How I Work: Zen Habits Applied to My Life
This article comes as a request from a number of readers who wanted to see how I apply the methods I talk about, and what my typical day is like. How do the Zen Habits work in a real-life setting?
The truth is that 1) I don’t have a fixed routine that stays the same each day; 2) I am continually experimenting with the habits and systems I talk about here to find the right mix and to see what works for me and what doesn’t (and thus the reason I’m always writing about this stuff — I’m sharing the results of my ongoing experiment); and 3) I apply these methods imperfectly, like anyone else.
I want to dispel any notion people might have that I am perfect at these habits, or that I am super productive and disciplined. The truth is that I am lazy like everyone else, but I’ve found ways to overcome my laziness (at times) or use my laziness to work for me. I have also improved my habits over time, but I am still working to improve them.
What follows is a typical day, which means it’s a day that I never follow exactly. Other things come up in the course of the day that throw off this schedule, and it’s a schedule that has changed even over the last couple of months, but certainly over the last year or so. But if it helps, I thought it might be good to use myself as an example — again, an imperfect one. I should also note that I’m not saying that anyone else should follow this example — I just thought you might be interested.
Here goes:
A Day in the Life of Leo
4:30 a.m. Alarm clock goes off. Most days, I jump up, walk across the room to turn it off (if it were right next to me I would go back to sleep), and then stumble into the bathroom. If I went to sleep late last night and am way too tired, I might set the alarm clock 30 minutes ahead and get some extra rest. But in the bathroom, I wash my face, stare at myself in the mirror until I realize who it is I’m staring at, and then walk out to the kitchen.
4:32 a.m. Get a drink of water and start coffee. Head over to the computer. Do a quick ritual where I greet the day.
4:34 a.m. Set my Most Important Tasks for the day. Three things I really want to accomplish. Check my Google calendar to make sure there isn’t anything on the schedule for today. I usually try not to schedule too much stuff as it limits my day and makes it more stressful.
4:39 a.m. If I’m disciplined, I’ll start writing. If not, I’ll check my blog stats real quick. I used to check my email and respond to them and the comments on this blog as soon as I woke up, but I’ve been working to break my email habit the last couple of weeks, with some success. I’ve been trying to write one thing when I wake up, also with some success. Because I’m tired, I’ve been using this morning writing ritual to write one of my easier articles for the day, something to which I’ve already given some thought.
4:56 a.m. Get coffee. I’ll usually break my discipline somewhere around this point and check my blog stats or look at the comments for my latest post. Then I’ll pull myself away and start writing again.
5:30 a.m. Exercise. I actually haven’t been doing this the last week or so, due to a back problem, but it’s my goal to start this up again in the next few days, so I’m putting it here. I normally either run or bike or do some strength exercises. If I don’t exercise, I’ll usually do some reading.
6:30 a.m. Wake up the wife and kids. Start prepping their lunches and mine, and getting ready for school. If we were good the night before, most of their lunches are prepared, the kitchen is clean, their clothes are ironed, and all we have to do is eat breakfast and groom ourselves and we’re ready to go. Otherwise, the mornings can be a rushed time.
7:15-7:25 a.m. We try to head out the door. Our routines have been changing a little here - Eva will take the kids to school most often and I’ll head straight to work. Note that if I commute by bike (which isn’t as often as I like) I’ll leave before 7 a.m. Either way, I try to make my commute to work fairly stress free, and I often use it to come up with ideas for articles.
7:45-7:50 a.m. Arrive at work. My day job is at the Guam Legislature, where I am a writer, researcher, veterans advocate, project planner, media consultant and more. When I arrive there is usually only our Chief of Staff in the office (he gets there before 7 a.m.) and it’s nice and quiet for about 20 minutes.
7:55 a.m. Review my MITs for the day. I simply write them at the top of my Moleskine notebook, on a fresh page, with today’s date at the top. I’ll also look at my inbox, if it’s not cleared, or my notes from the day before, if I did clear it, and see what smaller tasks I have to do today, and note them on my “batch” list. This is a list of smaller stuff I need to do today but that I try to batch process, all at once, so these tasks don’t take overly long or interrupt the important stuff.
