James Clear, best known for his game-changing book Atomic Habits, is a thought leader in the world of behavior change and personal development. His work has not only garnered a massive following but has also significantly shaped the landscape of productivity and habit formation. His expertise has helped millions of people by providing actionable insights into making small but meaningful changes that lead to lasting success. This week, Barett talks with James about his creative process and the rigorous editing that finalized his groundbreaking book. James opens up about his values, such as maintaining high standards and preparing for life-altering results without entitlement. They discuss the personal shift that took place after James became a father, and the subsequent re-evaluation of his work-life priorities. James also shares his framework for balancing past, present, and future mindsets, and his methodology for continuously generating high-quality content. Barrett and James also explore the pursuit of excellence, understanding the role of luck and preparation, and the profound impact of life partnerships on creativity and growth. In this episode: [02:06] - The genesis of the 3-2-1 newsletter format [04:30] - James Clear on personal stories and audience connection [20:38] - Parenting insights: passing down mindsets and beliefs [32:49] - The creative process and striving for excellence [38:59] - Setting ambitious goals for book sales [40:13] - The power of strategic promotion and audience engagement [42:59] - The journey from entrepreneur to bestselling author [44:04] - Leveraging opportunities and learning from others [47:24] - The transition from entrepreneur to writer [01:02:59] - Navigating success and the impact of parenthood [01:14:41] - Choosing the right life partner for personal and professional growth [01:18:52] - Exploring self-interest, time, money, and love [01:20:05] - The power of love in work and life [01:21:13] - Creative inputs and outputs: sharing the byproducts of your workflow [01:22:31] - The transformative power of reading [01:27:15] - The evolution of reading habits and their impact [01:32:38] - Navigating life choices and embracing generosity [01:38:18] - The interconnected web of creative outputs [01:41:10] - Envisioning an unbearably beautiful future [01:47:50] - Reflecting on personal growth and future aspirations Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. Connect with James  JamesClear.com Atomic Habits The 3-2-1 Newsletter James on Twitter James on Instagram Connect with Barrett GoodWorkShow.com BarrettBrooks.com Twitter Instagram Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube