My top 10 tweets of the year A thread 👇

It doesn’t make sense to continue wanting something if you’re not willing to do what it takes to get it. If you don’t want to live the lifestyle, then release yourself from the desire. To crave the result but not the process, is to guarantee disappointment.

This idea is from today's edition of my 3-2-1 Thursday newsletter. Each one features⁠ 3 short ideas from me, 2 quotes from others⁠, and 1 question for you to ponder⁠. You can see more of today's newsletter (and sign up to get it in your inbox) at jamesclear.com/3-2-1

Motivation often increases after you begin. The lesson is not to wish you had more motivation, but to make starting as easy as possible.

The key is to enjoy hanging out on the edge. That is, you find it interesting to attempt things one step beyond where you are right now. It could be the edge of your ability or the edge of your knowledge or the edge of your network. If you reach — but just a little — and you do it every week, then you'll take on challenges that are manageable enough that you win most of the time, but meaningful enough that you improve as well.

When you're on the field, play as if nothing else matters. When you're off the field, remember that the game doesn't matter at all.

A Monday morning question for you: What is a small pleasure that brings you great joy? Can you enjoy it today?

The world seems to be accustomed to delaying gratification less and less, which means the rewards of delaying gratification grow more and more.

This idea is from today's edition of my 3-2-1 Thursday newsletter. Each one features⁠ 3 short ideas from me, 2 quotes from others⁠, and 1 question for you to ponder⁠. You can see more of today's newsletter (and sign up to get it in your inbox) at jamesclear.com/3-2-1

Something I try to remind myself: - The strong mind finds a way to stay steady ... even when plans fall apart. - The strong body finds a way to train ... even when the day doesn’t go your way. - The strong relationship finds a way to reconnect ... even when things get rough. In a sense, what matters most is how you respond on the bad days, not the good ones. - Anyone can smile when life goes smoothly. - Anyone can train when they feel great. - Anyone can be kind when the relationship is easy. It's how you act when the situation isn't optimal that makes the difference.

My personal rule is that it's a good idea to be patient as long as I'm in the mix. If I'm taking action, putting in my reps, and trying things out, then I should remain patient and see what opportunities arise. But if I'm not taking action consistently, then I'm not practicing patience. I'm just waiting.

Early feedback is usually better than late criticism. Delaying the conversation or stringing someone along with indirect feedback won't make them feel better once the real issue is finally addressed. Nobody likes being turned down, but everyone appreciates clarity.

A Monday morning question for you: What is one change you can make to your environment that promotes mental peace and reduces stress?

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

This idea is from today's edition of my 3-2-1 Thursday newsletter. Each one features⁠ 3 short ideas from me, 2 quotes from others⁠, and 1 question for you to ponder⁠. You can see more of today's newsletter (and sign up to get it in your inbox) at jamesclear.com/3-2-1

Each day, spend some time on two things: 1. working toward something that will pay off years from now 2. appreciating something that is happening right now

Do things for your own satisfaction. Consider praise from others to be a bonus. If you don't work for their validation in the first place, you won’t need it to feel satisfied once it’s done.

A Monday morning question for you: Which activities are the best expression of you? Can you spend five minutes doing one of them today?

Habits that have a high rate of return in life: - sleeping 8+ hours each day - lifting weights 3x week - going for a walk each day - saving at least 10 percent of your income - reading every day - drinking more water and less of everything else - leaving your phone in another room while you work

This idea is from today's edition of my 3-2-1 Thursday newsletter. Each one features⁠ 3 short ideas from me, 2 quotes from others⁠, and 1 question for you to ponder⁠. You can see more of today's newsletter (and sign up to get it in your inbox) at jamesclear.com/3-2-1

Your thoughts and actions belong to you just like your possessions. Every so often, it helps to declutter—donate old clothes or clear out a crowded shelf. Maybe it's time to let go of some unhelpful thoughts or outdated actions too?