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3-2-1: The simple path to wealth, how time works, and things that hold talented people back

Happy 3-2-1 Thursday!

First, a powerful book recommendation. Today I'm excited to share a book which was recently expanded and updated and just crossed over 1 million copies sold:

​The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life by JL Collins.

This book is already being called one of the best personal finance books ever written. One reader said buying it was "one of the most important purchases I've made in my life."

In fact, if I could only recommend two finance books everyone should read, they would be The Simple Path to Wealth and The Psychology of Money.

The Simple Path to Wealth teaches an easy and proven way to build wealth. And best of all, the author realizes that of the many things money can buy, none is more valuable than freedom and owning your time to live as you choose.

If you enjoy the simplicity and insight of 3-2-1, then I think you'll love reading this book as well. Click here to learn more.

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And with that said, here are 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to consider this week...

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3 Ideas From Me

I.

"Your first task is to find what feels effortless to you.

Your second task is to put maximum effort into it."

​II.

A reminder from Atomic Habits:

"Time will multiply whatever you feed it.

Good habits make time your ally. Bad habits make time your enemy."

III.

"Things that keep talented people from fulfilling their potential:

• Trying to please everyone
• Imitating the desires of others
• Chasing status without questioning why
• Playing superhero and trying to do it all alone
• Dividing attention between too many projects

Which one is most likely to pull you in?"

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2 Quotes From Others

I.

Writer and investor Packy McCormick on momentum:

"When momentum is on your side, people focus on your strengths and forgive your weaknesses. When the momentum stops, they scrutinize the whole thing."

Source: Momentum, Consolidation, and Breakout​​​

​II.

Author Jeanette Winterson on going for it:

"I have noticed that doing the sensible thing is only a good idea when the decision is quite small. For the life-changing things, you must risk it."

Source: Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? ​

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1 Question For You

A question inspired by The Simple Path to Wealth:

Which expense in your life delivers the least happiness per dollar and which delivers the most happiness per dollar?

Want to share this issue of 3-2-1? Just copy and paste this link: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/may-22-2025

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Until next week,

James Clear ​​
​Author of Atomic Habits​
Cofounder of Authors Equity​

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p.s. A new rule for all graduation speeches. ​​

What else am I working on?