8 a.m. If I’m disciplined, I’ll start on one of the MITs. This might be work-related or it could be an article I need to work on. If I’m not disciplined, I’ll read my Google Reader with a cup of coffee before starting on my first MIT (not including the article that I should have written first thing in the morning).
9:30 a.m. At this point, I’m usually ready for a break. If I’ve finished my first MIT, I check it off my list with some satisfaction. I know that a list of three things isn’t hard to remember, but I write them down in my Moleskine notebook simply so I can have the satisfaction of checking them off. Also because it gives me focus. If other things come up during the day (and they always do), I’ll also write them in my notebook, usually under “batch” but also under the MITs if it’s really important. I try to stay with the task at hand, even if another important request comes up, so that I finish my current task before moving on to the next task. Focus is important to productivity. Anyway, when I take a break, I will usually get some water or perhaps take a quick walk to get my blood circulating and ideas flowing.
9:45 a.m. Start on my second MIT. Note that this could also be work-related or an article I need to write. My day-job work is very flexible. My boss knows I’m good at what I do, and so trusts me to get my job done, which I always do. He also knows that I write as a free-lancer during working hours, and in fact has signed an agreement acknowledging my right to do so. I also have the right to work from home if I need to, which I am now doing on Mondays.
10 a.m. If I’m undisciplined, I’ll usually take a break and check my blog stats (when I say blog stats, this could be my traffic statistics, or one of my ad revenues, or something like Technorati or Digg or delicious — none of this is really necessary, and I’ve been trying to minimize the number of times I check it — it’s gotten fewer, to maybe 3 times a day, but I think I should cut it to 1). If I’m disciplined, I will finish my second MIT by 10:30 or 11 a.m.
11 a.m. Check email for the first time today. This is a huge improvement for me. I used to check it first thing, and then maybe twice an hour. This past weekend, I was successful in only checking it once a day, right before I go to bed. The world didn’t collapse. I’m thinking of doing this on weekdays too, although that’s harder because much of my work is done by email. Maybe twice a day on weekdays. Anyway, I use a single Gmail account (actually, I have three but they are all forwarded to one account) and I try to crank through it quickly, using only the keyboard. I shoot out short replies, most of the time, and note any actions I need to take that are not email related. If it requires a longer reply and I don’t have time now, I will put it in my @reply folder and try to get to it before the end of the day. The comments from this blog are also in my Gmail, and I read through them quickly. There was a time when I tried to respond to each comment individually, but now that there are dozens a day (sometimes over 100), I cannot do that. I do, however, read each one, and reply to ones that really need a response if I have time.
11:30-11:45 a.m. This time really varies for me, as my structure starts to fall apart by late morning. At this point, I might have a meeting or have to talk to a veteran about the status of his case, or answer some phone calls, or continue work on a project.
12 p.m. Somewhere around this time I eat lunch. I sometimes will continue working on one of my MITs into lunch, so lunch might not start for me until 12:30 or 1 p.m. (or even later sometimes). I always brownbag it for lunch. My coworkers all go out to eat lunch, so I answer phones while they are gone and eat lunch at my desk. I will often read my Google Reader or some other material in my reading folder while I eat.
1 p.m. Now I’m in the home stretch. I’m usually a little lazier in the afternoons, and I don’t get as much done. I try to start on my next MIT, although if I am lazy I might not get to it until 2 p.m. and I might do some smaller stuff at this point.
2 p.m. If I haven’t started on my third MIT yet, I do so by this point. If I have, I will continue it or batch process some of the smaller stuff.
3 p.m. If I haven’t written my Zen Habits post for the day, I’ll do it around this time. It’ll take me around an hour, including research. I schedule it to run at 7 p.m. my time, which is 5 a.m. Eastern Time. I do that because I like the idea that it’s sitting in most people’s RSS reader as soon as they wake up. I realize that for people on my side of the world (I live on Guam) they won’t get it in their RSS reader until evening, but then again they might not see it until morning. Anyway, that’s my post schedule, although on occasion I’ve been late.
4 p.m. Check email and batch process. I try to leave my physical and email inboxes empty, and my desk clear, by the end of the day. If I was good today, I will be done with my MITs by now. I rarely check off all the items on my list besides the MITs. If I’m not done with my MITs, I’m usually trying to rush to get them done before the end of the day so I don’t have to do them at home. I try to keep my evenings clear if possible for my family. Also note that if I’m done with my three MITs earlier in the day, I will find more of them to do. Sometimes I’ll get 5-7 of them done. As you can see, my work day is pretty wide open, and can fluctuate wildly. The main thing is that I try to focus while working on the important tasks, and batch process the smaller tasks, and check email and RSS feeds infrequently.
5 p.m. Head home, usually. By now, I’ve put in a solid work day. If Eva and the kids are on the road, doing something, I’ll often work until 5:30 or 6 p.m., as I don’t feel the need to rush home when they’re not there. Recently I worked until 9 p.m. because they went to the mall. That’s not a frequent thing, though.
5:30 p.m. Come home to be greeted lovingly by the wife and kids, and hear about their day.
5:35 p.m. I usually unwind a little, and Eva’s got dinner going. If not, I’ll cook dinner soon.
6-9 p.m. This time will vary, but it’s family time. We’ll eat dinner, watch a DVD, read to the kids, put them to bed. I try to avoid going on the computer at this time, although I’ve only been successful at this recently.
9 p.m. Around this time, I’ll check my email for the last (and sometimes first) time. This is also when I send out my daily email for the monthly challenge, which is going great btw (It’s closed now, so you can’t sign up until next month). I’ll also respond to any early comments, and do a final check on my blog stats.
10-10:30 p.m. I go to bed somewhere around here. Eva and the kids are usually sleeping before now. Sometimes I don’t get to bed until 11 or 11:30 (or even later, depending on what else happened tonight), and on those nights, I know that I won’t wake up at 4:30 the next morning. I really need to work on getting to be early so I’m not super tired the next morning.
- Spewed into the world on 11 June 2007 in Aboutzenhabits, Habits |
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Brilliant comments (37)
TesTeq Says:
June 11th, 2007, 5:23 am
Is 6 hours of sleep enough for you?
To wake up at 05:00 I have to go to bed at 21:30 (I need at least 7.5 hours of sleep).
Phil Says:
June 11th, 2007, 6:03 am
I was wondering the same thing - ever since the ‘I get up at 4:30′ message has been pushed here I have been wondering at what time he goes to bed. 6 hours of sleep is not enough for me.
Rosie Says:
June 11th, 2007, 6:35 am
I couldn’t survive on 6 hours sleep either!
But what interests me is where you fit household chores into this?
Lodewijkvdb Says:
June 11th, 2007, 6:58 am
I found it relieving to see that your having discipline issues as well :) I know how I should work, and I know I shouldn’t check my stats too often, I know I should finish my MIT’s (or even set them everyday)… Yet I often choose not to, and indulge in some other activity.
You did a good job at creating a job environment where you can combine a lot of aspects of you active life. I think this is very helpful in creating the conditions for the actual achievement of all your goals.
Anyway, I’m glad to see your human after all ;)
And 6 hours of sleep is enough for me too, anything between 4 and 8 with an average of 6 over the week does it for me.
SpiKe Says:
June 11th, 2007, 7:19 am
The thing that has always interested me about getting up really early is how does it all fit in if you have a late night? What if you are at a party, or have a extra long work shift? Do you shift your hours forward so you still get the 6 hours sleep or do you just go a day with less sleep?
Organize IT
Andy Says:
June 11th, 2007, 7:23 am
I’m not sure that I would see straying from such a regimented schedule as a bad thing, once in a while. I think that there has to be room for spontanaety, too.
I notice that you don’t say when the kids get to bed. None of my business, of course, but an absolute must-do for me is to schedule some “grown-ups time” with my partner. (Unfortunately this completely stops me from killing off any actions after dinner, but my partner comes first…)
Leo Says:
June 11th, 2007, 7:35 am
Hi guys, great comments and questions. A few answers:
1) 6 hours is usually enough for me. I know many people need more, and everyone is different. If I get fewer than six, I will usually crash at some point, but I don’t seem to need more than six. Also, some people seem to be under the impression that I recommend that everyone get up at 4:30 a.m. to be more productive. I don’t — I’ve just shared what I like about it, but people should do what works for them.
