3-2-1 On being busy vs being productive, deciding what to do, and agonizing over reversible decisions

I’ve been an admirer of James Clear’s writing and observational skills. This series is directly inspired by James Clear’s weekly 3-2-1 Thursday newsletter.

I do not yet have a fixed schedule, I will share whenever I gather enough content.

3 Ideas from me: #

I. #

Being busy is not necessarily being productive. We often mistake busyness for productivity and reward the busiest instead of the most effective.

II. #

When deciding if I should do something, I try to fit the activity in question into one of the three categories :

1. Activities that are fun or promote personal growth
2. The people with whom I perform the activities are fun or promote personal growth
3. Activities that I have to perform out of necessity, like doing one’s taxes If it fits into all of the them, I know I hit the jackpot; if it fits into two, that’s still pretty good; if it fits into one, it is situational; if it fits into none, I just say no.

III. #

Very few decisions we make in life are actually irreversible. Yet, we often spend countless needless hours agonizing over decisions as if they are irreversible.

2 quotes from others: #

I. #

Author Morgan Housel on spending money:

There are two ways to use money. One is as a tool to live a better life. The other is as a yardstick of status to measure yourself against others. Many people aspire for the former but get caught up chasing the latter.

II. #

Author Adam Grant on talent and opportunity:

Talent is evenly distributed, opportunities are not.

1 question for you: #

I. #

What’s the single proudest thing you’ve done with money?