Questions and Post Suggestions

kath obrien Says:

November 21st, 2007, 1:36 am

Hi Leo—I am 48 in a deadline driven, performance based job selling ad
> vertising—and have chronic asthma needing daily medication. This can
> effect my ability to consistently exercise also. I have 2 sons
> –teenagers -and a husband—I struggle with exercise routines—need to
> lose about 40lbs. I am really sucked into the culture of my job,
> having been there 19 years and often find myself working late at night
> on my laptop. Not achieving targets for two 6 month periods in a row
> would result in me losing my job. That said—I do enjoy my job most of
> the time- it pays very well and the customers and my workmates are
> great. Is quitting it the only way to get daily good habits in my
> life? Can you recommend any courses of actions for me? Maybe counselling would help?
>
> Cheers and thanks for your assistance.
>
> Kath
>

Martin Says:

November 21st, 2007, 6:39 am

Life situation question alert!

I read on one of your past posts that you get up in the morning at about 4.30am.

My question to you is…How do you manage to get up at that time without waking anyone else up? Or don’t you?

I set an alarm and if I’m not the only person to wake up, I feel ever so guilty. Any tips you can share with us early risers?

Ben Helps Says:

November 21st, 2007, 8:24 am

Hi Leo,

Question for you. Do you go through cycles of increased and decreased productivity?

It seems that whatever I try to manage the myriad things I have to keep track of and get done (running my own businesses), I have weeks where I’m on top of it all and feeling great. Unfortunately I also have weeks where I feel like I’m letting lots of things slide and not achieving much.

Melissa Says:

November 21st, 2007, 8:58 am

no need to reply to this one…i totally get the need to simplify…that’s what draws me to your blog. to the point…i’d like to see a post on simplifying interpersonal interaction in your life…a fancy way of saying how do you jettison the “toxic” people in your life without feeling badly about it? i recently let go of a woman i’d been close to for over ten years. she was absolutely toxic to me, but it has affected me just the same. thoughts?

Ed Says:

November 21st, 2007, 15:24 pm

Started to simplify, de-clutter two years ago, making slow steady progress.
My problem is; I seem to be getting out of step with my wife.
My desire to get rid of clutter clashes with her comfort zone.
I know I am not alone with this imbalance, how do others handle this.

eli Says:

November 21st, 2007, 16:04 pm

i have an organizational question. i live with two other roommates, and we’re trying to figure out how to keep our fridge organized and free from rotting food. any tips?

Leo Says:

November 21st, 2007, 16:13 pm

Excellent questions, guys! I will consider them for future posts. I appreciate you posting them!

As an alternative, you guys could also try taking questions to the Zen Habits forums:

http://zenhabits.net/forums/

Fausto Says:

November 25th, 2007, 10:49 am

Hi Leo, I love zen habits, I’m always reading your advices, because I found them very useful for my life.
I’m really thankful about this site.
The only problem I find in the site is that, I have not too much time to read at office and at home I prefer be away from the PC, so I always print it and I’m reading it on the subway, now could be a good idea if you put a print version button somewhere, so you could link it to a print version without graphics, and whitout the comments.
Keep the hard work.
Best wishes.

Ethan Bodnar Says:

November 25th, 2007, 12:18 pm

Hello there,

I am wondering whether you have a solution to my problem with managing people that I have connected with online. I am trying to figure out how to allow people to know about my connection with them and past conversations when I contact them in the future. I blogged more about my problem at the link below.

http://www.blog.ethanbodnar.com/2007/11/25/managing-people/

Thanks for your blog and thanks in advance for the help.

Best,
Ethan

JCranium Says:

November 26th, 2007, 16:16 pm

I’m curious how you started finding your freelance gigs. You mention in your posts that you found some blogs. But how did you find them? I’m guessing you submit to more than blogs. What else do you submit to, and how do you find those jobs? I haven’t found any information specific to this question in your posts on using the web to make money.

Leo Says:

November 26th, 2007, 18:35 pm

@JCranium: I don’t write much about making money on the web, as it’s not really related to this blog. But for your info, I just looked at the blogs that cover the topics I’d like to write about, and found the ones that hire freelancers, and then wrote to all of them with my background info, some links, and an offer to freelance for them. Some gladly hired me, some never responded.

Leo Says:

November 27th, 2007, 15:03 pm

@Ben Helps: I totally, totally have cycles of increased and decreased production! I hope I don’t convey the wrong idea, that I’m productive all the time.

Yesterday, for example, I barely got anything done! :)

I think, for me, it’s a matter of finding ways to still get the important stuff done when I’m not feeling productive, and also allowing myself to take breaks now and then. Our minds need a break — we can’t go full charge all the time.

I’ll try to write about this soon. Great question!

Zeyad Says:

November 28th, 2007, 20:51 pm

Hi Leo,

First off, I’d just like to say i love your blog. I read your blog every night before going to bed because I expect to find a good post waiting for me there, and that’s just the best way to end my day.

Anyway, the reason I’m writing this is because I wanted to know what blogs YOU visit. I’ve tried to look for other [good] life-related blogs on the net but I haven’t found any. Do you get your ideas from other blogs? Even if you don’t, I’d appreciate it if you gave me a list of blogs you visit every now and then.

Thank you.

-Zeyad

Leo Says:

November 28th, 2007, 22:30 pm

Hi Zeyad … great question … I only subscribe to 10 blogs daily (and I would rather not disclose them, so I don’t hurt anyone’s feelings) … but I read a bunch more.

The best place to start is LifeRemix.net … I’m a member of that network, and all the blogs there are great.

Then look at my tumblelog for more links … zenhabits.tumblr.com.

Hope that helps!

Benoit Says:

December 3rd, 2007, 6:22 am

Hello,

If you have not seen it already, you may want to check the presentation given at TED (http://www.ted.com/talks) by Matthieu Ricard, “On the habit of happiness”.

I read a great book by him (”The monk and the philosopher” , which is a dialogue with his father Jean-Francois Revel, an French agnostic philosopher). He is also the Dalai Lama’s interpreter.

Here is the link to his talk
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/191

Regards,

Benoit

Rhett Says:

December 6th, 2007, 10:46 am

Hi Leo,

I’ve recently come across this really helpful tool called Rescue Time. It monitors how much time you spend doing various activities on your computer (E.g. Email, Facebook, IM etc.) and then inputs it into a graph so you can see how much time you spend on what.

Since using it I’ve been able to make my days more productive by cutting down on distractions and even setting goals to spend time on personal projects.

You can even tag the programs you use to fall under one common category (E.g. Work = “Outlook, Skype, Dreamweaver or Personal = Facebook, Digg etc.)

Check it out:
http://www.rescutime.com

Maybe this could be useful to other Zen Habits readers.

Keep up the good work!

anonymous Says:

December 6th, 2007, 13:04 pm

Hello Leo,

a couple of weeks ago you wrote an article titled “10 Simple, Sure-fire
Ways to Make Today Your Best Day Ever”. There you “chose the amazing
day” over the “stressed, difficult day”.

I want to (anonymously) share the following experience with you and
your readers. It describes a similar situation which happened to me a
couple of days ago, although my choice was not deliberate.

At the end the message is that your life is what you make out of it.
If you just want to see the negative issues, you’ll sure find something
to complain about. But there’s also plenty of sunny things to find and
enjoy, if you’re willing to see things from a different angle, to look
at things without a personal attachment.

Oh, please forgive my English, it’s not my mother tongue.

And thanks for sharing your experiences through live in your blog!

———————————————————————-

It was a Friday afternoon. A colleague had a deadline to meet by the
end of the day. The whole day he was having trouble with some tools
on his computer, mostly because he neglected the updates to the
tool-chain in the last months.

I’m one of the “tool guys” here and I could indeed help him solving
some of the problems. In other cases I directed him to other, more
knowledgeable guys.

At about 5:30 PM he came to me and asked for help. He was very upset
because he couldn’t reach any of the other tool guys. Since I’m not an
expert at *every* tool we use, I could only give him some directions on
how to try to solve the problem. But that was too much for him at this
point. He exploded and shouted that he was not in a mood to try this
and try that. He was trying the whole afternoon to get something done
and nothing seems to work here. He then threated me with “You should
be very careful with what you tell me to do now!”. I then said: “I’m
sorry, I can’t help you further. I don’t know the solution to the
problem you’re experiencing. I can only make some suggestions and if
you’re not willing to try them, it makes no sense to me to keep this
going.”

Before I could left his cubicle, he shouted “Wonderful! Now I know what
for we pay a tool guy here!”. At this point I remembered something I
read from Chuck Spezzano to the effect that “everything a person does
is either an act of love or a cry for love”. This was sure a cry for
love. He didn’t want me to leave. He provoked me because he wanted me
to stay. He needed my help badly. I then turned to him and said:
“Look, let’s make it this way: I’ll get myself a coffee while you calm
down. If you still need help by then, you know where my desk is.” I
then left.

Although what I said sounds calm, I was not calm at all. My hands
were shaking and I could feel my ears burn. But slowly I started to
realise that I’ve just done the right thing. Two years ago I would
have engaged in a heated discussion with him and would have said
things I would later regret. Not this time and I was *very* proud of
it.

But I was really amazed as I realised that I was not angry at this guy
at all. I was indeed thankful to him, for creating a situation which
led me to feel great! I then thought of all similar “circumstances”
to do the right thing and feel great that I missed in my life.

He calmed down and came later to me. I helped him to solve his
problems and he could fulfill his deadline.

As I went home I came by his desk, said goodbye and wished him a nice
weekend. I was very happy, blissful indeed.

Other colleagues who witnessed the scene told me later that I reacted
very cool and that I showed him who “the better person” was. It was
not my intent but a nice side effect that my colleagues had more
respect for me after this incident.

Jon Henshaw Says:

December 13th, 2007, 2:56 am

Hi Leo,

I’m not sure if this is a perfect fit for your website or not, but I thought of your website right after I wrote it. Probably just the idea of not stressing out when you can’t find something – a file in this case – that you need.

The article is called, “How to Find and Download Files that Are No Longer Available”

The URL is really long, so I’ll leave a short URL redirect for it: http://tinyurl.com/25lcjz

Thanks for considering :)

-Jon

Sergei Podbereschi Says:

December 14th, 2007, 0:43 am

Hello ,

There is a link I wanted to suggest for your review.

It’s a new web 2.0 tool that we launched about two weeks ago. 5pm is an online project management application that works inside your browser and can be accessed from anywhere. It comes with smart customizable interface and a balanced set of features. 5pm looks different from anything else on the web in this category, but still feels familiar.

You can check it here: http://www.5pmweb.com

There is an online demo. Also you can register your own free trial account to play with it - the sign up process is very quick. Feel free to click around, or check the short 2-min video introduction.

5pm is a totally new tool, and I hope you will consider it worth mentioning. If you need any additional, even exclusive, information - let me know.

Thank you for your time.

——————————–
Sergei Podbereschi
5pm™ - project management on time
mailto:support@5pmweb.com

Patrice Duecker Says:

December 17th, 2007, 21:58 pm

Are you looking for an interesting story idea? DoMyStuff is an auction website for outsourcing personal services. We can help you find interesting examples, but a few of the unique tasks site users have posted include finding a Santa costume, cooking Christmas dinner and decorating a tree, proposing to a girlfriend, producing video life stories, finding a chess master, writing an ebook on meditation, making a fake ID and improving Final Fantasy X performance.

Since our launch in April 2007, we have over 40,000 members and have hundreds of tasks completed each day nationwide. Stories about the site have appeared in Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, PC Magazine, Esquire Magazine and soon the Rachel Ray show.

Please take a look at our site and let me know if you have questions, would like more information, or want to be connected with existing users for interviews.

Thank you,

Patrice Duecker
DoMyStuff.com
9454 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 803
Beverly Hills, CA 90302
P | (877) 711-9883
F | (310) 276-5903
Patrice@domystuff.com

Derwin Says:

December 20th, 2007, 10:58 am

Hi Leo!

Really enjoy the site.

I find a very zen way to start my day is to go to the following sites that take advertisers money and donate it to various charities.

http://www.thehungersite.com/
http://www.care2.com/
http://www.freerice.com/

By the time I’ve had my Raisin Bran, I’ve donated food, help to pay for mammograms, helped pets, donated books and helped to save the rain forest for free just by clicking.. Not a bad start to the day.

I’ve linked a lot of those sites at http://www.geocities.com/click2help2. But that is far less important than the other sites.

Keep up the great work!

Derwin

Cathy Hughes Says:

December 26th, 2007, 5:02 am

I just came across and read this page: http://zenhabits.net/2007/04/zen-to-done-ztd-the-ultimate-simple-productivity-system/.

One of the suggested activities is to focus on only one thing.

For those of us who work at home and have things like laundry to do, just how do you focus on one thing at a time and get laundry done?

I understand breaking it down into:
1. Launder linens
2. Put linens in dryer
3. Launder jeans and heavy items
4. Take linens out of dryer
5. Put jeans, etc in dryer
6. Launder something else
7. Fold linens

Is this what you mean? I’m not sure if this is how to go about “Focus on one thing at a time” but I do have a correlated problem of forgetting to check the laundry since it’s not in a room that I go into and because I have a European washer and dryer, I can’t time when the loads are done.

Greg Hays Says:

December 28th, 2007, 8:55 am

Please read the “about” page on my website. I welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas to promote this clothing line we launched this fall.

Anthony Says:

December 29th, 2007, 1:01 am

Hi,

I’m a busy college student looking for some suggestions. I like to eat healthy foods, typically abstain from meat, and am interested in more affordable foods, as I don’t have much in the way of disposable funds. It would be great to have some suggestions on quick recipes for bringing pre-made food with me to school, work, etc. that is quick, healthy, delicious, and meat-free. Thanks!

Anthony

Floyd Says:

December 29th, 2007, 12:00 pm

Hi Leo,

I think the site is great. You have a lot of usefule, life-simplifying tips on most aspects of daily life. I like especially the latter part, that I don’t have to go to one site for finance with a zen attitude, one ofr productivity, one for happiness, &c. I was wondering if you had any thoughts that you could add to dating — seeing that it occupies such a central role in much of our twenties and thirties. I would especially welcome post about how to relax into the certainty of ultimately finding the right person, about how to mindfully let someone go, about how to get over rejection, about how to make your partner feel they are more loved, how to open up emotionally, &c.

