Case Study: James Clear
Hello readers and fellow Praxians! I have spent some time over the past few days looking into the career of James Clear. This article will include an overview of his career and interests, some of my favorite content of his, and key takeaways and quotes.
Overview -
James Clear has built an impressive portfolio of writing and has found considerable success doing so. His book Atomic Habits has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has spent 200+ weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. The book relays the significance of how small steps can lead to larger successes and the power of good habits. Additionally, James Clear is the author of the popular newsletter 3-2-1, which has over 3 million email subscribers. The newsletter format is 3 short ideas from James Clear, 2 quotes from others, and 1 question for the reader to ponder. His work has been featured in several notable places such as Time magazine, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.
Despite always having a talent for writing, in 2008 James Clear attended Denison University and received a degree in Biomechanics. Furthermore, he was an athlete and weightlifter while in college. Primarily playing baseball, James Clear was a pitcher at Denison University and was named to the ESPN Academic All-America team. Later in 2012, he officially started writing and created his website as a place to share his work.
To Read -
Creativity Is a Process, Not an Event - In this article James Clear argues that creativity is a skill to be nurtured rather than something you are born with. He discusses how having a growth mindset rather than a fixed one can help a person improve their skills and think more creatively. Additionally, he goes into some strategies that can aid you in thinking more creatively, such as putting constraints on yourself or broadening your knowledge.
Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds - This article explores the question of why human beings want to cling to their beliefs even when the facts suggest they are incorrect. He suggests an evolutionary explanation and a need to belong to a tribe to feel safe as a reason for maintaining these beliefs. The article also explains how rather than an argument, becoming friends with someone is a much more effective way to change their mind. This can provide them with a new tribe and give them the opportunity to consider new ideas with less risk.
The Proven Path to Doing Unique and Meaningful Work - An emphasis in this article is how consistency is required for mastery and explores some ideas surrounding that. Adding to that, it explains how much of learning doesn’t come from doing something the first time but rather the reworking of it. Constantly updating and editing your ideas is where most of the value comes from.
Key Takeaways -
Get started and don’t stop - When it comes to something new or unknown getting started can be one of the hardest parts. There are many reasons why people fear stepping out of their comfort zone. However, outside of your comfort zone is where all of a person’s growth and learning happens. Once something new is started the only way to master it is through consistency. Having continual forward momentum and constantly reworking ideas is what will turn your work from novice to expert.
Let yourself fail - Failure can be a terrifying thing but letting yourself get comfortable with it can be one of the most useful tools. The more you let your views and opinions be challenged the closer you can get to the truth. By seeking out opposing viewpoints you can expand your own knowledge and have more information to base your opinions on. However, this can only happen if you engage in a conversation with the goal of finding the truth over proving yourself correct. Being willing to fail can also make you more confident in your skill. Someone who has been challenged or criticized and has learned from the experience will have better developed skills than a person who is defensive towards critiques.
Memorable Quotes -
“Opportunities are grains of sand. They slide right past drooping fingers, but an active palm can gather whatever is within reach and shape it into a little castle. It is the act of engaging with the material that gives it shape” (3-2-1 newsletter)
“Dreams are fun when they are distant. The imagination loves to play with possibilities when there is no risk of failure” (3-2-1 newsletter)
“Inspiration comes on the twenty-fifth attempt, not the first. If you want to make something excellent, don’t wait for a brilliant idea to strike” (3-2-1 newsletter)
Thank you for reading!
- Chavilah Stowers
