3-2-1: On revenge, three principles to live by, and the power of commitment

[James Clear]

​ “The most wisdom per word of any newsletter on the web.” ​ 3-2-1: On revenge, three principles to live by, and the power of commitment read on ​JAMESCLEAR.COM | MAY 28, 2026 Happy 3-2-1 Thursday! Here are 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to consider this week... ​ ​ 3 Ideas From Me This week, here are three principles I try to live by: ​ I. "I'm adaptable. I don't need the day to go perfectly to make it a good one." ​II. "It's not my job to tell myself no. The world will offer plenty of obstacles. I don't need to add to them. My mind is my friend. I am my own biggest believer." III. "I try to live to a standard, not the circumstances of the day. Some days it is easy. Some days it is hard. But I do it either way because that's who I want to be, not because it is always easy to do." ​ ​ 2 Quotes From Others I. Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius on taking the high road: "The best revenge is not to be like that." Source: Meditations​​ ​II. Scottish mountaineer and writer W. H. Murray on the power of commitment and getting started: "Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." Source: The Scottish Himalayan Expedition ​ ​ 1 Question For You Who is the best example you know of living with a good attitude and how can you embody that energy today? Want to share this issue of 3-2-1? Just copy and paste this link: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/May-28-2026 ​ Until next week, James Clear ​​ ​Author of Atomic Habits​ Cofounder of Authors Equity​ ​ p.s. We're off to see the wizard.​​ 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. ​ Click here to learn more Get my popular MasterClass ​My class on building better habits has been one of the top five most popular classes on MasterClass since its release. In a few short video lessons, I share simple ways to make habits easier. Click here to learn more 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: ​ 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​ ​ international bestseller ​The Cafe on the Edge of the World​ A story about the meaning of life by John Strelecky ​Print . Audio . Ebook​ New release ​Incorruptible​ Why good companies go bad... and how great companies stay great by Eric Ries ​Print . Audio . Ebook​ ​ Follow me on social: ​​​ About this newsletter: You are receiving this email because you subscribed to my weekly 3-2-1 newsletter. Every Thursday, I share 3 ideas from me, 2 quotes from others, and 1 question for you to ponder. Occasionally, I send out longer content on habits and self-improvement. Update your subscription preferences: Unsubscribe from the 3-2-1 newsletter, unsubscribe from all emails (including future book announcements), or manage your subscriber profile. Atomic Habits customers: Click here to learn how to redeem your purchase for free bonuses. This will also remove you from any promotional emails for the book. 2935 E Main St. Unit #9361, Columbus, OH 43209 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​