I hope you had happy holidays and wish you and zenhabits all the best for the new year.

Cheers,

Floyd

Andy Says:

December 29th, 2007, 20:23 pm

I am honored and happy to announce you that Personal Development Top Sites was launched.
Personal Development Top Sites is the first top sites about personal development and self improvement field.
PDTS is dedicated to all of you interested in this field, a very interesting and useful for us.
PDTS offers free web subscribing and promoting. All you have to do is to subscribe your site and post on your page the Link Code that connects your site and PDTS.
PDTS wishes to be a way to know better the ones in this domain, a powerful tool for promotion for our sites and a place to develop the most profitable investment: investing in your person.

PDTS link: http://egodevelopment.com/pdtopsites/

Egodevelopment.com by Andy

P.S. HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Linda Anderson Krech Says:

December 31st, 2007, 10:47 am

Greetings Leo,

We recently posted some New Year’s resources that might be of interest to your readers.

On our Thirty Thousand Days
http://www.todoinstitute.com/30KDays/

blog`you will`find the essay

Haiku New Year

a poetic inspiration for beginning the new year in the Japanese haiku tradition of Bassho, Issa, Shiki and others. Also, on our website,

http://www.todoinstitute.org/new-year.html

we have links to a number of articles related to the new year, including

Getting on Track: Setting Goals for the Year that Aren’t Totally Self-Centered
and
Rethinking Goals and Resolutions for the New Year

These articles are in the archives of The Internet Library of Japanese Psychology and Purposeful Living.

http://www.todoinstitute.com/library/

Best wishes for you and for your work in the coming year. We enjoy reading Zen Habits through our RSS feed in Netvibes. May the New Year provide you with many opportunities to be a source of inspiration and guidance to others.

Warm regards,

Linda Anderson
ToDo Institute
http://www.todoinstitute.org

Matthew Says:

January 1st, 2008, 4:10 am

Hi. Loving the blog, by the way.

I was wondering if you could do a post on exercises that people can do around the house. I know alot of people need to lose weight, myself included, but at the same time some people, myself included, feel embarrassed about, say, going for a run, or going to the gym.

Also, for us overweight peoples, how about tips on dealing with hunger?

Thanks.

Bart Says:

January 2nd, 2008, 10:50 am

In your post of dec 14th. you wrote:

5. Journal. Similar to “write it down” above, but with a little more depth. Journaling (whether it’s in a paper journal or online doesn’t matter) helps you explore different areas of your life that you don’t think about much. And this exploration might allow you to find some things on your mind that you didn’t realize were there, some things that can be eliminated or pursued.

I am interested in reading your thoughts on how to analyse/review/explore the quickly growing amount of text in a journal for those that don’t write a one-sentence journal. For example: “Things that can be eliminated or pursued”, how do I recognise them? Is tagging (or “topics” as it is called in the software you promote) pieces of text with sentiments, thoughts or subjects an idea?

Thanks for your great blog.

Bart Says:

January 2nd, 2008, 11:09 am

Oops, sorry, you don’t promote journal software.

Rich Espenschied Says:

January 3rd, 2008, 21:59 pm

Hi, I recently tried to join your forum because I wanted to start posting for my January challenge, however, I couldn’t register because there was something wrong with my authorization code (actually I’m really not sure what to put for this).

So if you could help me out with this that would be great because I really want to start posting for my new habit.

Thanks,
Rich

Zoe Says:

January 4th, 2008, 0:11 am

Hello Leo,

I came across this article and thought you may be interested.

Can’t think now, I’m busy
http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/cant-think-now-im-busy/2007/11/30/1196394620979.html

Kacy F. Says:

January 4th, 2008, 3:11 am

Hello Leo,

I’m a student at UNC, and I’ve been a big fan of your blog for a while. I have question for you though. I know that you are not a student, but is there a way that you can post some productivity tips related to college studies? Sometimes I tend to get overwhelmed when faced with all the school work that I need to do over a period of time. Thanks. Happy New Year!

Emma Says:

January 4th, 2008, 8:34 am

Hi Leo - I believe you use a moleskine for collecting all your ideas, tasks, projects etc.? If this is the case, I would love to know how you lay it all out. Do you have tabs for different things such as Next Actions, Projects, Inbox etc.

I myself keep a moleskine and am constantly looking for ways to improve its organisation! ;-)

Cheers.

Leo Says:

January 6th, 2008, 18:09 pm

@Emma: Great question. However, I don’t have a great answer. :)

I’ve been experimenting with different methods all year. At the moment, I do a simple “Today” list every day with my 3 Most Important Tasks and a few smaller “batch” tasks that I try to do all at once. I also have notes at the bottom of the page for ideas, tasks that pop into my head. I transfer these to my master to-do list on the computer each day (ideally).

If things in my life get complicated, I also create a little mini-calendar for a week or two, drawing boxes on two pages to create a week’s calendar, so I can do a little more planning. I don’t always do this, but it’s a tool I use now and then.

If I come up with a better system, I’ll write about it. :)

Adrian Koh Says:

January 6th, 2008, 21:08 pm

Hey Leo, I was wondering if you would consider putting some of your tips and guides on pocketmods? (see http://www.pocketmod.com/) It’ll be great to have something handy and low-tech to read.

Niall Doherty Says:

January 7th, 2008, 15:20 pm

It would be great if you could post a list of useful podcasts that give tips on productivity and such. Keep doing what you do. Cheers.

Leo Says:

January 7th, 2008, 17:51 pm

Great suggestions, guys. I can’t guarantee anything, but I appreciate the ideas!

emma Says:

January 8th, 2008, 15:46 pm

Thanks for the response Leo - I love the simplicity of that approach (of course it fits with your SIMPLIFY! philosophy!). I think the ‘Today’ list approach including MIT’s is something I may play with, so cheers for the insight :o)

In the meantime - good to know I am not the only one constantly fiddling with different methods ;-)

Daniel Stevens Says:

January 10th, 2008, 17:18 pm

Hi Leo!

Like many humans in the world I am bad at talking in front of people, in presentations, toasts and so on. Only hearing the word ‘presentation’ makes my skin crawl (not in a good way). So my suggestion for you is to make an article about how we can get better at this and actually enjoy it.

Thanks!

Andrea Says:

January 11th, 2008, 5:52 am

Leo,

I’m a big fan of your blog and all of the wonderful tips and information you share. I’ve begun to implement some of your tips into my life, however, I am an excellent starter, just not great on the follow through. Any ideas for helping people to become more disciplined when it comes to making changes in their lives?
Sincerely,
Andrea

Greg Says:

January 11th, 2008, 16:32 pm

I have about 4 credit cards that I am paying down on right now. I’m just implementing your strategies to get out of debt. I also just got an offer in the mail from my bank to take out a loan to pay off all my credit cards, and just pay this loan back at an interest rate of between 9.99 and 22.99, depending on my credit (its not bad). Should I pay off the credit cards separately using the snowball effect, or should I take this bank issued loan to do it? The monthly payment would be much less for the bank loan.

paula Says:

January 13th, 2008, 20:29 pm

Hi Leo,

My largest expense is rent, even though I share my apartment with a roommate. Could you post about ways to reduce your expenditures on housing?

Thanks!
Paula

Katy Says:

January 16th, 2008, 12:37 pm

I’ve been reading this blog for a little over a month I guess. I’ve been digging back through posts as well and I’m nearly to the beginning of the blog. I haven’t yet come across a post on how to keep sane at work. I have a fairly mindless office job right now. The workload is such that I have enough spare brain power to drive myself insane with boredom. There are obviously a million things I’d rather be doing than work but there are few possibilities. I don’t ignore my responsibilities in favor of entertainment but the work is tedious, repetitive and easy and as such I have too much spare time. However, I’m not allowed to do things I’d like to do during downtime like sketch or knit or read a good book. I don’t want to spend hours all day clicking my way through youtube, but I have few other options. That’s the reason I stumbled over this blog in the first place which I’ve enjoyed immensely. I try searching for new blogs to read but even then I read so quickly that I can start from the beginning of a series of a comic or blog and within a week or (rarely) little more than a month, I’m completely done with it. Wikipedia’s provided some good reading, but even then I need more variety. What can you suggest to fill the dead space in my day besides getting a more interesting and active job? That, unfortunately at this time, is not an option. Basically, how do I drive away boredom with something constructive when the only tool I have is the internet?

John Says:

January 16th, 2008, 17:09 pm

I found the following post great and i thought your readers would love it.

http://www.noisefreeinvesting.com/blog/?p=153

Charles Says:

January 18th, 2008, 3:36 am

Leo,

Read your post about how you’ve ditched the 9-5. What I would be really interested in is an ask the readers about how to do this.

I really like the prospect of getting out of the 9-5, but don’t really know where to begin.

Thanks

Barbara Says:

January 18th, 2008, 18:10 pm

You communicate a lot of wisdom, in addition to very useful information.

My question concerns the power of indecision to slow progress. Do you have some thoughts on how to commit — how to decide — on matters both large and small. Some decisions are larger than others, but sometimes even very small decisions, such as how to categorize as you organize, can thwart progress.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Darren Littlejohn Says:

January 19th, 2008, 22:41 pm

Hi,

I love your blog site. I’ve been blogging for a while now and have always wanted the features you have here, categories, forum, site style integration, etc. Can I ask if you are using a Content Management application or did you scratch this up from Wordpress? I would like to make my blog better. For now, you can see it at:

http://blog.the12stepbuddhist.com

thanks!

-d

Darren Littlejohn
The 12 Step Buddhist
http://12stepbuddhist.com

Tomek Says:

January 20th, 2008, 6:35 am

Hi Leo,

I was wandering if you could perhaps give some tips for students on how they could get better organised, motivated and productive with their studies, coursework and exams.

Thanks.

Mark Says:

January 23rd, 2008, 18:26 pm

Thanks for the great blog Leo.

Personally, I finally set aside a few days to properly implement GTD, and it feels great. However, I found myself looking at Amazon after your latest post on Overcoming Resistance, and got myself wondering… will I be reading self-help books for the rest of my life?

Although there is always room for improvement, it would be inspiring to hear your story, and your readers’ stories, on what is the one thing that has really turned people’s lives around in terms of happiness and productivity? A book? Rising early? GTD? Change of job? Change of attitude? Getting married? Martial arts? Drugs? Meditation?

Everyone wants a quick fix, and maybe most answers will be a series of steps… but I wonder if, even if it is a gradual progression, that there is that “aha!” moment.

Lissa Says:

January 23rd, 2008, 21:47 pm

How would someone interested in interviewing you for both a broadcast radio piece and a podcast get in touch with you?

tim Says:

January 24th, 2008, 11:34 am

Hello Leo,

I’m somewhat new to your blog and very new to the idea of simplicity - I am loving it! Thanks for helping those of use trying to simplify.

I’ve been reading back posts and on one in particular, you mentioned that you use more or less, all online tools to do your work; specifically, what “storage” tool do you use? i’m looking to do the same thing - but am somewhat lost on where to find adequate storage for free or nominal cost.

On the same topic, would you mind sharing _all_ the tools (online) that you use, may be so we can see what kind of tools we could use to help us organize our digital selves.

Thanks for any help you can share!

cmontoya Says:

January 24th, 2008, 15:58 pm

Are your posts available as podcasts? Is your blog available on Amazon’s Kindle? If not, is either in the works?

Thanks much and more power to you!

Karthick Says:

January 25th, 2008, 6:04 am

Hey Leo,

First off great work on your site and gratz on the award!

I am also curious to know how you designed your site, what’s the platform you make use of and do you use a CMS like Wordpress?

Maybe a poston how you got this website done would be highly useful !

thanks and keep up the great work.

elizabeth Says:

January 25th, 2008, 19:12 pm

Leo,

I’ve been doing GTD/ZTD for a couple of months now and I have a HUGE someday/maybe list–pages and pages of general stuff I want to do plus probably thousands of books I want to read compiled from various lists I kept pre-GTD. While I think I’m probably extreme, there must be other people out there whose S/M lists are a little out of control…any tips for cutting down?

Keep up the great blogging!

- Elizabeth

Melencio Says:

January 25th, 2008, 19:53 pm

To whom it may concern,

Good day, I am Mr. Melencio T. Sapnu and I am a designer who is managing a team of designer/cartoonist/illustrator.

I just want to inquire if you need a logo, mascot or custom header for your site. You can view our portfolio at http://www.designfxpro.com. We’ve also done a custom header for http://www.theuniversitykid.com , http://www.vikingblogger.com and http://www.mooneyquest.com .

Please let me know if you are interested with our services and I will be very delighted to discuss it with you. I will just be waiting for your reply. I hope you will give this matter your utmost concern.

Thanks,
Melencio T. Sapnu
Team Leader
Designfxpro Team
http://www.designfxpro.com

Tarik Says:

January 27th, 2008, 12:03 pm

Hey Leo,

First off, awesome blog. You cover so many topics that I need guidance in. Keep up the great stuff, and consider a book deal or two.

My question:

How about a post on contact management tips for bloggers?

I personally use http://www.keepm.com to store, organize, and manage all my blogosphere, personal, and business contacts.

It’s completely zen like ;)

See you around the blogosphere.

-Tarik

Bill Says:

January 28th, 2008, 17:35 pm

No response necessary, but I wanted to make sure you saw this article on multi-tasking. Some definitive scientific evidence here:

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200711/multitasking

vj Says:

January 29th, 2008, 11:12 am

Source: Will Durant, The Story of Philosophy: The Lives and Opinions of the World’s Greatest Philosophers (1926) [Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books, 1991, ISBN 0-671-73916-6] Ch. II: Aristotle and Greek Science; part VII: Ethics and the Nature of Happiness: “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation: we do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have these because we have acted rightly; ‘these virtues are formed in man by his doing the actions’; we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit: ‘the good of man is a working of the soul in the way of excellence in a complete life… for as it is not one swallow or one fine day that makes a spring, so it is not one day or a short time that makes a man blessed and happy’” (p. 76). The quoted phrases within the quotation are from the Nicomachean Ethics, Book I. The misattribution is from taking Durant’s summation of Aristotle’s ideas as being the words of Artistotle himself.
(wikiquote)

vj Says:

January 29th, 2008, 12:40 pm

Each year one vicious habit rooted out,
In time might make the worst Man good throughout
Ben franklin.

