What lies at the heart of unlocking our creative energy? What steps can we take to transform our creative blocks into productive energy? Creative blocks are not solely the result of a lack of ideas but are deeply intertwined with our emotional state and our surroundings. Embracing and expressing the chaotic energies of our environment can be a powerful method to unblock and harness our creative potential. In this episode, we discuss the dynamic nature of creativity, challenging the traditional v...
Mar 13, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Many of us approach creativity with preconceived notions, assuming that the act of creating is a straightforward process of bringing an existing idea into reality. Yet, true creativity often emerges from venturing into the unknown, challenging our expectations of what it means to create. In this episode, we dive into creativity as an act of discovery, where the unknown plays a central role in shaping our creations. We examine the interplay between intention and spontaneity, the importance of pla...
Mar 06, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 29
When it comes to our creative projects, we often fall into the trap of waiting for inspiration to strike before taking action. But what if we shift our mindset and commit to showing up every day, regardless of whether we feel inspired or not? In this episode, we explore how to create structure and discipline in our creative projects, allowing us to tap into our creativity consistently. We'll discuss the importance of having a structure for our creative work, while also leaving space for spontane...
Feb 28, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 28
What does it mean to choose from the heart and trust the creative process? How can we reconnect with our 'why' and infuse love into our creative projects? When embarking on a creative project, we may fall into the trap of focusing solely on the end result or outcome. We become fixated on the destination, losing sight of the joy and love that can be found in the process itself. This episode reminds us to cultivate a love of creation, allowing us to find fulfillment in every step of the journey, f...
Feb 21, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Welcome to Season Two of the Zen Habits podcast! In this new season, titled 'The Love of Creation,' we'll explore creativity in all its forms, beyond traditional artistic expressions, diving into every aspect of life. We'll examine how love influences our creative process, guiding us towards authenticity and unlocking our full potential as creators. Throughout the season, we'll dive deep into the source and nature of the creative process, explore the role of love in our creations, and learn to r...
Feb 14, 2024•20 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Fear often keeps us from diving into what we really care about, nudging us to play it safe instead. But this safety net leaves us feeling like we haven't accomplished much. Ironically, avoiding fear just makes us feel worse about ourselves. But here's the twist: we can change that narrative. We have the power to use fear to make us stronger and help us grow. In this coaching session, I team up with Dave, a psychologist with a passion for music. Together, we'll dive into how fear prevents us from...
Jan 03, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 25
The way we conclude our projects, seasons, or life cycles holds the power to shape our growth and evolution. Therefore, in this final episode of Season One, we're diving into the concept of 'closing with intention.' Much like our previous explorations into self-trust, finding balance, embracing resistance, and the resilience of human connection, intentional closure stands as a pivotal force in shaping our personal narratives. Join me as we explore the significance of purposeful conclusions. We'l...
Dec 27, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 24
What unfolds when we learn to navigate life's complexities with a newfound grace and trust in ourselves? In this live coaching session, we delve into the compelling story of Sofia, a massage therapist turned aspiring coach, as she grapples with the overwhelming landscape of juggling multiple passions. Together, we unravel the delicate dance between personal development and entrepreneurial pursuits, emphasizing the profound significance of trusting one's heart-driven decisions over societal expec...
Dec 20, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 23
How can we steer toward work that authentically resonates with our essence? How do we align our work with a deeper sense of purpose? In this episode, I'm joined by special guest Jonathan Fields, a renowned author, podcast host, and the creator of Good Life Project and Spark Endeavors. Together, we dive into the transformative journey of deriving a profound sense of meaning from our work and its pivotal role in personal fulfillment. Jonathan unravels the secrets behind work-life satisfaction and ...
Dec 13, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 22
How can we cultivate, nurture and amplify the transformative power of human connection in the face of profound uncertainty and societal stigmas? In this episode, we embark on a thought-provoking conversation with my friend and member of the Fearless Living Academy, Joshua Goldberg. His personal experiences with marginalized communities, and insights from navigating disability and agorafobia, offer a unique perspective on uncertainty and resilience. Joshua's journey serves as an enlightening and ...
Dec 06, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Stepping into leadership roles, whether within our families or teams, involves taking on the responsibility for the impact we have on others and the world. However, in leadership we often overlook the crucial aspect of taking care of ourselves and our needs as leaders. In this episode, we'll explore a new way of understanding leadership and unravel its true essence. We'll discuss the importance of seeking support and its role in empowering us as leaders. Additionally, we'll explore the transform...
Nov 29, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 20
What fundamental steps and mindsets drive entrepreneurs towards an authentic, successful journey in the business world? In this bonus episode, I'm privileged to host the remarkable Pat Flynn, a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and creator of Smart Passive Income. Join us as we uncover the invaluable strategies, experiences, and wisdom behind Pat's entrepreneurial journey. Topics Covered Pat's journey as an entrepreneur: from inception to success Overcoming fear and resistance in entrepreneurial en...
