A Simple Equation for Success

Thank you, James Clear, for this week’s inspiration!

He posted this in October, actually, and it’s an equation that Brandon Webb shared with him. I liked it so much, I want to share it with you.

This equation also reminds me of what I recently read in Nicholas Thompson’s The Running Ground. Here’s my reflection: the equation “failure + reflection + another rep = competence” in Thompson’s context captures his core philosophy on growth—both as a runner and as a person.

There were inevitable moments of failure (pain, setback, or imperfection) encountered on the journey. His reflections foster awareness and learning from those experiences, tuning into what the body, mind, and spirit reveal. “Another rep” in his context signifies the persistent, disciplined act of continuing despite doubt, exhaustion, or hardship. Through this cycle, competence arises—not as instant mastery, but as steady, accumulated resilience, wisdom, and self-trust.

In Thompson’s story, this formula applies to running, parenting, professional life, and healing. It shows that progress is born from embracing struggle thoughtfully and consistently.