Ian Serlin Says:

January 29th, 2008, 14:57 pm

Hey there Leo,

The coolest thing of all is that you’re so accessible, which you know is one of your strengths.

From personal experience I know that translating advice into action can be difficult if you lack the right motivation and you’ve done some really good posts on this topic.

What I would really like to see, however, and what I think would be beneficial to not just me but a majority of your readers is if you could find some synergy between your “zen” thinking and the strengths movement. Just like part of the reason you’re succeeding is due to you playing to your communication strength, I’ve come to realize that I am most successful when playing to my particular strengths because that is what indeed motivates me in my endeavours.

If you haven’t heard about the strengths movement some good places to start are http://www.strengthsfinder.com and http://www.marcusbuckingham.com . I am in no way affiliated with either site but believe in the core ideas they represent.

Combining the goals you want to achieve in your life, including the habits you want to develop, can more easily and fully be accomplished if you know how to motivate yourself to achieve them.

All the best and I look forward to purchasing “Zen to Strength”!

Smiling,

Ian Serlin

Margi Says:

January 29th, 2008, 14:57 pm

Hi Leo. I’m hoping you or your readers can help me with some suggestions.

I’m struggling a little in the “cube farm” with ways to ward off negativity at work. I LOVE my job and LOVE the company, so getting another job is not an option I want to pursue.

I sit next to the complaint department who fields angry customer calls all day long. (My team is supposed to be moving later this quarter, so that should help) The building we’re in feels like an old US government building. People come into the building around the same time in the morning and leave the same time in the afternoon; it feels very institutional to me.

I work from home one day per week (the max my company currently allows), which helps a lot. When I’m in the office, I have a headset and I listen to my Yahoo radio most of the day, but there’s an energy in the place that I’m struggling to shake.

I’ve been here over a year and it’s just now starting to bother me, so it’s not overwhelming. But it’s not pleasant either.

I’d love to see a blog about staying positive in a sea of negativity, and see suggestions from your readers on what I can do to keep the blah energy from seeping into me.

Thanks for considering.

Jordon Says:

January 29th, 2008, 23:08 pm

Hi Leo,
I recently became rather depressed. This all started when I was I became too addicted to a video game, I broke my addiction, but became addicted to the internet. It slowly but surely broke my social life. What started was me being popular, being able to talk to people and start conversations like it was no big deal. I am no longer addicted to the internet but still very frustrated. I’ve been struggling these past few months to overcome my problem, but have had no luck. I have a lot to type, but I’m young and really really need help especially from someone who is as motivating as you. I understand you get a questions, but I think if I don’t fix this now I will grow up to be someone I don’t want to be and that’s why I feel it’s worth answering.
To begin, I am 13 years of age. This is no joke, and I need help. I started following your blog just a couple of weeks ago and it is beginning to help me. I started to overcome my procrastination habits. I began exercising. I even went to bed earlier, and it has helped me a great deal. My dilemma is this, I know longer possess the power to just start conversation with people. It might seem like no big deal, but each second of everyday is spent thinking of what I can say next that might be interesting. When my mind goes blank I get frustrated and do something else. Not only have my friends become farther apart, but I just feel like my social life is just slipping away. I spend a lot of time in my own home now, which I absolutely hate. I would like to be out hanging with friends like I used to. I was wondering if you could possibly write about how to talk to people, and how to make friends with people. Maybe even a personal response to me since the kids I hang around are my age. Being nice doesn’t make you friends, but being cool and funny does. This would be a huge help, wondering if you could do this for a struggling kid in need of dire help.

-Keep Blogging, Thanks in advance. Jordon

kelly e. Says:

January 30th, 2008, 11:00 am

My boyfriend and I are moving from one place to another - we have decided to get rid of a lot of “stuff” in our apartment prior to that move - I was looking through your site and couldn’t find it any posts about “moving” and how to use it as a way to declutter your life and start anew. have you posted on this topic before?

Abdullah Says:

February 1st, 2008, 8:03 am

Hi Leo, I have a topic suggestion for your blog “Write To Done”. It would be great if you write an article for those between 16 to 18 who will go for bachelors degree this year.
Thanks

Grant Kornman Says:

February 1st, 2008, 11:13 am

I love the site. It is so beautiful and I love all the tips. I’m totally obsessed with making my life easier That’s why I started Vuru.com

Vuru.com is a website where you can buy the same vitamins and supplements you would find at a Whole Foods or a great health food store. THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE!

Using our website, you can build a custom vitamin pack from any combination of the 2,000 name brand supplements we carry. Our packs eliminate those dumb bottles and the huge burden of using one of those stupid pill organizers.

If you are into health, you should check out our site. We would be happy to set up a coupon for your readers so they can get an ADDITIONAL 10% off their first order at Vuru.com.

Thanks,
Grant

Peter Jamieson Says:

February 1st, 2008, 13:36 pm

Hello.
A suggestion for a topic post which ties together your love of simplicity, productivity and writing… I stumbled across this definitive piece of software called Writeroom …… http://hogbaysoftware.com/products/writeroom

Peter Hansen Says:

February 2nd, 2008, 11:41 am

HI,

Have you posted an example of a life statement?

Arif Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 3:18 am

Hi Leo,

Don’t know if you’ve done so already, but would love to know how do you personally make that perfect cup of coffee in the morning when you sit down to write :-).

Take care buddy. Keep posting.

Arif
Bangalore, India

Sudhindra Joshi Says:

February 6th, 2008, 3:53 am

Hi Leo,

How about a post on topic like, how married men and women can achieve their goals, such as further studies, developing new business, handling family challenges etc?

As I am married for 2 years, I see a lot of challenges and new goals which I want to achieve. So far I have not got some encouraging stories where a person achieved important goals and how they did that.

Thanks a lot
Sudhindra

Justin Fleming Says:

February 6th, 2008, 6:10 am

Great blog and I’ve followed for a long time. In fact, it’s the one thing I actually look forward to reading each day.. some people get up and read the paper, I look for ZH.

Anyway, blog request:

Making a good home with rented accomodation - tips and advise for making a temporary home “home” - eg with easily transportable furniture etc.
A bit like living out of boxes in style :)
Sadly, some of us have no change of owning our own home but still want to have a nice place.

I’ve started with getting large seagrass baskets to stack and use as book shelves - they look nice and neat and if you’re moving, just tip them up and carry them out!

Any more ideas would be great. Thx

dokidok Says:

February 8th, 2008, 13:47 pm

Hi Leo.
My request is more specific. How to cope with the performance anxiety (or stage fright in this case, not the “other performance anxiety”)? The particular situation in my case is, that I am going to have an oral exam. The exam consists of 12 patients encounters, and you have to perform as in a real doctor’s office situation. During the whole 12 encounters, you will be watched and assessed. Some more information about the exam http://www.usmle.org/Examinations/step2/step2cs_content.html. I don’t have any problems in my everyday work and friendships. The only problem is when I have to perform and talk in front of other people (more than 2-3). I know that the most common phobia is public speaking, which is kind of related to the exam I am going to have. So, I am asking for some tips and technics, different than the usual ones, like try to remain calm, deep breathing, and think positive. Is it possible to learn how to relax and give the best of yourself in such a stressful situation?

Becky Says:

February 9th, 2008, 20:34 pm

Hi Leo,

I am a fairly new subscriber - I enjoy reading your blog and learning from your experiences. I have been trying to implement some of your many great ideas.

Topic Suggestion - I would love to hear your ideas on how to have more fun in life or how to make time for fun. Like most adults I spend the majority of my time working. I find it very difficult to make time to do something fun when there is always work that needs to be done.

Thanks for considering this idea!

Tim Allik Says:

February 11th, 2008, 14:39 pm

Hi Leo -

It seems to me that one of the primary obstacles to personal productivity these days isn’t a lack of information, but rather the opposite: TMI – Too Much Information.

The web, radio and television all bombard us with information these days, and the overwhelming majority of it is of questionable value.

This is a counterproductive situation because it results in distraction, fills our brains with the equivalent of editorial junk food, and results in an “opportunity cost” — for every minute we spend reading bad journalism or watching awful TV, we could be doing something else.

In order to be as productive as possible, we need reliable filters that help us find the good stuff and leave the editorial junk food behind. That’s where Brijit comes in.

Brijit (at http://www.brijit.com) uses editors and writers to craft concise 100 word abstracts and reviews of high-quality stories regardless of format (print, radio, and television).

These summaries are available on the Brijit website, via RSS, and also by e-mail.

Brijit fills a critical niche: in this era of time starvation, Brijit provides people with the opportunity to access an eclectic mix of high quality journalism, writing, and broadcasting quickly and efficiently.

Think Reader’s Digest meets Facebook.

Sources include BusinessWeek, Newsweek, The Economist, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Wired, Barrons, This American Life (Public Radio), The New York Review of Books, Charlie Rose (PBS), Harper’s, Salon, Wall Street Journal, and Rolling Stone – over 100 quality outlets in all.

If you have a moment, check Brijit out. I’d sincerely appreciate your thoughts and feedback!

Thanks,
Tim Allik for Brijit

Michael Doneman Says:

February 11th, 2008, 21:04 pm

How about a discussion or posting on the ‘placebo effect’? Haven’t found it in a search of the site, and it may well be of interest to readers.

We’ve just started a small online business focused on the placebo effect - and the strange fact that it has been until now impossible to actually buy placebos (small, inert sugar pills) on the web.

Michael Doneman Says:

February 11th, 2008, 21:06 pm

URL link corrected - shd point to http://www.placebo.com.au

John Petty Says:

February 12th, 2008, 11:14 am

Good Morning Leo,
Knowing you are an avid writer, I thought you might enjoy a link I found from the Kim Komando Newsletter.
It is to a website called Educational Portal that has Universities offering Free Writing Courses On-Line.
Purdue, MIT and Utah amoungst others are offering courses.

http://education-portal.com/articles/10_Universities_Offering_Free_Writing_Courses_Online.html

It might be a good tool for your reader on your writers blog.
Keep up the great work!

John

Dan Hicks Says:

February 12th, 2008, 23:39 pm

I love the format of your EBOOK. Did you use any special EBOOK publication tool that you can point me to?

Leo Says:

February 13th, 2008, 1:15 am

@John Petty: Thanks for the link!

@Dan Hicks: I had the ebook designed by a professional designer … he used Adobe InDesign, which I know is top of the line (and also expensive). :)

Mikey H Says:

February 13th, 2008, 8:16 am

Hi Leo,

A couple of days ago, out of the blue, I began thinking of the things I regretted not doing when I was younger. Thoughts such as “if I had started the gym 3 years earlier, I would have achieved my goals by now” and “Geeze, I wish I had been more proactive in my extra-curricular activities at uni/high school. I could have met new people, learnt new things…” and etc. It was a really negative train of thought that seemed to encourage further negativity.

Then it dawned on me! 4 simple words snapped me out of that negative spin and motivated me more than anything else before… The words were “it’s not too late!”.

From that point onwards, I realised that I could start my gym routine now and be fit in 3 years time, I could begin doing more with my spare time and still achieve my goals before I’m 30!

I can imagine being 30, looking back having accomplished my goals and then no longer carrying that regret. It’s that feeling that now has me going to the gym 3-5times a week, it’s that feeling that has me willing to try new activities, activities that the old me would not have given a second thought to.

You may be wondering where this is going… well, this is a post suggestion. I think it would be helpful for any reader out there that has regrets about inaction in the past. “It’s not too late!”. Do what you wish the younger you had done… now.

Chances are you’ve probably covered this in a similar post, but just in case you haven’t, here it is. My post suggestion.

Btw, love your work! Subscribed and loving it!

Mikey.

Peter Says:

February 13th, 2008, 12:27 pm

Hi Leo,

I’ve been reading your blog for almost a year now and your insights and advice have proven invaluable. I’ve been implementing several of your ideas over the last few months and the results have been very rewarding. After years of large paper piles, my desk has been clear for 2 months now!!

Anyway, in your Feb 10 post “7 Steps to Turn Your Self-Improvement Desires Into Reality”, one of the points you mention is to Be Accountable. Have friends and family hold you accountable for the goals you’ve set. Well, I’m on the other side of that coin, in that I’m the person having to hold a friend accountable to help a him reach a goal. Perhaps you can write a post on some ideas I can do to help my friend reach his goal. Some ideas more substantial than simply “Rah Rah You can do it” talk.

In my particular case my friend is trying to quit smoking (after several failed attempts over several years). I’ve never smoked I don’t have the experience to draw upon on how to keep him motivated. Any thoughts you could provide for this particular case and more generally how to be a good motivator would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Peter

Dee Says:

February 14th, 2008, 23:29 pm

Hi Leo,

Maybe I missed it, but I can’t find a link to Write to Done anywhere on the site??

Chris Says:

February 18th, 2008, 21:54 pm

A post about how you journal and what we should journal about would be great. So often I hear about the how journaling is so awesome, but I don’t know how to start or what to write about.

Phil Palmieri Says:

February 19th, 2008, 12:46 pm

HI Leo,

I just wanted to throw in one of my habits that has helped me greatly.

Turn off auto-download email in your mail client. Do a send/receive at se intervals and act on those email till the box is clear, then check again later. This has kept my inbox clear for a long time - - i usually get 100+ real emails a day, and it keeps me on top of them all.

Phil

Matt Says:

February 21st, 2008, 14:59 pm

I love the site design and was hoping you cold tell me if you were using word-press or Moveable Type for this and if so what theme? This looks really good!!!!!

Jami Says:

February 21st, 2008, 21:16 pm

I just bought your new e-book witch so far is great!!! I do have a question about my kids clutter. I have 2 little girls 1 and 2. I am going crazy trying to keep up with their toys and little pices. They love beaded necklaces and they are everywhere!!! I bought hooks and hung them down low so they can play with them and then hang them back up. They are not working!!! I also feel bad about getting rid of the toys our family has gotten them. Every holiday I ask for grandparents and family to not get much and they dont but it is still adding up!!! Could you point me in the direction of something to help. I am a flybaby!!!

chelsey Says:

February 24th, 2008, 19:03 pm

Hey Leo, I posted something personal on your thread “20 things I wish I had know when starting life” with my full name and was wondering if you could please remove it.

It was a glitch in my computer that added it accidentally and I would really appreciate it if you could remove it for me!

Thanks so much!