Nov 22, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 19
When faced with resistance, our first instinct is often to power through it, believing that speed and force are the keys to progress. But what if, instead, we chose to slow down and uncover the hidden magic that emerges when resistance is met with a slower, mindful approach? In this episode, we'll explore the profound influence of slowing down, both in our personal journey and in achieving our goals. We'll uncover the secret of sacred moments of resistance and how they can be harnessed to create...
Nov 15, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In life, we often find ourselves navigating the delicate balance between openness and concreteness. How can we embrace both sides and unlock the full potential within us? In this episode we'll uncover the power of finding wonder in the mundane, the joy in structure, and the magic of blending these seemingly contrasting qualities. Join me as we dive into creating a more empowered and joyful way of living that integrates the best of both worlds. Topics Covered Understanding the interplay between o...
Nov 08, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 17
How can we navigate creative projects when faced with major challenges, resistance, and fear of failure? In this bonus episode, Leo is joined by Fearless Living Academy member Craig Maloney for an inspiring conversation on how to overcome obstacles in creative endeavors, and the importance of tapping into joy as a driving force to craft meaningful experiences. Topics Covered Craig's personal journey in game development and creativity Overcoming resistance and self-doubt when starting and sustain...
Nov 01, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Facing setbacks on the path to achieving our goals is part of the process, but how can we get back on track and learn from our challenges? In this episode, we're diving into the art of returning to our goals when we've faced obstacles. We'll explore the significance of embracing the growth process, the resilience that fuels our progress, and how setbacks can be the catalysts for personal development. Topics Covered The nature of setbacks in the growth process and embracing uncertainty Overcoming...
Oct 25, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this bonus episode, Leo sits down with Derek Sivers to explore harnessing fear as a source of energy, mastering courage, and aligning values with actions in the pursuit of meaningful work. Dive into this captivating conversation filled with wisdom and valuable insights! Topics Covered The concept of "fear as energy" and how it can be harnessed for creative pursuits The importance of choosing work that excites you rather than drains you The significance of taking the first step to engage with ...
Oct 18, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 14
What could you create in your life if you had more self-trust? What would it feel like to have more self-trust, and how do we cultivate more of it? In this episode, we will talk about why cultivating more self-trust is essential for going deeper into our meaningful work, where we get stuck in creating more of it, and how we can continue to create more trust in ourselves. Topics Covered Leo shares a listener's experience, highlighting the concept that success and failure are part of the process o...
Oct 11, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this bonus episode, Leo interviews expert Jocelyn Glei, who has shifted her expertise from productivity to a slower, deeper approach to work. This is an incredible episode filled with wisdom and tools for accessing a deeper creativity. Must listen! Topics Covered Leo interviews Jocelyn Glei, a former productivity expert who transitioned to a more transformative, slower approach to work Jocelyn's background includes working with 99U, creating the 99U conference, and writing a book on email pro...
Oct 07, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 12
When we take on a purpose project, it's inevitable that we get confronted by fear. Thing is, most people aren't aware that it's happening. In this episode, Leo looks at how to see the fear that's confronting us, and how to work with it so it doesn't have to control us. Topics Covered How internal resistance and fear often arise when working on a purpose project Common manifestations of fear include procrastination, perfectionism, self-doubt, and avoidance How most people are not aware that they ...
Oct 04, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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 Covered Leo's reflection on the of podcasting process, and how he’s learning The collaborative effort behind the podcast, including the music composed by members of the Fearless Mastery program, contributions from...
Sep 27, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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 Covered How we have different relationships to accountability, ranging from disempowered to empowered Coercing oneself to be disciplined can lead to issues when one falls off track Accountability is simply accounting for whether a task was completed or not, wit...
Sep 20, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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 Covered The concept of empowered versus disempowered relationships with one's projects and work Empowered relationships involve feeling excited, lit up, and capable, while...
Sep 13, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 Covered The importance of "focus sessions" for our purpose projects How to set up effective focus sessions & accountability The most common obstacles that block us during focus sessio...
Sep 06, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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 Covered The importance of commitment and structure in pursuing meaningful projects The tendency to procrastinate and delay important tasks when lacking commitment and structure Commitment: setting clear goals and being unwaverin...
Aug 30, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 Covered The common approach of forcing oneself to work on a project without feeling motivated Moving from coercion to inspiration for long-term meaning...
Aug 23, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 Covered The project Leo has chosen to work on in this season:...
Aug 16, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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 deepen...
Aug 09, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 1
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 Leo Zen Habits Youtube channel X (Twitter) Instagram Zen Habits Facebook Group Tiktok channel Email leo@zenhabits.net Resources The Fearless Living Academy Credits Intro music composition : Salem Beladonna & Robrecht Dumarey Editor : Justin Cruz...
Aug 04, 2023•2 min
