a growing skepticism about their fundamental necessity and trustworthiness.
Key findings indicate:
Decreased Perceived Necessity: Only 63% of sellers now view agents as “inherently necessary,” a notable 10-percentage-point drop from 2024.
Eroding Trust: Even among sellers who plan to use an agent, trust levels have fallen, with only 70% expressing trust, down from 81% the previous year.
Commission Concerns: Commission fees remain a primary concern for sellers, heightened by the ongoing impact and discussions surrounding the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) 2024 settlement.
In essence, while sellers aren’t abandoning agents en masse, they are entering the market with increased scrutiny regarding agent value, justification for fees, and overall trustworthiness.
4 Steps Agents Can Take to Build Trust
Given the concerns highlighted in the report, here are four actionable steps agents can take to build and maintain trust with sellers:
Radical Transparency on Value and Process: Clearly articulate exactly what services you provide, how your expertise benefits the seller specifically (e.g., negotiation skills, marketing reach, navigating complex paperwork, saving time/stress), and outline the entire selling process upfront. Don’t assume sellers understand your value proposition; demonstrate it explicitly.
Open and Proactive Communication About Commissions: Address commission fees head-on. Explain your fee structure clearly, justify the cost based on the services rendered and value provided, and discuss how compensation works in light of recent industry changes (like the NAR settlement effects). Being upfront prevents suspicion and builds confidence.
Prioritize Honest Dialogue and Expectation Management: Build rapport through active listening and genuine interest in the seller’s goals and concerns. Provide honest feedback on the property, realistic market assessments (even if it’s not what the seller wants to hear initially), and maintain consistent, proactive communication throughout the listing period. Avoid overpromising.
Demonstrate Expertise with Data and Testimonials: Back up your claims with evidence. Share local market data, statistics on your performance (e.g., list-to-sale price ratio, days on market compared to average), and provide recent, verifiable testimonials or case studies from satisfied clients. This shifts the focus from a perceived commodity service to proven professional expertise.
According to an article by Sherin Shibu published on Entrepreneur.com on April 7, 2025, a recent Pew Research survey identified professions highly susceptible to automation as most likely to experience job losses due to AI in the next two decades:
Cashiers: 73% of both AI experts and the general public predict fewer jobs.
Journalists: Nearly 60% of both groups foresee job reductions.
Factory Workers: 60% of experts and 67% of the public anticipate AI replacing these roles.
The survey (polling over 1,000 AI experts and 5,400 U.S. adults in late 2024, released March 2025) also showed AI experts are more optimistic about AI’s overall impact than the general public.
However, contrasting these automation trends, Geoff Colvin, in his book “Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know That Brilliant Machines Never Will,” argues that uniquely human skills will become more critical in the age of AI. Colvin emphasizes that high value in the future workplace will derive from abilities machines cannot easily replicate, focusing on concepts such as:
Empathy: Deeply understanding and relating to the emotions of others.
Social Sensitivity & Relationship Building: Navigating complex social interactions and fostering trust.
Storytelling: Communicating compelling narratives that connect emotionally and contextually.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively and creatively with other humans.
This perspective aligns with the Pew survey finding that professions demanding high degrees of these interpersonal skills – such as mental health therapists, lawyers, teachers, musicians, and medical doctors – were viewed by both experts and the public as significantly less likely to face job displacement from AI in the near future.
While AI may automate routine tasks, Colvin’s work suggests the skills central to human interaction will remain essential and highly valued.
Where to Learn More:
The job displacement findings are detailed in a Pew Research survey report (March 2025).
The summary context comes from the article “These 3 Professions Are Most Likely to Vanish in the Next 20 Years Due to AI, According to a New Report” by Sherin Shibu on Entrepreneur.com (published April 7, 2025).
AI impact predictions cited include reports by Goldman Sachs (2023) and McKinsey (2023).
The concepts regarding essential human skills are explored in Geoff Colvin’s book “Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know That Brilliant Machines Never Will.”
Do you ever make a small mistake – drop something, forget a name, fumble a simple task – and find yourself immediately flooded with harsh self-criticism? That internal voice loves to magnify minor errors, turning them into evidence of inadequacy. If this sounds familiar, know that it’s an incredibly common experience.