Mark Gluth Says:

February 25th, 2008, 19:14 pm

Hello- I love your website, and have gained much from it personally. I have one question Iwould like some help with. My workgroup has developed some less than productive habits (crisis addiction amongst many others) and I am looking for a some book titles that addreess initiating positive change from within an organization, while not actually being it’s highest leader. Any and all recomendations would really help me. My work life balnace is suffering because At home I’m moody because of my job.

Leo Says:

February 25th, 2008, 20:38 pm

@Chelsey: I removed your last name if that’s OK.

@Jami: I find baskets and those colorful plastic drawers for kids (my kids call the drawers “cubbies”) work best for us. Then the kids can just clean up periodically, scooping their messes into the drawers and baskets. It’s not ideally organized, but it’s easy, and that’s what counts! :)

As for gifts from relatives … if you’ve made it clear that they have too many toys already, and have asked for other types of gifts (suggest movie or restaurant or theme park gift certificates or similar), and they still get toys … you should have no guilt in getting rid of them. We usually get rid of toys our kids don’t play with after a few months, because if they don’t play with them it doesn’t make sense for them to take up space. With a rule like that, it doesn’t matter who bought the toy — if it’s not being used, get rid of it.

Leo Says:

February 25th, 2008, 20:40 pm

@Mark: I recommend David Allen’s Getting Things Done … many organizations give this book out to new employees. As an alternative, you could give out copies of my Zen To Done (see the ad in my sidebar to the top right) … buy one copy and email it out to everyone else for free! :)

David Says:

February 26th, 2008, 1:05 am

I’ve read most of your entire blog now, and it’s one of the most amazing resources I’ve ever come across. However, over and over you mention “positive thinking” as the number one tool that’s helped you transform your life, yet, strangely enough, you’ve never recommended even *one* book to your readers for further study of this all-important concept. So what book would you recommend re: positive thinking? The Power of Positive Thinking? Successs with a Positive Mental Attidude? The Secret? Thanks.

Erin Says:

February 26th, 2008, 13:41 pm

Hi Leo,

I wanted to let you know about a national Campaign for Love & Forgiveness. This multi-year campaign (run by the Kalamazoo-based nonprofit Fetzer Institute) seeks to inspire positive changes at home, work, and in the communities where we live. Our website is rich with resources and includes a cool “letting go” ritual that allows users to anonymously reflect on a hurt caused by them, or one they experienced. I hope you can take a look as I think you might really like it.
loveandforgive.org

Raphael Says:

February 26th, 2008, 17:24 pm

Leo,

First off, you know this, but you are the man!

Here’s my question: I’m 24, pursuing my undergraduate degree after taking a 4 year hiatus to work (my choice). I’ve had to work pretty hard to come back from a 1.67 gpa to 3.32 in about a year and a half. I’m at a community college, looking to transfer. How can I apply Zen Habits to chose the right transfer school, apply, and get in successfully.

Much love goes out to you from California!

Leo Says:

February 27th, 2008, 21:24 pm

@Raphael: Congrats on your academic success! I have to confess ignorance here — I don’t know much about transferring schools. I wish I could help more!

@David: Books on positive thinking? I really haven’t read any, so I can’t honestly recommend any. All my learning about positive thinking has been through life experience … I learned through quitting smoking and running and have been applying it ever since. Maybe I’ll write a more in-depth post on this. :)

Also, I know Peale is famous for his writings on this, but I honestly haven’t read him:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Vincent_Peale

Adam Says:

February 29th, 2008, 1:04 am

I really love all the great quotes you guys put in all the posts. Id love a section or page where I can find all your quotes in one place.

Dave Says:

February 29th, 2008, 1:40 am

Leo, how do I go about reading your novel … could you put out a link to it? If your fiction writing is as good as your blog stuff, then I think we’d all be in for a real treat. Thanks.

anna Says:

February 29th, 2008, 6:00 am

Dear Leo,
I just found you website and it is wonderful!

I have a question for you.
First, will try GTD and start with your suggestion of breaking down projects and start with 5 minutes. I have a lot of great projects. However even breaking them down I can find very difficult to do b/c I have extremly high expectations of myself which results in that I don’t do anything b/c then I can’t fail…… Do you have any suggestions on how to overcome these high expectations since they limit my life and I don’t get things/projects done.

Maybe you have written about this and if so you could you guide me towards where I can read about it.

Thank you!
I wish you a wonderful day!
Anna

Trin Says:

February 29th, 2008, 13:03 pm

I have a quick question, after one comment. I have four children myself, so I can only imagine how busy you must be! I am genuinely excited to hear from and about someone with a large family who has the resolve and conviction to apply such positive change to themselves, their lives and the lives of others. So, kudos to you, Sir! My question…how to do you honestly make the time?? I’m not even sure where to begin with my own goals, as I already feel I have to sacrifice something important to take care of me. I would really love your opinion, as a father of 6 children, what activities were cut out of your daily life in order to insert your personal goals?

Thanks for such inspiration!
Trin

Lauren Says:

February 29th, 2008, 15:58 pm

Greetings, Green Compadres & Comadres!

I work for WorldofGood.com, and we just launched our own little site: http://www.worldofgood.com - we’re hoping you could inspire a blogger to mention the launch of this exciting new socially-conscious site!

The WorldofGood.com Community is the first component of a two-fold site that will become an eBay Marketplace (to be launched later this year); check out our coverage on Treehugger.com: http://tinyurl.com/2nvsqp

We’re really excited about the already thriving Community, convening a global dialogue on commerce as a force for poverty alleviation, and responsible consumption as a means to social welfare. Our message is to consume less - but when you MUST, consume RESPONSIBLY - and to be sure that you’re shopping via trusted platform where product verifiers, seller and producer certifiers, and environmental impact are measured alongside seller listings.

Thanks for your time and consideration! Please contact me with any questions you may have!

- Lauren S.

Janice Says:

March 1st, 2008, 11:14 am

Hi Leo.

I love the blog. All of your articles are superb — packed full of great tips on how to live.

I was wondering if you could post on the topic of workaholicism. I am one, self-diagnosed. It is something I want to “cure” but am unsure of how to go about it. Or, another topic suggestion, that goes hand-in-hand with it would be how to develop new hobbies on a packed schedule.

Lastly, I was wondering if you were familiar with the concept of flow (popularized by Csíkszentmihályi) and if you had any thoughts about it.

Thank you, Leo. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your posts as always.

Janice

Diane Says:

March 2nd, 2008, 23:44 pm

Leo,

I have an interesting site that if you have time I would like you to take a look at. Jesse Mecham has developed a neat little piece of software call You Need a Budget. The site is http://www.youneedabudget.com/ . Take a look and see what you think.

Thanks,
Diane

Leo Says:

March 3rd, 2008, 5:56 am

@Dave - my novel was never polished after the first draft and hasn’t been published anywhere. It wasn’t very good, but I learned a lot. I hope to get better! :)

@Trin: Excellent question! I’ll address this in a future post.

@Janice: Honestly, I have never really been a workaholic, so I don’t feel qualified to write about it. I wish I could be of more help! Regarding the concept of flow, I have written about it a bit, but never covered it in much depth. I hope to write about it more soon … but basically, I think it’s a key to happiness. :)

@Diane: YNAB is great! I’ve tried it and think it works well for a lot of people.

Andrew Says:

March 4th, 2008, 1:07 am

Hi
I was wondering if you think our new site:

http://www.trackmyshipments.com

would make a good post on zenhabits? - I think we bring a certain good zen vibe to all those shipments zoomed around the world….

TrackMyShipments automatically tracks all your
shipments without any Tracking Number Cut&Paste!
Simply forward all those ‘We Have Shipped Your Order’
emails to track@trackmyshipments.com and the system
automatically grabs the tracking number and shipping
company from the email and starts to track that
shipment - keeping you up to date via email and SMS
text messages.

You can log on at any time to check on your shipments
and see their status and current location on a world
map. The original shipping email can also be viewed
within your account - no more searching through your
inbox.

Over time we’ll be adding features which analyze
what’s happening to each shipment so we’ll be able to
say “your shipment from Hong Kong has been in
Anchorage for 3 days - it could have a customs
problem.”

I’ve been working on this for a few months and hope
you find it useful.

All comments or suggestions are welcomed.

Many Thanks,
-Andrew

http://www.trackmyshipments.com

samantha Says:

March 4th, 2008, 11:28 am

Hey Leo,

I have been an avid reader for quiet some time, I wanted to say I love your posts, they have helped me in many ways. I was just wondering if you could post something on anger management. I seem to have terrible anger problems, so bad that my fiancee is getting fed up with me. I try to control it but its at the point of not even realizing I do it.

I’m at my wits end and losing hope that I can ever change my inhumane ways. Thank you, and take care.

I look forward to your blog everyday while I’m at work, it is one of my favorites out there. Keep up the great work.

Samantha

applegrass Says:

March 4th, 2008, 19:10 pm

hi leo!
thanks for very inspirational work. you’ve often reminded your readers that it is impossible to *change* others; real change must happen from within. the best one can do is accept others as they are in the moment as perfect. my husband and i both ascribe to this philosophy (at least in theory, if not always in action), but we’ve discovered that this view makes us feel woefully inadequate as parents.
the societal expectation for parents is to ‘mold’ their children into [insert appropriate adjective here] people. neither of us want to ‘lay down the law,’ chastise/correct behavior we don’t like, or dish out punishments. but we feel if we don’t do these things, we’re being irresponsible parents and condoning inappropriate behavior. could you please address maintaining a zen-like attitude of accepting people (especially the little ones) as they are, while still being a responsible parent? specific parenting techniques related to this would be helpful, too. thanks for considering.
lots of love.

Dave Says:

March 5th, 2008, 19:28 pm

Leo, what are the best parenting/baby books available that a new parent should pick up? Thanks.

Mitch Says:

March 8th, 2008, 15:12 pm

Dear Leo,

I’m looking for a way to “give back” to Guam, particularly to the youth of the island/education (e.g., educational/arts programs outside of school/not connected to the government). Are you able to recommend any organizations/people on Guam that I can be in touch with on this matter? Although I am Guam born & raised, I’ve been living on the US mainland for many years now and am not that familiar with the non-profits on island (i.e., those that are trustworthy & produce results!). I hope to return to Guam one day and give my children the precious experience of living there but, in the meantime, I’d like to know how I can make a difference from ‘off island.’ Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Mitch

Katherine Says:

March 10th, 2008, 11:13 am

Thanks for such a great blog - I’ve been reading it for just a couple of months now and I’ve found it really inspiring. However… I almost find it a bit overwhelming: I sort of don’t know where to begin in terms of implementing it all. Might you write some kind of ’starter post’ for people who are just trying to work out what they want (to be) and how to start on the journey there?…
Thanks again.

pio dal cin Says:

March 10th, 2008, 12:26 pm

TRANSLATION OF YOUR ARTICLES IN ITALIAN…

Hi, My name is Pio, I live in italy, near venice…I came accross your wonderful articles on this blog and I was thinking that they could be translated in Italian so that more people could benefit from them.
So I thought to ask you if it would be ok for me to translate them and place it on my blog (obviously pointing out that the post do not belong to me but to you)
with a link to your blog.

I do not want to break any rights or appropriate myself with your teaching, I just feel that what you write has to be shared so that’s it.

My name is Pio, I’m 51 and I’mmarried, with a daughter of 5.
I lived in the USA in Florida for ten years. I eventually became a citizen in1996.

I drove a cab, i was a photojournalist for many years. now i live a more quiet life in the country near venice.

I really like the way you write and your message is good.

I have a blog but it is just a starting tool in my writing experience.

I’ll be waiting for your answer. If i?ll get no answer, i will NOT translate your articles.

Thank you.

pio dal cin

Amy-Elizabeth Says:

March 10th, 2008, 13:43 pm

Hey Leo!
I can’t tell you what a positive influence you’ve had on my life since I’ve started reading Zen Habits. I am fortunate enough to have a really cool situation - I’ve gotten the chance to take some time away from my current job(s) and travel. When I come back from my trip, I’d love to just start my life over completely - create new habits and do kind of a “erase and install” on my life.

If you were able to do this - how would you recommend that someone starts over? I know that no one can be truly tabula rasa, but if you have any kind of advice on how to start over, I’d love to hear it.

Adina Says:

March 12th, 2008, 10:59 am

Hi Leo!

I suspect I’m not along in this: I spend way too many hours online, glued to the computer screen, deluding myself into thinking that I’m being productive (when I’m really going around in circles checking and re-checking blogs, updates, emails and so on…).

I also have a stack of 20 or so half-read books next to my bed, and another massive lot of reading I need to (and want to) do for university.

However in the last few years, I have lost my ‘ability’ (’habit’ may be more correct here) to just sit and read. I know this ties in with many of your past posts, but I was wondering if there may be a future post specifically on the topic of getting away from the pixel-words and getting (back) into the ink-words.

The paradoxical thing here is that I LOVE reading, when I actually get around to it.

Best regards and many, many thanks for the massive influence your blog (and related ideas) have had on my life!

Adina

Molly Says:

March 13th, 2008, 0:51 am

Hello.

I am preparing for my first half marathon, which will take place in a little less than 2 months. I have been following a training guide, but I have minimal time to run and as the mile amounts increase I simply run out of time. A friend of mine told me that if I run 3 miles 5 days a week that I will be fine when it comes time to run the mini. I am fairly new to this whole running thing, but this strategy does not make much sense to me. Any suggestions?

Thank you!

Chris Austria Says:

March 13th, 2008, 12:18 pm

Leo–Hoe did you become such an influential blogger? Was it a meteoric rise or gradual one?
As you probably know, I am new to the blogging scene. I asking you because I want to “stand on the shoulder of a giant”

Thanks

Dan Says:

March 13th, 2008, 17:38 pm

Hey Leo,

I am moving into an apartment in June to start my freshman year in college. I would like to continue studying in a clean space while maintaining good grades and managing my college life. Do you have any tips for someone entering college? Any advice for sharing space with a friend who will be my roommate (2 bed/2 bath, one kitchen, one living room)?

Nick A Says:

March 14th, 2008, 18:41 pm

Best Audio Podcasts, I look on iTunes all the time and can’t decide which podcasts to listen to to add value. Also audiobooks on iTunes or audiobooks in general.

