Zen Habits Podcast

There's a layer underneath doing and thinking that most people have very little awareness of, and so they can't do much about it if they're stuck.In this episode, Leo looks at the ways of being, and how it's probably the most important thing when it comes to changing our lives.Topics CoveredLeo's reflection on the of podcasting process, and how he’s learningThe collaborative effort behind the podcast, including the music composed by members of the Fearless Mastery program, contributions from Leo's son, Justin, and Amanda's work behind the scenesWays of being as a critical layer of our actions and decisionsThe layers of doing, thinking, and being, and how they influence our behaviorsThe importance of recognizing and working with the layer of being to address resistance, fear, and other emotions that hinder progressExpansive ways of being such as joy, love, curiosity, and compassionHow to practice working with the layer of being: noticing, sitting with it, and choosing a more desired way of beingThe Zen of being, emphasizing the practice of being present and relaxed in the momentUpdates on Leo's writing project, a book about his grandmother, and his next purpose project involving Zen sewingConnect with LeoZen HabitsYoutube channelX (Twitter) InstagramZen Habits Facebook GroupTiktok channelEmail [email protected] Fearless Living AcademyCreditsIntro music composition: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht DumareyEditor: Justin Cruz

We can create an empowered relationship to accountability, to create greater leadership in our lives.In this episode, Leo looks at how to create accountability that's effective, and shares examples of how he's used it in his life.Topics CoveredHow we have different relationships to accountability, ranging from disempowered to empoweredCoercing oneself to be disciplined can lead to issues when one falls off trackAccountability is simply accounting for whether a task was completed or not, without judgmentAccountability can be used to celebrate progress and learn from successes, as well as to get curious about failuresAccountability helps individuals take responsibility for their actions and make changesLeo’s experience with a 33-day fitness challenge and how accountability affects his motivationSuggestions for implementing accountability: find someone to be accountable to, set a consistent reporting schedule, and commit to specific, measurable actionsDealing with discouragement and getting back on track involves reaching out for support, choosing to recommit, and starting smallThe importance of forgiving oneself, letting go of negative emotions, and being compassionate to encourage progressConnect with LeoZen HabitsYoutube channelX (Twitter) InstagramZen Habits Facebook GroupTiktok channelEmail [email protected] Fearless Living AcademyCreditsIntro music composition: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht DumareyEditor: Justin Cruz

In everything we do, we can feel lit up and feel meaning ... or we can feel a sense of obligation, victimhood, discouragement. The difference is how we're relating to what we're doing — in an empowered or disempowered way.In this episode, Leo looks at how to create a new, empowered relationship to your purpose project.Topics CoveredThe concept of empowered versus disempowered relationships with one's projects and workEmpowered relationships involve feeling excited, lit up, and capable, while disempowered relationships are marked by fear, resistance, and self-doubtHow to examine their disempowered feelings and identify fears such as being judged, inadequate, or embarrassedExamples of empowering contexts, including play, service, leadership, art, love, compassion, wonder, adventure, and curiosity, to help shift the relationship with one's projectsHow to choose an empowering context and practice it consistentlyThe need for continuous practice and self-compassion when transitioning from a disempowered to an empowered relationshipHow Leo is applying an empowered relationship to his project — working on his grandmother's bookConnect with LeoZen HabitsYoutube channelX (Twitter) InstagramZen Habits Facebook GroupTiktok channelEmail [email protected] Fearless Living AcademyCreditsIntro music composition: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht DumareyEditor: Justin Cruz

Let's talk about how to take your purpose project and turn it into action with focus sessions ... and how to work with the resistance that comes up.In this episode, Leo looks at how to set up effective focus sessions, and how to embrace the resistance and fear that inevitably comes with meaningful work.Topics CoveredThe importance of "focus sessions" for our purpose projectsHow to set up effective focus sessions & accountabilityThe most common obstacles that block us during focus sessionsHow “passive resistance” worksHow to embrace the unknown and fear that comes with meaningful workThe importance of not trying to eliminate fear, but working with itConnect with LeoZen HabitsYoutube channelX (Twitter) InstagramZen Habits Facebook GroupTiktok channelEmail [email protected] Fearless Living AcademyCreditsIntro music composition: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht DumareyEditor: Justin Cruz