In an era often defined by polished online personas, it’s easy to fall into the “perfectionism paradox.” We compare our messy, real lives to curated highlight reels, making it increasingly difficult to tolerate our own normal imperfections. As noted in the article “Stop Beating Yourself Up: The Truth About Everyday Self-Criticism,” we might see someone else’s minor mishap, like accidentally using too much sunscreen, with empathy, yet judge ourselves ruthlessly for the same kind of slip-up.
This constant internal critique isn’t just unpleasant; it has real costs. It can dampen our joy in everyday life, stifle our willingness to try new things (for fear of failure), increase stress, and even make us feel less connected to others.
But there’s another way. Consider these perspective shifts, inspired by the source article:
The Friend Test: When you start criticizing yourself, pause. Ask: “What comforting, kind words would I offer a dear friend in this exact situation?” Try saying those words to yourself.
The Time Test: Take a breath and ask: “Honestly, how much will this matter in five years? Or even five days?” Often, the things we beat ourselves up over are insignificant in the long run.
Learning to embrace our imperfections isn’t about giving up or accepting mediocrity. It’s about understanding that our value as humans isn’t measured by our ability to perform every task flawlessly. Being human means fumbling sometimes. Perhaps today is a good day to let one small self-criticism go.
Source: This post draws inspiration and key ideas from the article: “Stop Beating Yourself Up: The Truth About Everyday Self-Criticism,” dated April 3, 2025.
An internal analysis by Redfin, based on its 2025 Industry Survey conducted by Jason Aleem, sheds light on the current state of the real estate industry from the perspective of non-Redfin agents. The company states it conducts these surveys to understand broader industry trends and agent needs.
The survey, fielded between December 2024 and January 2025, included 500 agents across 46 states who closed at least one deal in 2024. Respondents typically had over 10 years of experience, and 83.8% worked full-time.
Key Findings from the Redfin Analysis:
Agent Performance: Despite a market slowdown, experienced agents appeared to consolidate business. 58% earned over $50,000 in 2024 (up from 49% in 2023), and nearly 30% earned over $100,000 (up from 22%). More agents (72.2%) closed 5+ deals, potentially due to fewer new agents entering (17% had <3 years experience vs. 28% in 2021). However, over a third still held a second job.
Brokerage Choice: Commission splits are paramount (78.4% rate as very important), outweighing brand reputation (55.2%) and training/support (54.6%). Agent movement remains high, with 15% planning to switch brokerages in 2025 and 13.4% having done so in 2024. Notably, 54.8% of agents indicated they’d prefer lower brokerage support investments for a better split.
Career Sentiment: Enthusiasm has declined. Only 21.2% are likely to recommend real estate as a career, versus 49.8% unlikely, resulting in a Net Promoter Score of -28.6, noted by Redfin as the lowest they’ve recorded. Top dislikes included income unpredictability (42.6%) and difficulty finding clients (37.8%). Independence (86.8%) and helping clients (76.4%) remain key motivators.
Industry Headwinds: Affordability is the top challenge (64.2% major concern), followed by lack of inventory (42.8%) and declining commissions (42%). Redfin notes this aligns with its separate research on housing affordability.
Policy & Economic Outlook: Agents widely support affordable housing policies (75.6%) and building more homes (66.8%), but less so for denser zoning locally (40% disagree). Opinions on the 2025 market are cautiously optimistic (around 50% expect local sales/prices to rise), while views on the overall U.S. economy are split (40.6% positive, 39.6% not).
Climate & Insurance: Climate change impacts buyer decisions according to 39% of agents (higher in FL/CA), yet few (<10%) reported climate-risk training. Insurance issues during transactions increased for 47% of agents (72%+ in CA/FL), though 37.6% reported no client insurance problems.
Discrimination: Reported experiences increased. 22.4% of agents reported sexism (up from 18%), with 34.5% of women reporting it versus 8.9% of men. 38% of non-white agents reported racial discrimination (up from 32%), often citing other agents/industry professionals (28%).
NAR & Commissions: Views towards NAR turned significantly negative (51% unfavorable, up from 19% in 2023), likely linked to the commission settlement. 38% felt the changes negatively impacted their business, and 54.4% observed more commission negotiation. While Redfin states its data shows limited buyer commission changes yet, 51.2% of surveyed agents expect commissions to decline within 12 months. Most agents (74.8%) believe withholding listings from the MLS is rarely best for sellers. (Note: Survey conducted before the March 25 NAR rule update).