Shakirah Dawud Says:

March 14th, 2008, 22:16 pm

Hi, Leo,

I was referred to you by Federico Alberto on LinkedIn because I had a question about how to begin an ebook business successfully. If you could please contact me at the e-mail listed, or just send me a few resources you used to get started, I’d really appreciate your time!

Thanks,

Shakirah

skyz Says:

March 15th, 2008, 10:42 am

hi leo

i have flown through guam many times because i was raised on okinawa (no not military brat)

i love your blog because i love simplicity - i got the elaine st james books and in one week my space is not only zen fit it is zen buff - i have studied buddhism for a long time so i ‘get’ a good deal of inner zen also BUT and i think this is important: the next obvious step is to get to a permanent state of ease - now simplifying and destressing all are steps in the direction of ease but i intuit that there is some other factor(s) necessary - so if you could address that or find someone who can it would be a very good very worthy evolution

justin fleming Says:

March 17th, 2008, 5:54 am

Hi, I’ve attended a fair few meetings in my time and always despair at how inefficient they are in terms of achieving anything in the time given.

All-day meetings are the worst.

Most meetings become discussions for the entire duration without any decisions made but with opinions being allowed to be vented all over the place.

Do you have any ideas for chairing meetings? Preparations, tips, guides etc?

All little list of headers to fill in for each meeting would be a great guide - aim of meeting, results needed etc.

Thanks

Carlos Says:

March 17th, 2008, 8:10 am

Hi,
Wonderful site I have been following for several months now…

I wonder if you haev any suggestion to “keep the light” when your loved one is 3.000 km away. Your “50 Ways to Be Romantic on the Cheap” is an excellent post, however the most of them are useful only when you see each other.

So, apart from a letter (a real hand written one), and considering today’s tech advantages (mobile, internet, etc), how could you express love when you are far away?

thanks for very post you write,

Carlos

Rachel Sims Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:47 am

Hi Leo! First of all, I’d just like to say that I am a fairly new subscriber to Zen Habits, but I am already head-over-heels (and I was previously anti-blogs, to boot). In just a matter of weeks, Zen Habits has improved my life significantly, and I am excited to see further progress.

That said, I do have a quick question. I just purchased a Moleskine (on the positive reviews from you and others) as a replacement to my previous day planner that was not really satisfying my needs. I have noticed that the ink shows through the paper, though - a pet peeve of mine, as that pretty much renders the other side useless. I have been dedicated to Uniball Vision pens for a while, but I would be willing to switch to another kind to save paper. I was wondering if you, as a dedicated Moleskine user, knew of a good pen that does not bleed through?

I know you must be incredibly busy, so it is okay if you don’t have time to respond to such a silly question, but I was hoping you might have a recommendation! Again, thanks for such an amazing site!!! :-)

linlu Says:

March 21st, 2008, 9:43 am

I am amazed that a site called Real Simple continues to hawk the accumulation/clutter mentality as in this latest thing that popped up in my feed reader: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/simplystated/technology/~3/255467705/mommy-needs-a-n.html

Their site (and magazine pages) are filled with serene looking homes, rooms and attempt to capitalize on the simplification movement so eloquently expressed in your site.

I have been subscribed to Real Simple RSS feed for about 2 weeks, and I can’t seem to recall any article that did not revolve around buying or obtaining something, the antithesis of the simplification movement.

I am un-subscribing from Real Simple. I know you may not want to call them out on their corruption of the simplification movement, I probably will. I just want to thank you for keeping with the principles of simplfication and not corrupting it as that other site has done.

linlu Says:

March 21st, 2008, 10:12 am

So I did it, I sent this to Real Simple (a time-life pub btw) via their feedback page:

“I don’t understand why you have in your title the word ’simple’. The content I have been receiving over the past couple of weeks via RSS feed is anything but about simplification. Instead I see articles about acquiring stuff, mostly clutter. Clutter is the antithesis of simplification movement which I believe your publication is trying to capitalize on. Why not come clean with your readers and rename yourselves to “Real Stuff”?”

Lee Says:

March 21st, 2008, 11:51 am

I would like to see some tips on how college students can simply our hectic, crazy lives.

Most of my peers would agree that they are all super busy, and I would like to see some tips on simplifying life for a college student.

Thanks!

Erin Says:

March 22nd, 2008, 22:47 pm

Hi Leo,

I’m a college senior, graduating in May, and I’m currently struggling with all the issues that come along with graduation… job hunting, saving money, maintaining and strengthening relationships, etc.. I was wondering if you had any advice or tips to make this transition period any easier or seem more manageable. Thanks!

Rosemary Says:

March 24th, 2008, 14:43 pm

Would you agree to an interview about downsizing? I am pitching an article for a national U.S. consumer magazine. I would love to interview you if I get the assignment.

Check out my website for more information about me and my writing. My blog may not be connected at the moment, so the url is http://writingmilitarymom.blogspot.com if you have any trouble. Webmaster is working on it.

Thank you in advance. I hope to interview you via e-mail or by phone. Whatever you prefer.

Rosemary

eli Says:

March 24th, 2008, 18:33 pm

I realize you are busy with your book right now so please don’t fret, and the best of luck!

I was re-reading e-mails in gmail and I realized that I write one way in gmail, and a completely different way in my school’s e-mail client (novell groupwise). Do you think that this lack of formality is something which could catch someone, potentially, off guard? I use my gmail account for all of my work related e-mails. Is the conversational set up of gmail appropriate for things beyond the social?

Laurie Says:

March 24th, 2008, 22:30 pm

Leo,
You have so many subscribers. How did you blog become so well know. How did you get the word out?

Laurie Says:

March 24th, 2008, 22:32 pm

I hope you can answer. I know you are busy so if it takes a while…no problem.

applegrass Says:

March 25th, 2008, 9:36 am

hi leo.

one more post idea…
could you do a post on failure… on what to do when you ‘need to get back on the horse’ of good, zen-like habits, but find it difficult to regain that initial momentum. it’s always harder to convince yourself that you’ll succeed at your goals when you’ve already failed (perhaps multiple times). what tricks/motivators help you when you fail to stick with something you’ve set out to do? thanks.
lots of love.

Laurie Says:

March 25th, 2008, 22:00 pm

applegrass,
I’m not Leo but I would suggest the book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck. It is a great book for growing your mindset to look at failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. I learned so much from it.

Adam King Says:

March 28th, 2008, 0:56 am

Hello. I’ve recently discovered your site and I am very gracious to have someone like you writing for all of us. I really enjoy the use of creative photos on your posts. I noticed you use Flickr a lot for the photos. I have looked there, but the policy of use seems a little vague. What I’m not clear on is are you allowed to use the photos as long as you give proper credit like you do, or do you need to contact each person to ask their permission? Sorry if this is such an insignificant question. Please keep up the great work, and you WILL meet your book deadline, simply because there is no choice but to do it. There is no try. I look forward to your next post. Thank you for everything.

Adam

Gertis Says:

March 28th, 2008, 16:06 pm

Leo, this is so not a pithy or deep question…but where DO you find all the fabulous photos and images you post on the blog site? They’re lovely! Best - G

Rebecca Says:

March 28th, 2008, 21:11 pm

What is your star sign? :)

Leo Says:

March 31st, 2008, 20:21 pm

@Adam King and Gertis: I search Flickr for creative commons photos of the topics I’m writing about … then I scroll through dozens to find ones that really catch my eye. As for permission, my understanding of creative commons license is that you don’t need to email for permission — as long as you give credit. Hope that helps!

@ Rebecca: I’m a Taurus — born at the end of April.

Donald Says:

April 3rd, 2008, 10:38 am

I bought your book Zen To Done…(which I love!). My silly question is, what program did you use to create it?

I know you are very busy….however, I just like the design so much. Any info you can throw this way would be appreciated, I tell all my stressed friends about your website! Especially in the career I am in…being a chef.

Thank you.
-Donald

Donald Says:

April 3rd, 2008, 10:40 am

Oh, one more thing…..

What date is your birthday in April? Mine is the 28th.

-Donald

wetdove Says:

April 4th, 2008, 13:36 pm

I would LOVE LOVE to hear what others do for recipe organization! I am up to my ears in cookbooks, magazines, online printouts and am basically paralyzed from cooking due to the clutter. In a perfect world I envision a one stop web site that does it all- but it appears that does not exist…

Emile Petrone Says:

April 5th, 2008, 13:17 pm

Finding your passion. Today we are all pulled in many directions, and I know that I am having a hard time just blocking the clutter to know, “What do I really enjoy/want to do?”

You found your writing. I think you would be an excellent person to write on the pathway to finding/pursuing your passion.

Leo Says:

April 7th, 2008, 6:19 am

@Donald: I didn’t actually do the design for Zen To Done — it was done by the excellent James Wondrack. I think he used Adobe InDesign.

Also, my birthday is April 30. :)

Horacio Says:

April 7th, 2008, 23:13 pm

Thank you for all of your work on zenhabits. My wife and I are avid readers of your site and have been implementing many of your suggestions in a deliberate and steady rate. Not sure if you saw this pulitzer prize winning article from the Washington Post Magazine (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html), but it made me think of how important clearing the clutter is and how much your site has helped us do so. Thanks again.

Lost Trillian Says:

April 10th, 2008, 5:22 am

Hi Leo (and everyone who reads these comments)

I wanted to ask a question really, hoping for an answer - from anyone really.

I’ve lost two good friends this year, to cancer, (both my age late-20s) and I’m feeling really overwhelmed with grief and saddness. It’s making it hard to sleep and work, and I know that my relationships with my family and friends are suffering. I find it hard to open up to anyone because all I do is cry and it’s been like this for so long. Some days are easier than others and sometimes I’m ok with this loniliness and other times I can’t bear it. I live with my partner and he’s really sweet and kind but he’s not very good at dealing with emotions and my upset causes him to be upset.

I’m not looking for a set of guidelines, or to be told that time is a great healer. I guess I just want to know that I’m normal and that everything will be alright eventually?

Thanks for reading.

Laurie Says:

April 10th, 2008, 11:13 am

Death is such a difficult thing. What you are feeling is so normal. You miss your feinds, you are reminded of your own mortality, you seem to not have anyone that can share your greif with. That is a heavy burden to take on by yourself. I have lost a brother and my mom. I have no more grandparents. It is tough. I found the most comfort given to me through my faith in Jesus Christ. I couldn’t face life without him. Maybe you need to look for that path. I has brought me so much freedom.

Jillian Says:

April 10th, 2008, 14:15 pm

I am a fairly new Zen habit’er in the grand scheme of things but I’ve really taken your posts to heart and have been diligently working at bettering myself through application. I have a suggestion for a post on “Letting it go” (whatever that might be for whomever). That is my special focus right now and I believe I have some good tips on how I am doing so. My “test” is this coming weekend, both Friday and Saturday night. I am confident. :) Thank you for your wonderful insight, Leo!

Michael Says:

April 14th, 2008, 18:30 pm

Hi Leo,
I was wondering who is your tech guy? Is he a local or did you outsource over the planet?
Thanks

Leo Says:

April 15th, 2008, 22:52 pm

He’s outsourced, from Australia … actually a friend who I met via a friend who I met via blogging. :)

Bryce Thompson Says:

April 17th, 2008, 18:56 pm

Leo,

I’m 21 and I already want to reinvent myself. I want to get away and be isolated from society for like 3 months. I want to get in shape, finally finish my portfolio, and actually learn my guitar so that I can write my own songs (I’m a singer). Essentially, I want to put myself in a proverbial incubator, and when I come out become a new man ready to tackle every obstacle in my path. I’m just a horrible multitasker and I can’t pursue the things I love because of all of my responsibilities, and basically, I just don’t believe that I’m reaching my potential because of the mundane always getting in the way. Do you have any advice for someone that wants to pretty much leave everyone and everything for an extended period of time?

Jessica ( a Pennsylvania voter and Zen Habits fan) Says:

April 24th, 2008, 21:55 pm

Leo,

The Guam presidential primary is next. Are you a democrat? Is Eva? Who will you vote for and who will Eva vote for?

thanks,
Jessica

Clay Says:

April 25th, 2008, 0:55 am

Hi, Leo, just came across this article in a feed today and immediately thought of you.

101 Ways of the 21st-Century Samurai
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=7,6293,0,0,1,0

enjoy,
clay

Doug Jones Says:

April 25th, 2008, 9:14 am

Leo, I graduated college last year and discovered your site last summer. I routinely read it and take in tips you offer on establishing myself. I am currently working stablizing myself and simplifying my life and sticking to it. I constantly forward your posts to my friends so that they can get the same information I do.

I am emailing you because some of my friends graduate this May from college, and I wanted to get them a gift. I was thinking of a book of some sort that would help the with the transitions from college to adult life. I was thinking of an ebook, but I didn’t know how that would work. Your blog has helped me so much with organization and simplifying, so I wanted to get them something along the same lines because they do not read much in their spare time. Do you have any suggestions on books that are short and easy reads that could benefit recent college graduates?

thanks

Dave Says:

April 25th, 2008, 16:44 pm

Leo, I’d like to see a post on simple, frugal ways to keep a house clean … book recommendations on this would be helpful, too. Thanks.

Josh Says:

April 28th, 2008, 19:27 pm

I’m curious as to Zen and the art of personal hygiene. Dunno, just seemed like an interesting idea for a post.

Love the blog, my friend. Keep up the great work. :)

John-o Says:

April 30th, 2008, 11:06 am

Leo,

I am a 23 year old law student who had fantastic habits before I got here. But under pressure they have broken. My eating is not as healthy, I work out rarely, started my love/hate relationship with nicotine again.

Over the year and a half I have been reading your blog I have seen many posts about starting new habits, wondering if you have any thoughts, or posts in your backlog that talk about reclaiming good habits once had.

I think it is much harder to reclaim a good habit then start one. The motivation in starting a new habit is turning you into a new and better person, but reclaiming an old “good habit” isn’t as thrilling. There’s a certain shame and disappointment in yourself throughout the process I feel.

Any tips?

Thanks for your unilateral support through the year(s).

X.Y Says:

April 30th, 2008, 17:19 pm

This post is going to get lost in the shuffle seeing the popularity of the blog, if it does, thats ok. I think I’m only writing this because I want at least someone with a clear head to hear about it. So here you go Leo.