Take the inspiration & possibility we discussed in the last episode ... and merge it with commitment and structure to create an even more powerful approach.In this episode, Leo looks at how we can choose into structure & commitment from an inspired place.Topics CoveredThe importance of commitment and structure in pursuing meaningful projectsThe tendency to procrastinate and delay important tasks when lacking commitment and structureCommitment: setting clear goals and being unwavering in pursuing themVarious forms of structure — including setting specific timeframes, identifying when, where, and how the work will be done, and establishing consequences or accountability measuresWhy you should write down your commitments and share them with othersThe importance of practicing commitment and devotion in pursuing meaningful workConnect with LeoZen HabitsYoutube channelX (Twitter) InstagramZen Habits Facebook GroupTiktok channelEmail [email protected] Fearless Living AcademyCreditsIntro music composition: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht DumareyEditor: Justin Cruz

Taking on a meaningful project where you're facing resistance ... do you just force yourself because you feel like you should, or because you want to be disciplined?This works in the short term, but not the long term. We will give up eventually, and feel like we failed.In this episode, Leo looks at how to work from a more inspired place.Topics CoveredThe common approach of forcing oneself to work on a project without feeling motivatedMoving from coercion to inspiration for long-term meaningful projectsThe importance of generating internal inspiration rather than relying solely on external sourcesFinding your deeper reasons and inspiration for the projectHow to keep your vision and possibility front and center to combat resistanceContinuing to feel inspired and connected to the project's purposePracticing this process daily, even if it feels challenging at firstConnect with LeoZen HabitsYoutube channelX (Twitter) InstagramZen Habits Facebook GroupTiktok channelEmail [email protected] Fearless Living AcademyCreditsIntro music composition: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht DumareyEditor: Justin Cruz

How do we choose what to focus on?We can get caught up in indecision and overthinking things, and decision-making can be really difficult.In this season, Leo asks you to play along and focus on a project where you'll work with fear and resistance. But how do you choose a project?We'll take a look not only at how to choose a project, but how to choose anything. And how choosing from the heart (or gut) can be a powerful thing.Topics CoveredThe project Leo has chosen to work on in this season: his grandmother's bookSome ideas for projects you might choose for this seasonHow to deal with having multiple things you want to do — and how we get caught up in choosing the wrong thingHow we are choosing nothing when we don't chooseThe consequence of choosing multiple things at once, instead of one thingThe consequence of choosing one thing, but then doing it because you shouldThe real power of choosing something, devoting yourself and pouring your full heart into somethingThe distinction between choosing & decidingThe practice of choosing from the heartCalming your fearsLearning to let your heart have what it wants, and what happens when we do thatConnect with LeoZen HabitsYoutube channelX (Twitter) InstagramZen Habits Facebook GroupTiktok channelEmail [email protected] Fearless Living AcademyCreditsIntro music composition: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht DumareyEditor: Justin Cruz

What meaningful work do you want to do in the world?So many of us want to live our purpose. We have valuable gifts to offer. But fear and resistance keep us from taking action.And Season One of this podcast is about moving through the discomfort and finally tackling that important project you’ve been putting off.So, how can you play along and truly be a part of The Zen Habits Podcast?On this inaugural episode of the podcast, I describe how the meaning behind the title ‘Zen Habits’ has deepened since I started the blog of the same name 17 years ago.I explain why the first season of the podcast is focused on doing hard things that are meaningful to you and challenge you to play along by choosing a project to do as you listen over the next four months.Listen in for insight on how to get involved in the Zen Habits Podcast and learn how this show can support you in pursuing meaningful work—even when it scares you.Topics Covered• How the meaning behind Zen Habits has deepened since I started the blog 17 years ago• Why the first season of the podcast is focused on doing hard things that are meaningful to you• Some of the topics we’ll cover in Season One of the Zen Habits Podcast• Why I’m asking you to choose a project to do over the course of the next 4 months• How listeners can get involved by submitting questions, sharing your stories or participating in live coaching on the podcast• Sharing the podcast with others who want to do their own purposeful work in the world• The meaningful work I’m taking on as my project over the next 4 monthsConnect with LeoZen HabitsYoutube channelX (Twitter) InstagramZen Habits Facebook GroupTiktok channelEmail [email protected] Fearless Living AcademyCreditsIntro music composition: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht DumareyEditor: Justin Cruz

Hosted by Leo Babauta, the Zen Habits Podcast explores the power of ritual in support of your greatest purpose, taking on meaningful work, and creating more impact through daily action.Connect with LeoZen HabitsYoutube channelX (Twitter) InstagramZen Habits Facebook GroupTiktok channelEmail [email protected] Fearless Living AcademyCreditsIntro music composition: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht DumareyEditor: Justin Cruz