Source: Internal Redfin analysis of its 2025 Industry Survey by Jason Aleem. The anonymous survey was conducted via email by Ipsos between Dec 2024-Jan 2025, involving 500 non-Redfin agents across 46 states with at least one transaction in the prior 12 months.
Thursday mindset… the sunset in Jerusalem Israel is estimated around 7:10 PM local time, and is approximately 9:10 AM Pacific Time.
As the sun set roughly two thousand and twenty-five years ago, the Last Supper, a Passover meal, would have been getting started, followed by the walk to the Garden of Gethsemane.
For my Christian friends, the next four days are both historical and deeply relevant today. Acknowledging my Muslim and Jewish friends, while our views differ, I recognize the profound historical significance of Jerusalem and this time in history for all of us.
Lately, I’ve been really thinking about something that resonated with me, and I wanted to share it with you all. It comes from Matt Plumer, who focuses on helping people build financial systems that lead to greater freedom and less stress. His approach often challenges the conventional wisdom that more is always better.
Matt talks about how we live in a world that constantly pushes us to want more. More information, more stuff, more followers – you name it. It feels like the goal is always to accumulate. But Matt suggests that maybe the key to actually growing and thriving isn’t about adding more, but about subtracting. Think about it: creating space and margin in our lives could be the real secret to unlocking what truly matters. That space to think clearly, the breathing room to move without constant stress, and ultimately, the ability to really pursue what we want.
This has made me consider how often I think beyond the immediate choices I make. Every decision has a ripple effect, right? There’s the initial price we pay, but then there’s the longer-term cost of not making the right decision. That can impact us for years down the line in terms of time, money, and energy.
It got me thinking about a couple of key questions for myself, inspired by Matt’s insights:
Who in my life has a bit more experience, someone who can help me see potential pitfalls I might miss?
And what do I actually need to remove from my life to create real growth in my contributions and giving?
The core idea that’s stuck with me, and which is central to Matt Plumer’s philosophy, is that true financial freedom isn’t just about working harder or earning more. It’s about building a smart system that works for you. This whole concept of achieving more by focusing on less – by being more intentional about what we keep and what we let go of – feels really powerful. I wanted to share this perspective, inspired by Matt’s work, because I think it’s a valuable shift in mindset that could benefit us all in creating more intentional futures.
Hey everyone! As a long-time broker in this industry, I’ve seen my fair share of market shifts. But something interesting is happening right now that I wanted to share. It seems even with those persistent mortgage rates and home prices, we’re starting to see experienced buyers emerge from the sidelines and get back into the market.
Did you know that after a period where many potential homeowners, including those looking to downsize, relocate for retirement, or make strategic investment moves, were holding back, we’re now seeing increased activity? According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, life events continue to be the driving force behind these decisions, regardless of the current economic climate.
The article highlights how real estate professionals are reporting a noticeable uptick in property viewings and mortgage inquiries. While it’s still early days for the spring selling season, these initial indicators suggest a renewed interest from buyers who aren’t willing to put their life plans on hold indefinitely.
What resonates with me is the pragmatic approach many of these buyers are taking. They’ve seen market fluctuations before and understand that trying to perfectly time the bottom is often futile. As one buyer, Aisha Jamil, who recently purchased a home in North Carolina with her husband Nathan Bhatti after navigating the market for several years, astutely observed:
“I think the best time to buy is when you can afford it,”
(Friedman, N., 2025, March 29, The Wall Street Journal, “Home Buyers Start to Come Off Sidelines Even as Rates, Prices Stay Stuck”). This sentiment echoes what I’ve followed for decades.
Of course, the challenges of affordability remain significant, and overall transaction volumes are still below historical peaks. Economic uncertainties also continue to factor into buyer considerations.
However, it’s encouraging to see buyers adapting to the current landscape. Some first-time purchasers are exploring opportunities in more affordable areas outside of city centers, demonstrating a willingness to adjust their expectations to achieve homeownership. Similarly, seasoned buyers are re-evaluating their needs and finding opportunities that align with their long-term goals, as exemplified by Sung Ji in Seattle, who bought after securing a stable job: “The question was, is there something we find that we think is worthwhile to take that leap of faith?” (Friedman, N., 2025, March 29, The Wall Street Journal, “Home Buyers Start to Come Off Sidelines Even as Rates, Prices Stay Stuck”).