I’m a first year university Business student. During my amazing first year, I fell in love with an amazing girl. Long story short, we’ve became fast friends and enjoyed a wonderful friendship for 8 month. It was in fact so wonderful, I decided that I wanted to be in her life as a significant other.

I’ve had one serious relationship before university that ended rather badly due to issues of race, thats a different story for another day, but the point I’m making is that I take my relationships very seriously. With my upbringing and style, I don’t use the L word lightly.

So the night before we left for the summer, I wrote her a letter. A letter in which I pored out my soul and offered her my heart, after a entire night of discussion, we decided that we should give it a go, see where it goes. We wanted to continue our walk of life together.

The joy was short lasted though as last night, I was told by her that she was unsure about this entire idea and that she wasn’t ready for an relationship. She thought the timing wasn’t right and that she just couldn’t see a romantic relationship between her and I - she wanted to keep being friends.

Love is patient, love is kind right Leo? What could I say? She means the world to me, and loving someone through the good and bads meant that I needed to respect her decision. It was her call, not mine. I understood that, and told her that everything on that letter I wrote remained, and even if we stayed friends, we will always enjoy this wonderful relationship that already exist. She owes me nothing.

I believe I made the right call. The hardest one possible, but the right one. The ball was in her court and I needed to respect her action because to take the leap of faith I did, I accepted the risk of falling.

But where does that leave me Leo? I guess the question here is [b]why does doing the right thing not feel like it[/b]? I bursted into tears after our discussion last night, this morning, and for the rest of the day, the feeling of loss, the pain in that heart of mine was so great, the only thing I COULD do was cry. Where does this leave me? I have the love and affection for a person who doesn’t want them, and sadness and even a hint of anger at the same person who clearly does not deserve them.

Where does this leave me?

Laurie Says:

April 30th, 2008, 18:28 pm

What a brave thing you did XY. You took a leap of faith. I read just last week to not be afraid to go out on a limb because that is where the best fruit is. And you did, but now you are saying “Where is the fruit?”

I hear the ache in your heart. You are mouring what could have been. What you’re feeling is very understandable. She has the right to choose and her choice broke your heart.

So what do you do with that? What are your choices? You could stay friends and hope she changes her mind in the future. You could stay friends and seek another person to share your heart with. You could be angry with her for her honesty and cut her out of your life. You could keep her in your life and be passive agressive and play games. What you choose depends on your integrity.

I like to think of these kinds of things as God’s way of telling me I either have something to learn from it or I need to go a different direction for a richer life or purpose.

You may never know or understand why she turned you down but know that it is not due to your worth. It is probably not about you at all. It may be about her struggles with herself.

I hope this helps. I understand where you are.

X.Y Says:

May 1st, 2008, 0:21 am

Human’s capability to feel is remarkable. What’s equally remarkable is human’s equal capability to heal.

Thank you for your words Laurie. These kind of situation are God’s way of telling me that something need to be learnt from it. By trusting in her maturity as she have demonstrated to me the first time, I made another leap by telling her the hurt I feel. Together, her and I have realized that we share a relationship thats unbelievably special.

The fruit was there all along, I was just too busy focused on what I didn’t have to notice. I wanted someone who I can give me heart to. And I found her. Although not in a romantic context, the trials we have been through this last 2 days have only demonstrated to me further how much I can confide myself in her.

The hurt is still there, throbbing, I hated my self for being weak and cursed fate for what its done. But I realized shutting her out would only hurt her, and in the long run, me. The pain will pass. We’re only flesh, what I didn’t understand was that the pain was to be embraced and not to be ignored and repressed. By acknowledging the pain, and seeing it eye to eye, I can make sure that it doesn’t become another piece of baggage I have to carry in my walk of life. and that this way, I can be free to deal with my relationship not only with her, but others.

This was a tough lesson to teach, and certainly a tough on to learn. Although this part of the relationship didn’t work out, her and I were able to save something much more important. And thats something worth celebrating isn’t it?

Leo. You’ve quite a site here. Not only do you offer sound advice, so does your readers. I’m a private person by nature and if you were to tell me a year ago that I’d be doing this, I’d laugh and call you silly. But the truth is, the pieces were always there. I just needed a bit of a hand finding the right ones.

Thank you.

Mike Says:

May 1st, 2008, 10:26 am

Check out this site: iexpenseonline.com, might be a good site to blog about.

Corey Says:

May 6th, 2008, 12:21 pm

The New York Times ran a story on May 4 about the neuroscience behind forming new habits. It was an interesting read!

“Can You Become a Creature of New Habits?” by Janet Rae-Dupree
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/business/04unbox.html

Andy Says:

May 7th, 2008, 10:04 am

Hi,

These days I feel like technology has taken over our lives. Every day I find myself spending so much time on the computer checking out random sites, checking email, facebook, etc. Also, I can’t help but watch my favorite TV shows everyday. I feel like I am wasting my life just sitting inside even on beautiful days. Is there any advice as to pry myself away from the computer, tv, internet and begin to enjoy the world?

Thanks

Bill Bennett Says:

May 7th, 2008, 20:53 pm

I just tried printing from your main blog — I just get an empty page. The same thing happens if I turn the story into a .pdf.

As we used to say in the 80s, is this a bug or a feature?

CeeCee Says:

May 8th, 2008, 17:50 pm

Hi Leo,

Do you have any idea how to put these 3 interests of mine — money, personal improvement and simplicity — together into one field or career?

I’m working through the What Color is Your Parachute book. Thanks!

Jean Chang Says:

May 8th, 2008, 23:38 pm

Given the fabulous posts on Parenting that you’ve written, I thought you might enjoy “Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire: The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56″
by Rafe Esquith (published Jan 2007). I found the audiobook quite by chance this week. The “you-can-do-this-with-your-kids-too” content seems to fit with the essays you’ve written about parenting, especially investing in deeply meaningful time with your kids. A warning - it may just be the narrator for the audiobook, but I found some of the opinions of the author to be judgmental and some self-described actions of the author to be in poor taste. In spite of that, I found the overall themes of excellence through honor, respect of self & others while fostering QUALITY learning to be quite inspiring.

Don Says:

May 9th, 2008, 0:40 am

Hi.

I really like the over-all design of your site. It is very simple and engaging.

I’m about to start a blog of my own and wonder if you built this, is it a tamplate, and what blog service do you use?

Looks like you have a great blog going here!

Thanks…

pamela Says:

May 11th, 2008, 9:21 am

Not a question, just commentary…I’ve recently started a blog called “Fearless Habits: Channelling a Fear-free Life” completely inspired by Leo’s (I give you credit in my “about” section) which I’ve enjoyed a lot. (http://nofearhere.wordpress.com/) Mine is focussed specifically on how to live without fear, how to face down The Little People–i.e. the fear monsters—something that I think often about. As it turns out, for me, it has been much easier to live simply than to live fearlessly, so I’m constantly challenging myself in one way or another. Traveling alone internationally as a woman, Black, older (48) with dreads has been an important journey for me to take. I have experienced the highs and lows: “travel bliss” and “travel loneliness”. Right now I’m traveling through the south of Spain alone for a month…with a little Spanish it’s even more of a challenge…but it’s all good!

Stu Says:

May 12th, 2008, 16:09 pm

Hi Leo,

I’m wondering what your opinion is of psychology, or more specifically what place it has within the ’self-help’ community?

In the past 5 years or so psychology (positive psychology specifically, which is what I write about mainly) has been shifting its focus away from fixing broken people and looking more and more at improving basically healthy people and it’s my opinion that:

A.) This is the perfect opportunity to ‘re-brand’ self-help as a form of psychology (which would make it more scientific and more legitimate and thus far more mainstream) and

B.) the scientific methods that psychology applies to self-help questions (like how to be happy for instance) give us more in-depth, concrete answers to these questions than self-help has been able to provide in the past

Leo Says:

May 13th, 2008, 4:36 am

@Stu: Interesting thoughts. I know a little about psychology but am too ignorant to be able to contribute meaningful thoughts about the field. Self-help, as I see it, is a part of psychology (and always has been), and one of the most useful and practical applications of the field.

SVR Says:

May 14th, 2008, 7:31 am

Hi Leo,
Am a recent reader….been exploring though can’t say I have been implementing any of the advice!!! Am currently kinda lost in life, so looking for inspiration to figure our just what I’m missing in my life.

Anyway, I couldn’t find any post of dealing with regret or did I miss them?
If you haven’t touched upon it in any post, it would be great if you could talk about dealing with regrets that often come from choices made/not made, paths chosen/not chosen - you get the drift!!!

Thanks!

César G. Romero Says:

May 16th, 2008, 11:57 am

Hey, thanks for sharing all this useful and wise stuff!

I am 44 and I have came by myself to some of the advise you give, but I have also found some other great things here that never came to my mind, and that have proven useful tools for easing or bettering life.

But I also have a doubt:

What you are proposing here is a structured, long-term sustainable, coherent, honest to yourself and the others way of life, both in the practical and the spiritual edges of life.

So, how absolute positive thinking fits here when it is partly denial? I mean, by stopping all criticism you deny a very big part of life; by auto-blinding yourself you stop consciousness; by thinking positive to all cost you deactivate the momentum to make important changes to negative situations.

I am very interested in knowing what you think about this slightly cranking gear in your otherwise functional, useful, and honest point of view.

Thanks and best regards!

Marcie Says:

May 17th, 2008, 14:34 pm

Leo, fantastic web site thank you ! Was wondering if you had thought about maybe having some free audio downloads about the things you write ?

Bart Says:

May 18th, 2008, 9:42 am

Hi there Leo,

IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT ( hope to multiply the chance you read this )

I have a request to write something about the Duchenne Heroes 2008. It’s an event held in the Netherlands to collect money which is going to be used for Duchenne disease research. The pharmaceutical industry is not investing alot of money into research ecause there are not much duchenne patients worldwide. They can’t make any profits with such a low patient count. There is almost no progress in this research, just because the industry only thinks about making money :(

THe duchenne heroes is about biking 700 km offroad in 7 days. Every participant needs to collect 2500 euros to participate. I’m searching for ways to collect this amount so i can join the race. the 2500 euros is for research only.

Can you help me with the enourmous zenhabits network ? A short blog article with a donation request or a short description of what it is about would be enough.
(http://www.duchenneheroes.nl/)

There is no english translation of the site, but i can provide you with information if you want to help me.

Kind Regards,

Bart Decker (bart.decker@home.nl)

Kalko Says:

May 19th, 2008, 19:22 pm

Hi Leo,
I was wondering if it is possible to purchase BOTH of your books at one time. As having to go through two transactions + conversion rate is, granted a minor detail, slightly unappealing.

Best Regards,
Kalko

Jamie Grove - How Not To Write Says:

May 23rd, 2008, 23:10 pm

Hi, Leo.

Someone mentioned on Twitter this evening that Zen Habits posts are available @zenhabits. It doesn’t look like you’re actually tweeting there though.

I think it would be awesome if you joined the Twitter community directly. So many people there could use your help and advice.

Take care and thanks for the work you do,

- Jamie
@hownottowrite

Leo Says:

May 25th, 2008, 23:01 pm

OK, I’m a bit behind on answering questions here. :)

@SVR: No, I don’t think I’ve written about regret … I don’t have too much experience with this although it sounds like an excellent article idea.

@Cesar Romero: You make some interesting points about criticism. I agree that it’s important to consider criticism and see if there is validity, in a logical way. But I’ve found that most time self-criticism is just a way to stop yourself from doing something you really want to do. You have to learn to make rational evaluations of criticism and then force out negative thoughts if you decide to continue.

@Marcie: Thanks for the kind words … sorry, but I don’t have audio downloads at this time. It’s something I’m thinking about in the future but I have too much going on right now. :)

@Bart: I think what you’re attempting to do sounds amazing. However, I can’t publish a post with a request for donations or anything like that as I’d have to do it for a thousand others who want the same thing, and it would totally consume my blog in a way that I’m not prepared to allow. I’d like to help but unfortunately I can’t do so in that way. Good luck though!

@Jamie Grove: Sorry, I don’t use Twitter at this time. It sounds like a great community but at this point I don’t have the time to keep up with it. It’s something I’d consider down the road though. :)

Thanks everyone!

Sandra Says:

May 29th, 2008, 17:25 pm

You might find something of interest in Jerry Wennstrom’s inspiring story. There are many Youtube videos about him and his art work is “off the charts.” His interviews are enlightening. http://www.handsofalchemy.com

mkokc Says:

May 31st, 2008, 9:24 am

Congrats on your triathlon run and your newfound love of the sport!!

Someone you may want to contact is Jason Womack, he used to work for David Allen coaching people on GTD techniques. Jason is an avid triathlete and now he is out on his own teaching people about combining productivity hacks with fitness.

Jason’s site is jasonwomack.com; his e-mail is jason@jasonwomack.com.

Great guy with a lot of tips!

Sunaina Says:

June 9th, 2008, 1:15 am

I stumbled on your site for the first time and was really impressed by whatever little I could read. It is so motivating. Reading your tips, I started my blog and put on my daily schedule. I really wish people visit my site and help me in sticking to my schedules and keep me motivated. I know you are very busy Leo and so I am putting this comment so as other people who vist your site also keep me inspired by motivating me.

Sunaina Says:

June 9th, 2008, 1:17 am

Guys, my email id is sunainakumar2@gmail.com and my blog’s name is readmesunaina@blogspot.com. Please, I need people to come and help me be motivated. I do not want to fall in my own eyes.

Paul Says:

June 9th, 2008, 6:47 am

Hi Leo, just something I found by one of my favorite writers, Josh Waitzkin, on “The Multitasking Virus.” I think you’ll enjoy reading it, if you’ve got the time.

http://main.uschess.org/content/view/8478/422/

phraedus Says:

June 10th, 2008, 3:16 am

Hi once again Leo,

Just some constructive criticism, I few months ago I suggested that rather than make lists, you go into more depth about each item you mention. I think you’ve somewhat started to do this, and I greatly appreciate that you listened. I do understand that the lists are what gets digged.

I’d like to remind you that going into more depth to explain each individual idea is quite important. I think that you have a responsibility to your readers.

Secondly, I think you should consider putting a disclaimer up when you republish an old article (Ultimate Guide to Motivation), even when it has been updated. Just something at the bottom of the blog. I suggest this because it gives you a chance to show what’s been edited, and to respect regular readers.

Apart from that, keep up the good work.