2) If I have a late night, I’ll usually wake up a little later than usual — 5 a.m., 5:30, occasionally 6 a.m. On weekends, after a really late night, I’ll sleep until 7 a.m. But on a normal weekend morning I’ll still get up at 4:30 or 5. I just enjoy that time. Again, that probably wouldn’t work for everyone. I’m just sharing what I do.
3) Kids go to bed at about 8 p.m. on school nights, although on non-school nights we allow them to go to sleep later (usually by 9:30 p.m.). And yes, Eva and I enjoy the quiet time together (although our youngest baby, 1 yr old, doesn’t usually fall asleep until later).
4) Regarding straying from this schedule … as I said, it happens every day. It’s not a bad thing. It’s definitely not a regimented schedule. I don’t follow it to the minute, ever. I was just sharing my “typical” day, although again, it varies widely.
5) Household chores — Evenings (a little) and weekends (much more). We try to do a “clean as you go” kind of thing, so the house is never a huge mess. The real challenge is laundry — we do a lot of it. I’ve been lucky that my wife has been doing it as she’s been staying home, but in the past we shared this chore. On weekends, we’ll do deeper cleaning.
Kaitlin Says:
June 11th, 2007, 9:05 am
Wow, it’s interesting to read about an ‘average day’ for you…and relieving to find that even you cave in to those distractions like email and feeds sometimes! :)
I have a question to ask, though. It’s not strictly related to this, but I wanted to ask before I forgot! :) I’ve been subscribed to ZH for a few weeks now, and was inspired to try out GTD and things for myself (At the moment I’m using ThinkingRock as my organisation tool…it’s probably a bit over the top but I like it for some reason)
I should probably point out here that I’m a 13 year old high school student from Australia…I was wondering whether you had any tips that might apply to students as opposed to the workforce? For instance, I’ve noticed that a major part of simplifying is to say ‘no’ to extra projects and so on. In school, for the most part, that’s just not possible.
Regardless, ZH is an inspiring read and has most definitely been helpful in other areas…thankyou!
Mitch Says:
June 11th, 2007, 9:08 am
Hey,
first of all, I really like your blog. I have been reading it for a while and recommended several times.
What I would like to know (maybe this post is the best for asking) how it came you living in Guam. Did you move there or have you been born there?
keep on writing, ciao
p.s. sorry for my english, I’m German
Balfour Says:
June 11th, 2007, 9:26 am
What’s the deal with moleskins? I read about them all the time in the blogosphere, but I’ve checked them out and they seem pricey to me and too heavy to carry around.
It’s fascinating to read about other people’s real workdays.
Garry Says:
June 11th, 2007, 12:59 pm
Readers may be interested to know that Guam is the largest island in Micronesia. It was conquered by the USA in 1898 (formerly being occupied by Spain). It has a population of around 170,000. Natives of Guam are designated as USA citizens yet denied voting rights by the USA government. Further information can be found on Wikipedia, and the other usual sources.
Alex Says:
June 11th, 2007, 15:11 pm
I love your daily schedule - productive and leaving plenty of room for personal life at the same time. It’s truly inspirational.
Leo Says:
June 11th, 2007, 16:48 pm
Thanks for all the nice comments, guys! To answer a few questions:
1) I was born in Portland, OR but moved to Guam when I was a baby (both my parents grew up on Guam, although only my dad is native to Guam — my mom’s from Wisconsin). I grew up mostly in Guam but have also lived in the Bay Area and Seattle.