Even those who initially hoped for a more favorable market, like Pete and Taylor Thomason, who experienced a purchase fall-through and then rented, are recognizing the limitations of waiting for elusive rate drops. As Pete acknowledged, “Then it’s like, OK, we probably ought to not wait on that,” (Friedman, N., 2025, March 29, The Wall Street Journal, “Home Buyers Start to Come Off Sidelines Even as Rates, Prices Stay Stuck”).
So, what’s the takeaway for us as industry professionals? It reinforces the idea that fundamental life changes will always drive housing demand. While market conditions certainly influence the pace and specifics, people’s need for shelter and their personal circumstances ultimately take precedence.
Did you know that inventory levels are varying significantly across the country? Buyers in the Southeast and Southwest are generally finding more options and thus potentially more negotiating leverage compared to those in the Northeast and Midwest, where supply remains tighter (Friedman, N., 2025, March 29, The Wall Street Journal, “Home Buyers Start to Come Off Sidelines Even as Rates, Prices Stay Stuck”). This regional dynamic is crucial for us to keep in mind when advising our clients.
Ultimately, as Jennifer Newcomer, a more recent buyer in the Philadelphia suburbs, wisely stated:
“You can’t pause your life for what rates are going to do,”
(Friedman, N., 2025, March 29, The Wall Street Journal, “Home Buyers Start to Come Off Sidelines Even as Rates, Prices Stay Stuck”). This sentiment is particularly relevant for those in established stages of life who have specific housing needs or long-term plans.
It’s a nuanced market out there, but the renewed activity we’re seeing suggests a degree of resilience and adaptation among buyers. What are your observations from the field? I’d be interested to hear your perspectives.
Source: Friedman, N. (2025, March 29). Home Buyers Start to Come Off Sidelines Even as Rates, Prices Stay Stuck. The Wall Street Journal.
We all know that when it comes to real estate, it’s all about location, location, location.
National headlines can paint a broad picture, but the truth is, housing trends are incredibly local and regional. Recent insights from The Wall Street Journal articles, “Are Home Values About To Fall? ” (March 3, 2025) and “Selling Your House This Spring? You Might Need to Cut the Price” (March 29, 2025), highlighted this national divergence, showing how inventory and seller leverage are shifting unevenly across the US.
According to the Journal, national housing inventory is still below pre-pandemic levels as homeowners with those coveted low mortgage rates hesitate to sell. However, some states, particularly in the South like Texas and Florida, are seeing a surge in supply, partly due to new construction hitting the market at a time when buyer demand is somewhat tempered by higher mortgage rates. This oversupply in certain areas could lead to price adjustments.
Conversely, the WSJ also pointed out that parts of the Northeast and Midwest are still grappling with a severe shortage of homes for sale, potentially keeping prices firm in those regions. This uneven recovery underscores the hyper-local nature of real estate.
But let’s zoom in on our own Golden State. Did you know that even within California, the housing market isn’t one single entity? According to data from Altos Research, Californiaas a whole is currently sitting on a Market Action Index (MAI) of 42. This suggests a slight seller’s advantage, meaning there are still more buyers than available homes, giving sellers a bit of an edge.
However, dig a little deeper, and you’ll see a fascinatingly nuanced picture. For instance, here in Orange County, the Market Action Index jumps to a strong 50. This indicates a solid seller’s market, where demand significantly outweighs supply, likely leading to quicker sales and potentially higher prices – a trend that might buck the potential price softening the Journal mentioned in oversupplied national markets.
Now, let’s head north to Alameda County. The Altos Research data reveals an even stronger seller’s market there, with a Market Action Index of 56! This suggests even fiercer competition among buyers and greater leverage for those putting their homes on the market, further emphasizing the regional variations within California that the national WSJ articles allude to on a state-by-state basis.
So, what does this tell us?
While national trends offer valuable context, as highlighted by the Wall Street Journal‘s analysis of differing state-level recoveries, understanding the hyper-local dynamics is crucial. The factors driving the slight seller’s advantage across California might be very different from what’s creating a strong seller’s market in Orange County or an even more robust one in Alameda County. Inventory levels, buyer demand (which the Journal noted is fragile nationally), local economic conditions, and even the lingering effects of those low pandemic mortgage rates all play a role in shaping these distinct regional markets.
Just as the Wall Street Journal pointed out the contrasting inventory situations between states, we see a similar story unfolding within California itself, as evidenced by the differing Market Action Indices. What might be true for the state overall doesn’t necessarily reflect the realities on the ground in your specific city or even your neighborhood.
