James Clear – Episode 4 – The Catalyst Sessions

“The ability to start can separate you from 99% of people… when most people choose to sit and wait around. Most people let the uncertainty hold them back. The successful people choose to get started anyway.” – James Clear

I recently had a conversation with James Clear. He writes at www.jamesclear.com, where he shares ideas for using behavior science to improve your performance, increase your creativity, and do better work. James is a master at building better habits and living a healthy and meaningful lifestyle. For fresh ideas on how to master your habits — both mentally and physically — I really believe he’s one of the best writers and thought leaders out there now. He’s a former college athlete, entrepreneur, weightlifter and an avid photographer as well. What doesn’t he do?

You can go right to the audio of our conversation by clicking here – My interview with James.

What I love about James is his ability to break down what often times is lost in theory into a practical application that we all can understand and apply.

In this conversation, James tells a story of Richard Branson and how he started Virgin Airlines (around the 19 minute mark). The long and short of it is that he was on his way to the Virgin Islands and his flight was canceled. Instead of waiting around, he decided to charter a plane and then sold tickets to the other stranded passengers for something like $29 a person. As James points out, Branson does what most people aren’t willing to do – to start. He points out that one of key differences between many successful and non-successful people is this simple adage – the willingness to start, even if you may not be ready.

Some of the other things we touch on are:

• Shifting your perspective on goal-setting and forming identify-based habits
• Holding youself to a schedule
• Going pro, rather than just being an amateur at something
• Being willing to fail – overcoming adversity when things get hard
• Power of Positive thinking
• Holding yourself to a schedule
• Gaining clarity around what’s important to you (aka Figuring out your Why)
• Surrounding yourself with the right people

Definitely check out more about James at his site. I highly recommended subscribing to his blog as he provides tons of useful information on a weekly basis.

You can check out some of our other conversations with thought leaders and all around catalysts here.

Again, here is the link to my interview with James.

Please leave a comment and let us know what resonated with you from the talk.

All the best,

Jon