2) Moleskines are just pocket notebooks — if aesthetics don’t matter to you, any pocket notebook will do. However, there is an appeal to Moleskines that goes beyond functionality. They are well made, they have a pleasing look and feel and texture. With a nice pen, they are pleasurable to write on. Their weight is not too heavy, but pleasing to carry. They have a strap that keeps the notebook closed and another string that marks you place and a pocket for carrying things in and a nice feeling cover and they open flat as opposed to many notebooks that are hard to keep open for writing. I should write a separate post on this. :)
3) @Kaitlin: That’s a great question. I can’t answer it fully in this comment, but I’ll note it for a future post sometime down the road. But in brief: First of all, you’re right — students can’t say no to assignments. They can simplify a lot of other things they might do other than assignments, however, including social things, watching TV, video games, surfing the web, etc. — I’m not saying you shouldn’t relax and have fun, I’m just saying that sometimes our lives are too full and a little less activity is good. Second, GTD would be useful if your assignments are overwhelming — GTD asks you to define an outcome (how do you want this assignment to be when you’re done) and just focus on the very next physical action (locate 3 sources on the Internet or the library to use for background on this report) instead of worrying about the entire overwhelming project. Third, GTD can help with organization, if that’s a problem for you, and fourth, it asks you to carry around a notebook or some other way to write down ideas and tasks as they come up — write them down right away, so you don’t forget. That’s very helpful, I think, to everyone, including students. You might already know this stuff but I thought I’d just make a few quick points. Hope it helps and good luck!
Beany Says:
June 11th, 2007, 21:42 pm
Hi Leo:
Thanks for posting your routine. I like the human nature behind your posts, doesn’t make an organized day seem impossible.
I have been working on trying to maintain an organized desk. I plan on working on the actual room next.
ShadZee Says:
June 11th, 2007, 23:23 pm
Thanks for letting us follow you around for a day ;-)
I’m starting the early rising routine. However, it’s 5:30am for me - at least for now.
I’m also training myself on the “3 most important tasks” idea. As it’s been suggested; I write the 3 tasks which I “will” accomplish the night before on a 3×5 index card and put it on my keyboard before I go to bed!
In the morning after I get up, and before opening my iGTD, I read the 3 TASKS, and focus on getting them done.
Although, I’m just getting started with these techniques, I believe I’m becoming more productive.
Thanks again for a wonderful blog.
Scott Says:
June 11th, 2007, 23:50 pm
-Leo: Great post. That’s a new way to use a moleskine. I love mine, and I never thought of using it as a Most Import Task Tool.
-Kaitlin, I second Leo’s comments and encourage you to continue your GTD implementation. Although, I’d consider myself a GTD novice. I believe GTD can definitely help anyone manage they’re projects more effectively. I’d also recommend 7 effective habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey.
As a previous High School Teacher and current College instructor, We always have a choice to do what we do. It’s amazing how many students (adults too) think I can’t do this, because I have to watch (insert your favorite TV Show Name here) television. Do you “have” to do that? Do I “have” to watch the Chicago Cubs play baseball? No, I certainly don’t have to. Do I have to spend time taking my son to the park? I certainly don’t have to.
I choose to, generally happily choose to.
Everything is negotiable. Do you have to do all your school work? No, of course you don’t have to. However, I encourage you to do so, and I hope you choose to do so, but by choosing to do your school work, you will likely need to choose other activities that might be lower on the priority list. There are times (End of the Semester exams or projects), where even your teachers have to give up some of the favorite activities in order to grade their students’ work.
With David Allen’s GTD or Covey’s 7 habits, your dreams, goals, morals, ethics, will help you make your choices. While keeping your minds eye on the 10,000 foot goal (Become a Doctor, Graduate High School, Help students achieve life success, or Launch a business), you can make the correct smaller choices.
It’s not easy to do. If it was, websites like Leo’s great zen habits would not be so well read.
Abel Says:
June 12th, 2007, 6:51 am
Nothing to say except the no-hype with a human touch story is a rare commodity. No one is perfect including the gurus. When someone tells you they are great in this and that, it’s all b**lshit. They always give you the impression that is so perfect that it will make you feel guilty.
In short, having a big picture (which allows changes and flexibility), awareness to improve, and take one small step at a time consistently are the keys to better you.
Leo, by knowing that you’re not ‘perfect’, guess what, your credibility increases, at least for me.
Plus6 Says:
June 12th, 2007, 14:25 pm
Thanks for sharing that. It’s nice to know you are like the rest of us and break routines at times. You have a very ambitious schedule, but it has a definite amount of work-life balance. That’s important in my opinion. Keep up the great content!