So, the next time you hear about national real estate trends, remember that the picture is far more intricate.
Here in California, and across the country, the housing market is a mosaic of local stories, each with its own unique dynamics. Keeping an eye on these regional and even hyper-local indicators, like the Market Action Index from Altos Research, in conjunction with the broader national trends discussed in The Wall Street Journal, is key to truly understanding what’s happening in your own backyard.
You know that feeling, right? You’re in the thick of it – whatever “it” is for you right now. Maybe it’s a tough project at work, a challenging personal goal, a difficult family situation, or even just a really rough patch in your training. It feels endless. Brutal. You’re tired, maybe even in pain, and that little voice in your head starts screaming, “This will never end. I can’t do this. I need to quit.”
Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. Staring down something that feels absolutely insurmountable.
But here’s the truth, and this is a sentiment powerfully echoed by Spartan founder Joe De Sena:
Nothing stays hard forever.
Think about it. That stress at work? It will eventually ease. That difficult conversation you’re dreading? It will happen, and then it will be over. That feeling of being completely overwhelmed? It doesn’t last. Life has its ebbs and flows, and those tough times, those storms, always pass.
You know that image, right? The one of the person digging through a tunnel, just inches away from breaking through to the light, and they give up? Joe De Sena often talks about this – that’s where so many of us falter. Right there, on the verge of a breakthrough.
Trust me, I’ve been that person in different ways throughout my life. We all have those moments where we feel like we’ve hit our limit. And speaking from personal experience, having crossed the finish line of eight Spartan races myself – including the grueling Beast – I can tell you firsthand that those moments of wanting to quit are real, and they are intense.
I remember during one particularly brutal stretch of the Beast, slogging through mud, muscles screaming, the next obstacle feeling miles away, that voice was practically a roar. But what got me through, what gets any of us through those seemingly impossible challenges, is the understanding that those moments don’t last.
I remember when I first started pushing my physical boundaries. Every new distance felt impossible. But what I learned was the power of just focusing on the next small step. Instead of dwelling on the miles ahead, I’d tell myself, “Just make it to that next lamppost. That’s the goal.” And then the next. And the next. This idea of breaking down the impossible into manageable chunks is something Joe De Sena champions – focusing on the immediate effort rather than being overwhelmed by the enormity of the task.
And what I discovered was that those “finish lines” I kept creating for myself? They were arbitrary. My actual capacity was always greater than what I initially believed. As Joe often says, we are capable of so much more than we think. Those eight Spartan races, each one a testament to pushing beyond perceived limits, have solidified that truth for me.
Here’s something I’ve come to understand, a principle that resonates deeply with Joe De Sena’s philosophy:
Wherever you mentally draw the line is often where you’ll stop.
And this brings me to something I’ve been thinking about lately, something a lot of us grapple with: what happens after you conquer a big challenge? You pour everything into reaching a major goal – maybe it’s finishing a marathon, launching a business, or overcoming a significant personal hurdle. You cross that finish line, and there’s this incredible sense of accomplishment. But then… what?
Sometimes, that feeling of triumph can be followed by a bit of a letdown. The intense focus and drive that propelled you forward can suddenly feel… absent. It’s like you’ve emptied the tank, and the idea of filling it up again for something new feels daunting. You might find yourself struggling to regain momentum, wondering how to transition that energy into the next big thing.
This is a question I see echoed in the spirit of Joe De Sena’s “You Ask, Joe Answers” – how do you keep pushing, keep striving, after achieving something significant? The key, I’ve learned, and this aligns with Joe’s direct and action-oriented advice, isn’t to wait for some grand wave of motivation to wash over you. That feeling might not come right away. Instead, it’s about taking that initial, sometimes uncomfortable, step. Think of it like this: you’ve just completed a long, hard climb. You might be tired, but the view from the top is amazing. To see the next vista, you don’t need to immediately sprint up another mountain.
You just need to start walking in that direction.
Pick one small action, something manageable, that nudges you towards your next goal. It doesn’t have to be monumental. It could be a phone call, some research, a single workout.
The act of starting, even in a small way, creates its own momentum.
It reminds your mind and body that you’re still in motion, still capable. As Joe De Sena often says, “Just start.” Don’t overthink it, just initiate.
