James Clear

Principles are our summary of their public statements.

• Engineer Your Own Luck

  Mindset

  Success comes from actively networking and preparing for opportunities long before they appear, rather than waiting to be discovered.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Scott Dinsmore, 2015  (opens in a new tab)

• Audit Your Actions Annually

  Strategy

  A founder should regularly ask if their daily choices are building toward their long-term mission and desired life.

  Supporting quotes

  • “This year, I made big strides toward becoming more process-oriented and focusing on the system rather than the goal.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Iterate Based on Popular Feedback

  Marketing

  When a small addition to a product or content receives positive feedback, increase its frequency and prominence.

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Fear Vs Ambition, 2015  (opens in a new tab)

• Build a Searchable Second Brain

  Productivity

  Store highlights and notes in a digital, searchable format like Evernote to ensure ideas can be retrieved exactly when they are needed.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Reading Comprehension Strategies, 2018  (opens in a new tab)

• Focus on the Circle of Control

  Strategy

  A person should ignore things they cannot influence, like global news or gossip, and spend energy on things they can change, like their business or art.

  Supporting quotes

  • “If something isn't benefitting you, then eliminate it.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Seek Information with Purpose

  Learning

  High-quality information should be sought out intentionally to spark creativity or action, rather than being stumbled upon passively.

  Supporting quotes

  • “If something isn't benefitting you, then eliminate it.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Invest in Ease

  Productivity

  Spend money or resources early on to remove barriers, making it easier to establish a habit before taking on the full workload.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Start Eating Healthy, 2013  (opens in a new tab)

• The two way street of performance

  Productivity

  Mindset influences performance, but physical actions and displayed abilities also reinforce and create a positive mindset.

  Supporting quotes

  • “A confident and positive mindset can be both the cause of your actions and the result of them. The link between physical performance and mental attitude is a two-way street.”

    “if you find yourself overcome with fear, self-doubt, or uncertainty, then let your behavior drive your beliefs. Play as if you're at your best.”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

• Adapt to new information

  Learning

  Actively work to prevent your brain from altering new information to fit old, outdated cultural or personal expectations.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Schemas, 2013  (opens in a new tab)

• Keep Your Eyes on Your Paper

  Mindset

  Ignore external expectations and comparisons to others, as you cannot control their tastes or preferences.

  Supporting quotes

  • “The key is to not let your self-judgment keep you from doing your thing. Professionals produce , even when it isn't easy.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Reframe Failure as Feedback

  Resilience

  View setbacks as an indication to continue developing skills rather than a sign of innate inability.

  Supporting quotes

  • “it's not the results that set them apart, it's the dedication to daily practice.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Seek Evidence for Positivity

  Mindset

  Recognize that since multiple interpretations of reality are true, one should actively look for evidence that supports a productive mindset.

  Supporting quotes

  • “The key point is that both versions of reality are true. You have to do those things, and you also get to do them. We can find evidence for whatever mind-set we choose.”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.