Tiffany C Kelley Says:
June 16th, 2007, 2:48 am
Hmmm…..you haven’t read the book “Four Hour Work Week” have you??? :)
tokintrader Says:
September 16th, 2007, 15:43 pm
Re: “Exercise. I actually haven’t been doing this the last week or so, due to a back problem…
…If I don’t exercise, I’ll usually do some reading.”
.
> stretch
Edgar Pina Says:
January 17th, 2008, 9:02 am
I find your blog only today… but already loved it !! Thanks for sharing so priceless things !! And greetings from Portugal, keep the good work !!
Bud Says:
March 17th, 2008, 21:43 pm
“carry water” “chop wood”
I would think at work we should do work not some work and some personal work.
Megan McCarthy Says:
March 31st, 2008, 6:25 am
Hi Leo
THANKYOU so much for this post - GTD is supposed to help one get things off the mind, so that we can just ‘crank’ our ‘widgets’ and not have to constantly worry -
- but I find myself worrying about my gtd system constantly - am relatively new to this, so am tweaking it all of the time and its getting simpler and simpler! (and more complex too! - too many ‘in-places’ to look).
Plus I have a back-log of 2 years of paperwork and tasks to complete, due to an incurable illness - bedbound/housebound for 2 years - am getting better, into remission with new and exciting goals (a new world has opened up for me!!)
I have also hired a ‘productivity/organizational coach’ for a short time, which has been really useful, to help me get back into a ‘normal’ life (and to help me declutter my home - because I couldn’t look after myself, let alone my house! (and my little kittie kat!) - and because I am too young to be a pensioner - don’t qualify for many free services
(I also lost my ‘day job’ in Govt, because of illness, which is also why I lost the ability to ‘live’, lost self-discipline, routines, etc - well, illness doesn’t help anyway!!)
But I am sooo excited now (I have survived so far!) and am starting a new home-based career/business as a freelance writer-editor [and student coach], as I have a PhD and have ghost-written published books, other, etc (LOVE TO WRITE!!) :-)
Given my worries about GTD, I am so relieved to see that you too have your ‘tweaking’ moments and are not perfect. well, nobody is - but your site is wonderful and the advice is excellent - one of my favourite sites! perhaps one of the reasons why I don’t get things done sometimes! hee hee ;-)
RE sleep though - people ask how you can function on so little sleep. But I can. I don’t know how though and it may catch up on me, but have been in this pattern for over a year now……
- I am actually afraid to go to sleep, because I can’t switch off, don’t want to miss out on the world (life is too short, and I have nearly died on several occasions), and I am afraid because I am not sure if I will wake up, and even if I do, I feel so sick until I take my ‘medication’. So, I just tend to work on the computer, and ‘doze’, or rather, fall ‘unconscious’. Sometimes I have worked 20-30hours straight and walked around like a drunkard the next day!
but I still manage to function somehow.
I need to develop a new habit of re-learning how to fall asleep again!!! Help?? (that’s a slightly different question for you - not - how to get up earlier, but rather - how to get MORE sleep!) :-)
But, I am slowly getting into new routines, things that people take for granted (like simply grooming one’s self!) - let alone, implementing gtd-ztd and starting a home-based business - eek! So many goals (and hoping one day to meet someone, adopt a child - perhaps life would be better if I could share it with someone too).
Its wonderful that you are greeted by a loving family - never take this for granted - I don’t think you ever will - but anyone reading this - treasure it, please!!
(btw - I heard somewhere that you started another blog about ‘writing’ - is this the case? if yes, can you point me to it? And if you have the time after your book, is it at all possible to contact you about my new goals and also blog writing [I think I also asked in a previous comment, but I do understand how busy you are) - but I intend to also make it as a ‘pro-blogger’ too one day :–)
Again, I do understand, if you cannot find the time, given the many people who want to contact you - but I can only but try, and try yet again ! If you can, I would be ever so happy though - just in case: my skype is - megan.e.mccarthy (and you should have my email above) - or you can go to my blog at: http://selfhelp4growth.blogspot.com (to be updated - lots of goodies there too!)