Phraedus

Leo Says:

June 10th, 2008, 3:18 am

Thanks phraedus … I appreciate your constructive feedback as always, and those are both good points. I’m always trying to improve, so thank you! :)

Leo (Another one!) Says:

June 13th, 2008, 4:45 am

Hey Leo (we share the same name!). I am a twenty-one year old student in college, and I read your blog daily. I want to ask: could you post a series, for parents and their kids, about the transition from childhood to adulthood? I am about to graduate from college, and I want to become independent. This could be an awesome post because:

A) I know many of your readers are college students, and parents, so I think this post would be really relevant.

B) You have written about a lot of ways to simplify and improve life, but you haven’t yet written about independence. It is a big part of being productive. It is also a big part of living a happy, simple life.

C) I think you are the most empathetic person to write on this…I think you would be great at getting both sides of the debate (what parents can do, what kids can do, and what both should consider from the other’s perspective)

Could you please write a post about how to become more independent, from the parent’s and the child’s perspective?

Thanks!

Leo (the second haha)

Leo Says:

June 14th, 2008, 18:36 pm

Hi Leo! What a great post idea … I’m going to have to give it some thought, but it’s on my list!

Leo

phraedus Says:

June 15th, 2008, 9:49 am

Hi Leo,

I just noticed what you wrote on your second last post:

“A quick note: There are a lot of articles below. You don’t have to read all of them. In fact, in the name of simplicity, please don’t. Choose a sample, and you’ll do just fine — there are some common themes that run through all of them anyway.”

I think this is fantastic, and really does reflect letting the reader know about the recurring themes which reflects the thoughts in my last suggestion. Even though don’t think my comment made any difference, I’m really glad you wrote that.

Good luck with finishing the book.

Phraedus

Dan S. Says:

June 16th, 2008, 21:46 pm

Hey Leo,

I’ve been reading your blog for several months now, and often browse through what’s floating through your tumblelog here. Whether I do so looking for inspiration or just to kill time, it’s usually interesting.

I have noticed something interesting though. I know that my interests (speaking specifically about my blog, 5280′) are not completely in line with those of these blogs (as mine is all about sports). However, it makes me curious that all of the sites I’ve found related to finding inspiration or sparking creativity all seem to focus on the ideas of writing, art, music, design, etc.

Some of us (Me!) choose to try to express our creativity through ideas (like sports, business, etc.) which are usually not considered to be true creative outlets, and I think it would be nice to have a way — other than reading ESPN et al. — to get the creative juices flowing.

I tend to look at various things, even non-sports-related (I watch cooking and fashion shows all the time, and they help to keep me well rounded), but do you have any suggestions as to how someone in a less “creative” field can keep their ideas fresh?

Thanks. Keep up the great work!

Conrad Says:

June 17th, 2008, 5:21 am

Hi Leo,
I first came upon your site through digg, but now I’ve always found myself coming back to see what advice you can enlighten me with.

I’m currently 19 years old, the age in life where many young adults like me are searching within themselves and wondering what to do with the rest of their lives. For me, I’ve decided that I want to work with food. I want to learn how to cook for my friends and family, because I believe food is one of those universal things that brings people together, like art and music. Alas, I’ve come to realize that the world is not as idealistic as I would like it to be. I am forced to become a workaholic, with very little time to interact with friends. At times, I feel depressed and lonely, as if this job and goal is going against the very reason why I’ve decided to pursue it in the first place. I love the people there and I love cooking, and yet I feel miserable and empty. I’ve been thinking about taking some time off to travel and find some inspiration, or to find what I really want to do with my life.

I’m not sure how you will respond to this one, but any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Emily Says:

June 17th, 2008, 19:37 pm

Hey Leo- I love checking up on your blog to see what you’ve written. I am particularly interested in the idea that you don’t have any credit cards! I am twenty one and putting off getting my first as long as I can, though eventually I need to start establishing a credit rating in order to (hopefully) obtain a loan for school…I still haven’t worked my way around that one yet. Anyway. I find all of this “money stuff” SO intricately baffling, but I am pretty adamant about fully understanding what is happening with my money and what my options are (I feel like I so rarely see that these days, especially with students my age). I’m wondering if you either have a) any really good advice for young adults just getting into managing their own finances or b) any good online resources you could share that spell out in a really no-nonsense fashion What is What in regards to money management and all of the fancy terminology and options that go with it.
Thanks :)
Emily.

Elite Says:

June 21st, 2008, 23:37 pm

My suggestion/idea is an expansion or explanation of this list: http://www.21suggestions.com/ I’ve always found it very inspiring and I think the other readers here would too. Thanks!

minorunivers Says:

June 23rd, 2008, 10:51 am

yahoo sea speed greed red steven sun student see

Cody Says:

June 25th, 2008, 5:36 am

Hi, I read your post about running and I have a quick question. I’d like to start the routine you described, but I already run on the elliptical machine at my gym for an hour everyday. It’s not intense running, I keep it at a low resistance setting, but it gets my heart-rate up and I work up a sweat. Do I still need to spend 4 weeks walking to start this running routine?

Please send a quick response if you can, it’ll only take you a minute, but it might save me a month.

Thanks!

Stephen Smith Says:

June 25th, 2008, 8:41 am

Hi Cody, Leo is on vacation for two weeks, and I do not know the answer to this. I will make sure he sees the comment when he gets back.

Good luck with your training!

Aimen Says:

June 27th, 2008, 17:20 pm

Pageonce is a great personal productivity tool. Pageonce lets you view, access and manage all of your online accounts in the following categories from one single secure page. Additionally Pageonce sends alerts when you are close to bill due dates, receive points or miles on your accounts , have an item shipping or an upcoming trip.
Categories covered: travel, finance, email, shopping and fun, utilitiies and social.

Lara Rajeev Says:

July 1st, 2008, 2:15 am

The Art of Living foundation started by the Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (http://us.artofliving.org) is a non profit organization that promotes peace by relieving inner stress and trauma in people through a variety of breathing yoga techniques and meditation. The foundation is present in over 140 countries, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has transformed the lives of millions of people. This would be something you and your readers are interested in. This is my first comment on your site, although I have been following it for the last six months, and I have personally benefitted immensely from the Art of Living courses. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is visiting the U.S in July at a number of cities and personally conducting meditation and knowledge sessions (http://events.artofliving.org)

sunaina Says:

July 8th, 2008, 9:35 am

I stumbled on your site on June first week this year and immediately decided to put in practice. I laid down a monthly plan starting June 9th and had infact stuck religiously till month end, but I have been feeling pretty demotivated in the past one week. I had started with two goals, but you had suggested in zenhabits that one should keep one goal. So I presume that could be one reason. I am starting sticking to my schedule for the second month. Can you give some suggestions as to whether I should continue with these two goals. I am basically interested in continuing this schedule forever and add one every month.
One heartfelt opinion, I should really salute you for your discipline in stcking to schedules and achieving and improving it with every passing day.

Brad Levy Says:

July 9th, 2008, 14:30 pm

Just a suggestion: You’ve talked about a lot of money management and some cool programs. I recommend checking out mint.com and discussing it. It’s an AWESOME way to see where your $ goes.

Enrique Says:

July 10th, 2008, 23:08 pm

Hello Leo. I really like your blog and believe that you can make a very good income based on your high traffic. What you really need to know is how to use Ads for greatest revenues. There are many great tips on Stevepavlina and Pro Blogger.net. I have this one ebook, Adsense Secrets 4 by Joel Comm. I would like to send it to you, but it is 8 megabytes. If you prefer to get it yourself I’ll refer you to the website that gave it a glowing review.
http://www.scamxposer.com/adsense-secrets-4.0-scam-reviews.html

Again I would like to send it to you myself for free, but it is only $10 from the website.

Kevin Says:

July 11th, 2008, 8:47 am

Hi Leo! I’ve just purchased my Zen to Done book and I am now trying to use a Moleskin in an efficient manner. I saw this post on Freelance switch yesterday and I was wondering if maybe you had some pictures of your moleskin and how you’ve set yours up for Zen to Done.

http://freelanceswitch.com/productivity/the-monster-collection-of-moleskine-tips-tricks-and-hacks/

shakuni Says:

July 13th, 2008, 7:23 am

Hello Sir,

I’ve been reading zenhabits for a long time now and I have myself 360 degrees using the tips from your site. Thanks a lot for such a wonderful resource.

One question I wanted to ask is that can you please tell me the name of the theme you are using for the site?

Thank you for your time.
Regaeds
shakuni

Anya Says:

July 15th, 2008, 1:23 am

Hi there,

I truly appreciate your blog and all of the wisdom that you share with people like me who sincerely want to better their lives.
But truthfully, being the daughter of two parents who desperately want to change as well but don’t quite know how to achieve that change (i.e. quit smoking, have a clean house, eat healthier, spend less time in front of the TV, etc..), I am at a bit of a loss. We’ve just bought a new house and are very happy at the moment which I want to take advantage of before the house is aloud to get messy and bad habits reappear.

If there’s any advice you could give to a very loving teenage daughter who sincerely wants to help her parents get out of their lazy, unmotivated slump; please let me know… You don’t see a lot of that, I know, but I’m doing what I think is best, and they’re willing to let me help. It’s just a daunting task to sort out your parents. :]

Thanks so much,
-Anya

Brian Says:

July 16th, 2008, 0:54 am

I have an odd but unique request. My friend is planning her father’s 50th birthday, and he is very adamant that there be no party. In their quest to find a unique gift they thought of “changing the world” for his 50th. The way they are doing it is by asking people to do something to affect change in someone’s life and then tell them in a few sentences or show some photos so it can be compiled in a book for his birthday. I was wondering if you could help us spread the word or if you have any suggestions. Thanks for any help you can give.

Take care,

Brian

Brian Says:

July 16th, 2008, 2:08 am

In regards to the last comment. I created a simple site for people to post their acts of kindness. http://www.changetheworldbirthday.com

Thanks!

Brian

Nicodemus Barry Says:

July 17th, 2008, 23:22 pm

Hey, I wonder if you can help me out with something. I’m trying to find some kind of free accounting software for balancing my checkbook, and that sort of thing. I already use Mint.com, but it isn’t much good if I plan on writing a check, or if I want to create a recurring transaction.

I don’t need something to actually connect to my bank account (although it would be convenient to be able to import transactions) - I just need to be able to keep track of everything. Right now I’m using excel, but excel really isn’t meant to be this kind of tool.

I’d appreciate any recommendations you might have. Thanks!

Brian Says:

July 17th, 2008, 23:34 pm

Nicodemus,

Check out: http://misternifty.com/finance/nice-money-management-tool/

Yodlee Money Management tool. It’s great and it connects to all your accounts. It gives you budget status and spending reports as well.

Sharon Says:

July 22nd, 2008, 11:48 am

Hi there,
I am writing an article on living in the now moment and would love to use some of your comments or possibly ask you a few questions. All credit will be given in the article. No worries if you can’t, but it would be great if you can.

Cliolynda Says:

July 22nd, 2008, 15:17 pm

“Down Time”

I read your article on NOT multi-tasking, and I absolutely agree. For myself, it doesn’t work… but I get caught up on things like waiting for something to print, or waiting for a program to load, etc… It seems like when I have the inevitable “interruption,” I end up distracted. What do you do?

By the way, I am new to Zen Habits and I love your site!

Carina Says:

July 23rd, 2008, 10:40 am

I suggest “Mental Strength” as a topic, as its vital, hard to achieve and easily lost.

Fabio Says:

July 24th, 2008, 8:18 am

Hi Leo,

I’m trying to collect from blogger I like their nº1 tip to have a successful blog. Then I’ll share it with my readers. Would you be so kind to share your tip with us? Just a few words will be okay.

Thanks for your time and Regards,

Fabio

Emma Says:

July 25th, 2008, 2:18 am

self improvement = self unhappiness?

Leo, I am a big fan of your blog, but I think I may have to quit. I have noticed that I am recently a lot more critical and unhappy with myself and with my loved ones. This was not the case a few years ago . . . before I started on my quest for self improvement (mainly efficiency & frugality).

How do you seek to improve yourself without being hard on yourself or projecting your values onto others?

Leo Says:

July 25th, 2008, 2:34 am

@Emma: What an interesting question … and a lot more complicated than I can get into here. But in short:

* The first thing you might improve is looking at yourself in a positive light. It doesn’t help you to beat yourself up. Look at self-improvement as simply achieving goals, not making yourself better — you’re already great as you are. And with achieving goals, you want to get somewhere, and you aren’t there yet … but it doesn’t help you to get there if you feel bad that you aren’t there yet, you know? Just focus on how to get there.
* If you look at self-improvement as trying to achieve goals, you can see that others don’t need to try to achieve your same goals. You’re on your own journey … let them go about on their own journeys.

I hope this helps! Above all, try to see things in a positive light — whether it’s yourself or others. You’ll be happier that way, and that’s the most important thing.

Leo Says:

July 25th, 2008, 2:35 am

@Fabio: See my recent post on “blogging experiments” … it contains my tips for a successful blog. Good luck!

Leo Says:

July 25th, 2008, 2:36 am

@Nicodemus: try these alternatives:

http://zenhabits.net/2007/05/6-great-free-alternatives-to-quicken-ms-money/

Beth Says:

July 25th, 2008, 11:24 am

Hello Leo,

I am a devoted fan of yours, and I try very hard to incorporate as much of your advice as I can into my daily life. It’s not always easy, but I do try!

I find myself at an emotional impasse. My family (myself, my husband, and my two toddlers) just moved to a new city to be closer to my husband’s family. As such, we have been staying with his family for several months - quite a bit longer than we had anticipated. His family consists of his parents, two teenaged sisters, and a 9-year-old girl struggling with very serious ADD. Needless to say, it’s been a very full house.

I feel very put out by them in quite a lot of ways. They are very nice to me, very polite, very happy to speak with me, but they are - all of them - so very cruel to each other. I grew up in a household with problems, but I learned to speak to family in a caring way, saying “I love you,” and not intentionally being hurtful. It is difficult, therefore, to be around a family whose sole purpose in their day-to-day interaction seems to be “Who can hurt whom worse today? Who can be snarkiest? Who can speak in the most vicious tone of voice today?” There is no balance, either - no moments in which people are just happy to be together. There is no communication, no expression of feelings, and therefore no knowledge of the feelings of other people.

