3 IDEAS FROM ME
I.
“Your response to a challenge defines you more than the challenge itself.”
II.
“Compete against yourself.
When you look outside — your rivals, your industry, your luck — there is always something to blame.
When you look inside — your process, your effort, your rate of learning — there is always something to improve.
Average looks out. Elite looks in.”
III.
“A lovely blend: Always reaching. Already enough.”
2 QUOTES FROM OTHERS
I.
Mike Deegan, head coach of the Denison University baseball team, on what it takes to be successful:
“Show up every day. Work hard. Do it with joy. Care more about others than we do ourselves.”
Source: The Denisonian (April 22, 2026), paraphrased
II.
Movie critic and writer Roger Ebert on life and happiness:
“I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do…
We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn’t always know this, and am happy I lived long enough to find it out.”
Source: Go Gentle Into That Good Night (May 2, 2009)
1 QUESTION FOR YOU
Did you win the day?
Until next week,
James Clear
Author of Atomic Habits
Cofounder of Authors Equity
p.s. Excellent point.