Thanks again, for the day in the life of Leo! I don’t feel so bad about my own ‘tweaking’/lapses now :-)
Kindest of Regards, and I look forward to your new book! (I am still trying to get around to buy your other one - its on my ‘next action cards, doing list!!) - so its going to happen - hopefully this week!) :-)
Meg
Megan McCarthy, PhD
Adelaide, South Australia
BDI Says:
May 20th, 2008, 7:24 am
Wow just came across your blog - Thanks so much for sharing your daily routine! Yes, I sure need to develop a proper sleep routine.. I am usually least productive late at night, when I zone out in front of the comp instead of going to sleep.
Socks for Happy People Says:
June 4th, 2008, 13:44 pm
Interesting! Though I think everyone needs to find their own personal rhythm. My work day has really eveloved by going self-employed and living the values of our company - it really helps put things into perspective.
I find not eating for minimum 3 hours before going to sleep helps me rise early - my hunter gather past must wake me feeling awake and lively to be able to go out and sort breakie!
Ronski Says:
July 27th, 2008, 19:37 pm
Great day to you Mr. Zen(Leo).Just now i read your daily routine and it is very interesting. I am a filipino working here in Saudi arabia as a countersalesman.Reading is my hobby and i love to read your zen habits and it helps me a lot. More power to you .
Valeria | TimelessLessons Says:
November 7th, 2008, 9:58 am
I love your daily schedule — productive and leaving plenty of room for personal life at the same time — truly inspirational Leo!
Rajeswari Says:
November 8th, 2008, 6:04 am
Hi Leo,
Great blog.
I find myself most productive late in the night - I love sitting up late and doing things, and find waking up in the morning very painful.
What kind of routine would you recommend for me?
Katie Says:
December 15th, 2008, 2:08 am
Hi, this may be a bit late of a comment but Kaitlin, as a University student and employee I completely understand how the pressures of school can’t just be “put off” or “delegated”. After all my years of school I have one piece of advice - DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. If it even means working on the outline for that essay for 15 minutes one day, researching some sources the next day, writing the introduction another day, and so on, just don’t leave it to the last minute! Same goes for math and science, just stick to a regular but small schedule and you won’t feel overwhelmed. I often carry a couple index cards in my purse with either specific terms I have to know or math formulas I need to memorize, that way if I’m ever caught waiting in line or on a long bus or car drive, I can catch up or get ahead in my studies. Glad to hear you’re interesting in GTD and productivity at such a young age! Good luck!
Ari Lestariono Says:
February 27th, 2009, 9:29 am
It’s very discipline lifestyle and works for everyone, one thing what if your crashed and can’t do anything about it?do you pray or meditate?
Miles Says:
April 7th, 2009, 13:11 pm
Leo, thanks for sharing! It is one of the most endearing aspects of your blog, that you share things like this, without pretense.
David Says:
April 8th, 2009, 22:57 pm
Just started reading your blog…very interesting. Just a thought…my kids are perhaps older than yours (8 and 11) and so I don’t read them a story any more, but what I do is climb on the bed with them and read my book. That way they see that reading is important to me and not just something that I make them do.
Adelaide Hills Plumber Says:
April 14th, 2009, 12:51 pm
Great post. I really like the idea of not having the alarm clock next to me when I wake up, aswell. I would just go back to sleep! But, 4am starts are pretty early bro.. Thanks again. Great post. And really digging the blog. So much gold!
free divorce papers Says:
June 7th, 2009, 0:10 am
I envy you how you fit all those stuff in one whole day. I wish I could do the same. I also have my schedule for the day, but more often than not, I tend to miss an activity or two.
One thing is sure though, I don’t put my alarm beside my bed because I have the tendency to simply snooze it and go back to sleep. Just like everybody else!
Fan Site Says:
June 25th, 2009, 16:41 pm
Wow just came across your blog - Thanks so much for sharing your daily routine! Yes, I sure need to develop a proper sleep routine.. I am usually least productive late at night, when I zone out in front of the comp instead of going to sleep.
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