Ever feel like you’re waiting for the “perfect” moment to start something new? Or maybe you’re holding back on asking for what you truly want because it feels a little too audacious? These are feelings we can all relate to. This week, I came across some powerful insights from James Clear’s “3-2-1” newsletter that really resonated with me, and I wanted to share them with you.
Finding Your Best “How”
We often get stuck on finding the one “right” way to do something. But as Clear points out, there’s usually more than one path to success. He suggests a straightforward yet brilliant exercise:
“There is always more than one way to do something. Write down as many ways as you can think of to achieve your desired outcome. Then, rank them based on how much time they take, how much money they cost, and how effective you expect them to be. Choose the best.”
This is such a practical way to break out of analysis paralysis. Instead of getting hung up on a single method, we can map out our options and make an informed choice. It’s about being intentional and strategic in our approach.
The Courage to Make “Unreasonable” Requests
This idea really hit home. We often limit ourselves by what we think is “reasonable” to ask for. But as former lawyer and professional poker player Cate Hall says:
“Ask for things. Ask for things that feel unreasonable, to make sure your intuitions about what’s reasonable are accurate (of course, try not to be a jerk in the process). If you’re only asking for things you get, you’re not aiming high enough.”
This is a powerful reminder that our perception of what’s possible can be skewed. By pushing the boundaries of what we ask for, we not only open up new opportunities but also recalibrate our own sense of what we can achieve.
The Fierce Urgency of Now
Clear also touches on the critical element of timing. It’s easy to put things off, telling ourselves we’ll be ready “later.” But as he wisely notes:
“Today might be the best chance you have to take action. The longer you wait, the more deeply embedded you get in your current lifestyle. Your habits solidify. Your beliefs harden. You get comfortable. It will never be easy, but it may also never be easier than it is right now.”
This sense of urgency also applies to our conversations. The concluding question from the newsletter is a profound one:
“What do we need to be talking about now, so we can learn the lessons before we need them?”
By addressing potential issues proactively, we can prevent problems before they arise. It’s about having the courage to have the important conversations now, rather than waiting until we’re in defense mode.
In a world that can often feel cynical, these ideas are a call to action. They encourage us to be proactive, to be brave, and to believe in the value of our efforts. As the musician Nick Cave puts it, hopefulness is a “warrior emotion that can lay waste to cynicism.” It’s in the small, deliberate actions—the thoughtful planning, the bold requests, the timely conversations—that we build a more hopeful and successful future for ourselves.
This blog post was inspired by and adapted from the June 5, 2025 issue of James Clear’s “3-2-1” newsletter. You can read the original content and subscribe at jamesclear.com.
