10 ways to become extraordinary

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In a world that wants you to be average, here are ten powerful, actionable ideas from award winning author James Clear on becoming extraordinary.

Today at a Glance:

Quotes: 10 ways to become extraordinary

#1: Make good decisions

It's hard to save poor early decisions with good late decisions.

It's hard to write a best-selling book if you chose an unpopular topic.
It's hard to build a happy marriage if you married an unhappy person.
It's hard to make money in real estate if you overpaid at the beginning.

Certainly, things can be improved by making good decisions along the way, but the effects of poor early decisions tend to linger.

#2: A filter for better decision making

One filter I use for making decisions: How much can I influence the outcome after the initial choice is made?

When I can do a lot to influence the outcome, I'm less worried about risk. Even if the choice appears risky on the surface, I can likely create a good outcome with effort.

When I can't do much to influence the outcome, I'm more risk averse. Even my best effort won't move the needle. Your ability to influence the outcome after a decision is made is a crucial thing to consider.

#3: Don't compound your mistakes

You have to live with your mistakes, but you don't have to compound them.

To follow up an error with a foolish reaction is to lose twice. Given the reality of where you are right now, what is the best next action?

A wise response may not erase a dumb mistake, but it can redeem it.

#4: The way to live a full life is to act quickly

Particularly as you grow older, it's alarmingly easy to let a year or two (or five) slip by without doing the big things you always felt like doing. You get into a rhythm—not necessarily one you love, but one you become comfortable repeating—and the grooves of your daily routine become deeper and more established.

Speed is perpetually undervalued. That doesn't mean you should feel frantic or rushed. In fact, it's likely you should eliminate some of the things that make you feel so busy to make space for things you always wanted to do. But it definitely means you should stop letting the days drift by waiting for the moment to be right.

Stop acting like there is infinite time. This—the way you are living right now—is your one life.

#5: Don't wait for the perfect start

It’s easier to optimize a modest start than to begin with a perfect start. Starting is the hard part, so start small and get in the mix. You’ll learn a lot and you’ll realize you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin.

A wise response may not erase a dumb mistake, but it can redeem it.

#6: A simple recipe for finding opportunities

Be pleasant

Ask questions

Engage daily

It’s hard for a warm and pleasant person who is asking a lot of questions and engaging in their industry daily to not come across interesting opportunities.

#7: Three ways to learn something new

Reflect on what you have already tried.

Attempt something you have not tried.

Read about what someone else has tried.

#8: The most efficient way to buy back time

The obvious way to buy back your time is to pay someone to do something for you. Pay the mechanic to change your oil or a dry cleaner to press your suit.

The less obvious way to buy back your time is to say no. Passing on a promotion might "buy" you more time with family. Declining the dinner invite might "pay" for the time you need to exercise. We buy back our time not only with the money we spend, but also with the opportunities we decline.

The more clearly you know how you want to spend your days, the easier it becomes to say no to the requests that steal your hours.

#9: Meaningful progress takes time

The visible progress you’re hoping for usually comes slower than you’d like. Even with consistent effort it can take a long time before progress feels significant. It might be a year of writing and editing before the book really starts to come together. You may need two years of recovery from a major injury before you notice just how far you’ve come. It may take two years of yoga before you realize how flexible you have become.

Take a deep breath, stop worrying about immediate results, and settle into a nice routine.

#10: Fear unadressed problems

There is no need to fear any problem you are working on. If you are working on it, then you are influencing the outcome.

It’s the problems you don’t address that should concern you.

If this helped you today, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a friend who could benefit from it too!