So, if there’s one thing I want you to take away from this today, inspired by the relentless spirit of Joe De Sena and my own experiences on the Spartan racecourse:
Tell yourself the story you need to hear to keep going. The struggle will end. Sometimes, you need to give yourself a little mental nudge, a little lie even, to push through that immediate discomfort. Focus on the eventual relief, the feeling of accomplishment.
Embrace the tough parts. Yes, they suck while you’re in them. They’re the parts we naturally want to avoid. But here’s the secret, a core tenet of the Spartan mindset: those hard times? They’re where the real growth happens. They forge resilience and reveal strength you didn’t know you had. Trust me, I’ve seen it firsthand, both in myself and in countless others on those grueling courses.
Believe in your deeper strength. We are all far more capable than we often give ourselves credit for. You have reserves of strength, both mental and physical, that you can tap into when things get tough. And when you reach a big goal, don’t let that be the end of the story. Use that accomplishment as fuel to ignite the next chapter, one intentional step at a time – a philosophy championed by Joe De Sena himself, and one I’ve lived through, mud, sweat, and burpees included.
So, what’s that one hard thing you’re facing right now? What’s that next small step you can take, even if you don’t feel fully “ready”? Remember, you’ve got this.
Here’s to embracing the challenges, because that’s where we truly discover what we’re made of, and here’s to finding that next path forward, one intentional step at a time – a lesson I’ve learned time and again, not just from Joe De Sena, but from the grit and camaraderie of the Spartan race community.
Hey everyone! I recently dove into one of the newsletters from James Clear, the author of the bestselling book “Atomic Habits” and creator of the popular 3-2-1 email. For those unfamiliar, Clear is known for his practical and insightful writing on habits, productivity, and personal growth. His 3-2-1 format delivers three ideas from him, two quotes from others, and one thought-provoking question each week.
After reading and reflecting on his latest installment (you can find the original here: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/march-27-2025), a few key takeaways really stuck with me:
3 Ideas That Resonated Deeply
Clear’s own ideas this time were particularly impactful:
Reclaiming Our Mental Energy: He wisely pointed out, “Take all the energy you spend on… worrying about the past, worrying about the future, worrying about what others think, worrying about if you might fail… and channel that energy into one useful action within your control.” It’s such a simple yet powerful concept. How often do we get bogged down in anxieties that lead nowhere? This is a great reminder to redirect that precious mental fuel towards something constructive.
The Hidden Lessons in Failure: Clear also highlighted that “Stories of failure resonate more than stories of success. Few people reach the top, but everyone has failed—including those who eventually succeed. If you’re teaching people how to succeed in a given field (or talking about your own success), start with how you failed.” This resonated because it normalizes setbacks and emphasizes the learning that comes from them. We often learn more from our mistakes than our victories.
The Power of What We Avoid: This idea offered a fresh perspective: “Success is largely the failures you avoid. Health is the injuries you don’t sustain. Wealth is the purchases you don’t make. Happiness is the objects you don’t desire. Peace of mind is the arguments you don’t engage. Avoid the bad to protect the good.” It’s a subtle but profound shift in thinking – sometimes progress isn’t about what we actively pursue, but what we consciously choose to steer clear of.
2 Quotes That Gave Me Food for Thought
The quotes Clear shared from others were equally insightful:
Finding Value in Stillness: Banker and archaeologist John Lubbock wisely said, “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time” (Source: The Use of Life). In our busy lives, this is a crucial reminder that downtime isn’t a luxury, but a necessity for our well-being and creativity.
The Unconditional Love of Parenthood: English teacher Elizabeth Stone beautifully captured the transformative nature of having children: “It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body” (Source: A Boy I Once Knew). As a parent, this quote struck a deep chord, perfectly articulating the unique vulnerability and boundless love that comes with raising a child.
1 Question That Prompted Self-Reflection
Finally, Clear posed a thought-provoking question: “Who do you secretly envy—and what does that reveal about what you truly value?” This is the kind of question that makes you pause and really examine your inner desires and priorities. Our envy can often be a compass pointing towards what we genuinely care about.
Overall, this latest 3-2-1 from James Clear offered valuable insights on managing our mental energy, embracing failure, understanding success through avoidance, the importance of rest, the profound impact of parenthood, and the lessons hidden within our envy. It’s definitely a newsletter worth checking out if you’re interested in personal growth and thoughtful reflection!