We are likely to continue living here for some time, and it’s beginning to wear on me - last night I came very close to just blowing up at all of them, forcing them to see what they’re doing to each other, but I know that would be counter-productive. Can you, Leo, or anyone else who happens to read this comment, give me any help or advice on how to remain calm while I watch people I love tear each other to shreds? I would appreciate anything. I can be emailed at ebwatson@gmail.com. Thank you, and once again, I am absolutely crazy for your site and your words.

zencoffee Says:

July 25th, 2008, 12:56 pm

Hi Leo,

I just tried to post a comment on your blog today and it didn’t show up. I blogged about a similar topic today–procrastination–and included a link to your blog.

BTW, I like your blog. Thanks for sharing.

Anik Hossain Says:

July 26th, 2008, 20:46 pm

Hey Leo,

I have a question. Well, I’m a little chubby and I don’t have motivation. How do I get motivation. I want to lose fat but then when I’m about to do exercize don’t feel like doing it. That is why I need help. If you can please reply this message and send it at Anik.1997@Hotmail.com

Seth Aronson Says:

July 27th, 2008, 14:44 pm

Hello. My name is Seth. My soulmate Audrey passed away from breast cancer last year, she was 34 years old. In her memory, I’ve analyzed a panoply of “alternative” cancer treatments, to determine their effectiveness. You can visit my “Beat Cancer” project here: http://ideablob.com/ideas/2684-Beat-Cancer

If you can find it in your heart to vote for my idea, I would sincerely appreciate it. Whoever gets the most votes by July 31 will win a $10,000 grant to advance their project. I am reaching out to bloggers in the hope they can help me spread the word. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Seth Aronson

“One idea lights 1000 candles.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Marisa Says:

July 30th, 2008, 10:42 am

I love all your posts about living frugal, forming new habits, and living simply. I am in a weird place in my life right now, and trying to find out what changes I can make in order to feel more fulfilled.

I have a 4-year college degree and will be pursuing my passion for teaching by getting a Master’s and eventually a PhD. But halfway through my undergrad studies I realized another passion: cooking. Cooking school is not an option now because I’m stuck behind a desk 40 hours a week with 4 years worth of college loans already on my plate.

So, this is less about me going to cooking school, and more about finding fulfillment in life. Letting go of and overcoming regrets can be so hard. Some days it’s tough not to dwell on it. It makes it impossible to “live in the moment.”

How can you find passion in your life when you feel like you’ve already missed so many opportunities?

Cody McKibben Says:

July 31st, 2008, 22:33 pm

Hi Leo,

Thank you so much for all your hard work at ZenHabits!

I wanted to let you know I’ve just launched a new open community search tool called Thrilling Blog Search. It’s a Google custom search engine that returns really awesome results from 50+ of the web’s top blogs and I’ve included your site as a part of the first round of awesome sites! If you’re interested, you can read more here: http://www.thrillingheroics.com/2008/07/announcing-an-awesome-new-community-search-tool-for-the-blogosphere.html

This is a community tool, so I could really use help promoting it to the blogosphere. Anyone can help out by using the custom search engine for yourself, blogging about it, or by contributing suggested sites.

Let me know if there’s anything I can do to improve. Thanks!

Valory Moore Says:

August 3rd, 2008, 14:40 pm

A good read is “days of peleg” by Jon Saboe

ms Says:

August 7th, 2008, 14:22 pm

hi leo,

first of all i want to say thank you for your excellent work with zenhabits. i got a lot of worthy informations from it, which helped me to concentrate on my tasques, but one of my biggest problems is to stay focused. i become distracted very quickt through the internet. one of your tips is to go offline and in think thats exactly the wrong way of thinking. we all turn on our computers and then we are per default online. i think it will be better if one is per default offline and you need to go online, not offline. maybe it is a useful tip, otherwise sorry for the spam and of course sorry for my bad english.

best regards

Dan S. Says:

August 12th, 2008, 18:00 pm

Marisa: While culinary school is certainly great, some of the best chefs out there (e.g. Tom Colicchio of “Top Chef” fame) are self-taught. If cooking’s your passion, pick up a book, get some nice knives, and have fun experimenting with different recipes. I have a blast playing with new ingredients, especially using different spices to spice up — pun intended — ordinary dishes.

Leo: This is more of a suggestion for a post idea rather than asking for a solution to my particular situation, as it’s too late to help me :)

I’m moving from Detroit, MI, to Austin, TX, in four days. It’s interesting, because I’m going with both my Mom and Dad (who are flying back home afterward); the three of us are piling into my truck, along with all of my stuff, and making the long drive down south. My logistical nightmare this week is packing all of my things in advance to try to find out what I do and don’t have space for (a trailer would be far too expensive).

(If you haven’t done so already) Maybe you could suggest a minimalist’s guide to moving, i.e. how to transplant your life without driving yourself mad in the process?

Thanks! Keep up the great work!

Alice Says:

August 12th, 2008, 20:35 pm

do you have any tips, suggestions, or comments on college/university… such as moving in, studying, meeting new people et cetra? i’m a bit nervous about going, and any advice would be much appreciated

Thank you so much for all of your insight!

Ian Says:

August 18th, 2008, 15:16 pm

Leo,

Could you either post or email me your recipe for fried brown rice?

Thanks,
Ian

Lauren S. Says:

August 19th, 2008, 13:22 pm

Hello Green Livers!

Did you know that in the U.S., we could fuel 1.5 million cars for a year with the oil used in making plastic for bottled water?

Facts like this, and many others are what make the new Smart Cart Quiz so compelling ( http://www.SmartCartQuiz.com/b ): they make us stop and think — how does our purchasing power create a ripple effect that spans across the world, each time we open our wallets?

Brought to you by the folks behind a brand new eBay marketplace for socially-responsible shopping, “WorldofGood.com,” this quick and catchy quiz aligns consumer choice with the notion that we cast our dollars like a vote, each time we shop.

Launching early Sept., the marketplace will bring together hundreds of ethically-minded sellers, NGO’s, media, and conscious consumers like your readers! Finallåy, and for the very first time, there’s a transparent, trusted, user-friendly shopping experience that empowers consumers to put their money where their heart is.

Take the Smart Cart quiz, share it with your readership, and support this movement to change the way people think! By spreading the word, you can inspire and educate hundreds of consumers on their power to shape our world, one dollar at a time…

So the next time they open their wallet, they’ll ask: am I contributing to a problem – or choosing to be the solution?

Let me know if you need images/screen shots, which I’m happy to send your way.

Sincere thanks,

Lauren Stower
WorldofGood.com

::::
Example Questions:

Q: U.S. consumers spend $14 billion each year on Valentine’s Day gifts.
A: True, that same amount would provide basic education and nutrition for children in all developing countries.

Q: The average coffee farmer receives 30 cents from a $3 latte.
A: False, Conventional coffee farmers get just 2 cents from a $3 latte - 1⁄4 the cost of the paper cup it’s served in.

Q: In 2006, U.S. teens spent $28 Million on products advertised on TV.
A: False, they actually spent $28 Billion - almost 100 times what the US spent on HIV/AIDS relief that year.

Q: Eating 1 pound of meat emits the same amount of greenhouse gases as driving a hummer 40 miles.
A: True, animal agriculture is the leading source of methane and nitrous oxide emissions - pollutants that contribute to global warming.
::::

Lynne D. Says:

August 19th, 2008, 17:39 pm

have you seen this video? it’s pretty inspirational.

http://www.vimeo.com/1211060

Lynne D. Says:

August 19th, 2008, 17:40 pm

Hi Leo-
I’m not sure if my other comment posted… so I’m doing this again. :)
Have you seen this video, it’s pretty inspirational. It’s called “Where the Hell is Matt?” and it’s this guy dancing all across the country. I found it very touching.

Ethan Steckmann Says:

August 19th, 2008, 22:35 pm

You mention excising a lot but you don’t give any advice on ways to work out. I think you should do a post on different work out routines.

Thanks,
Ethan

Leo Says:

August 19th, 2008, 23:21 pm

@Ethan … I just did a post on minimalist fitness … is that what you’re looking for?

Madi Says:

August 20th, 2008, 22:11 pm

Are you happy? If so, why?

(If this seems like a wholly rude question to ask, my apologies. I’m sure you’ll ignore it.)

Jules Says:

August 21st, 2008, 19:10 pm

Hi!

First off I just want to say I’m a huge fan of your blog. The content you provide us with is consistently inspiring, engaging and invaluable — a triple threat!

I ran across an article the other day that I thought you might like. I actually sent it to all my friends because I think the topic is something we can all relate to! When I was reading about “overcare” I thought, that’s so me — I am the queen of overcare! We’re always trying to care so much for all the things in the world that need it – and there are a lot! The planet/environment, our friends/family, animals, all the billions of people around the world living in poverty or war zones or natural disasters… but what this article is basically saying that it’s great to have the care but if we take it too far it can actually cause us stress and we can become obsessed with stuff or worry all the time. Anyways, I found it really interesting and relevant, especially with everything that’s going on in the world, and that’s why I wanted to share it with you. I thought it might be something you’d like to share with your readers.

Here’s the link: http://heartmath.gaia.com/blog/2008/8/is_it_possible_to_care_too_much.

Thanks again for all the great info and take care!
Jules <3

Christian Kroll Says:

August 25th, 2008, 17:59 pm

Dear Leo,

Today I launched a “green Internet search engine” that saves 0.1 square yards of rainforest per web search. The name of the website is http://www.Forestle.org.

Forestle is free and the search results are delivered by Google. It is an independent non-profit website. Within our testing phase we already saved more than 15,000 square yards of rainforest!

Maybe you would like to write a blog article about Forestle? You can find more information about Forestle at our website. If you have question about Forestle, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Christian Kroll

Niro Says:

August 26th, 2008, 7:52 am

blogday is just around the corner (August 31st). What are you 5 blog recommendation this year?

more details here: http://www.blogday.org

Gaio Says:

August 28th, 2008, 8:37 am

Ben, I thought you might find a few discussion topics in here: http://www.lulu.com/content/3728502

It’s a powerpoint presentation which discusses the relationships between nutrition, sin and spirituality. It also explains why we are all on Prozac, incarcerated, and going to find it difficult to reverse global warming.

Marie Poulin Says:

September 1st, 2008, 19:57 pm

Social Site to promote random acts of kindness:

http://actsofkindness.ning.com/?xgi=iaQ07IE
I saw your post and thought… hey why the heck not use ning!? (the css is customizeable…)

JP Says:

September 1st, 2008, 21:59 pm

My suggestion for a post relates to friendships. I’m not sure if this has been covered or not, but I spend a lot of time during the year keeping up with a big group of acquaintances and friends. I actually group people by how close I think I am with them, with acquaintances being the loosest connection, then friends, and then close friends. I used to do things like birthday emails, holiday cards, dinners, etc. Everything became time-consuming, expensive and frustrating.

I am very interested in hearing/reading what others do about this.

Daddy Says:

September 5th, 2008, 8:18 am

I would like to read your advice/opinions regarding divorced parents. More specifically, something along the lines of how to let go and get over it. Try to be happy with what you have like children, job, & friends, and at the same time forget about what the other is doing or dating or whatever.

From a guys stand-point it can be very difficult. I think many can relate to this topic.
Thanks

Kim Says:

September 5th, 2008, 8:19 am

HOW DO YOU FOCUS ON ONE GOAL AT A TIME????

How do you focus on one thing for an extended period of time without suffering the consequences of not tending to other urgent things.

I am working on developing the habit of single tasking and then one goal at a time, but wonder how to actually do that when there are several things to achieve with time constraints. I want to get As in classes, but I also have to find an apartment this month, and I also have to find a way to earn enough to pay for school and rent. I hate how dispersed my focus is but am afraid of being in a bad situation for neglecting to tend to any of these other things.

Kim (but not the Kim above) Says:

September 6th, 2008, 8:06 am

Given the controversy that developed regarding your RNC joke, might I suggest a post on how to stay calm and open-minded during the election season? In other words, how to learn not to cast aside a relationship merely because you disagree with them politically?

Cheers!

George M. Says:

September 7th, 2008, 0:13 am

Dear Leo,
I am in need of some sound advice on managing time.
I live on my own, and have a 40 hour job in the retail grocery business. The work has me keeping changing hours with a lot of work in the evenings. I find my morning productivitiy slipping away from me due to : sleeping in, extra time taking care of body, distraction with clutter. And trouble getting to bed at an early enough hour.
I feel that if I had more of approach and discipline about time, that I could get more accomplished before work and in general.
Can you please recommend a post, or better a good book. I feel my productivity and life slipping through my hands.
sinc,
George

Francisco Carneiro Says:

September 7th, 2008, 23:56 pm

Leo,
great post today. You were talking about limiting storage space, which is the opposite direction of today’s larger and larger hard drives. I was wondering how you deal with music, pictures and videos on your computer, for example.
Keep up the great work!
Francisco

Nick Says:

September 8th, 2008, 6:21 am

Hi Leo.

I think you may enjoy this video. I find it inspirational and informative on just how much runners are willing to sacrifice for what to some people may seem like nothing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTn1v5TGK_w

Maybe can you write a post on it. :)

Sue Says:

September 9th, 2008, 13:03 pm

Hey Leo!

I was wondering if you could do a post that deconstructs the “Lifecycle of Productivity,” (just something I made up, being a software developer/computer nerd, which is a play on the Software Development Life Cycle) from start to finish. I imagine it as similar to a chronological timeline: starting from the preparations you make to be productive, and ending when the work itself is finished or stopped and explaining the immediate benefits, but also seeing how those benefits impact the rest of your day or week. Ideally it would mark key physiological/mental/emotional roadblocks people hit most often, but would also mark the key physiological/mental/emotional responses to being productive that produce the natural highs that initially guide us into the zone, as well as help to sustain us in it once we’re there. I know this is asking a lot of you to explain this in a way that’s more technical by placing emphasis on how our bodies and brains biologically react to the mental and emotional activities we engage in, but its something that I think is important to recognize.

Sue

cirquo Says:

September 9th, 2008, 14:33 pm

Topic suggestion: see link referring to boredom as creativity time. Here is something you can write about for change.

Milad Says:

September 10th, 2008, 12:06 pm

Let me first start by saying that I love your blog!
As a new blogger I just wanted to know who did your site design I am currently hunting for designers, but I love the simplicity of the blog and was wondering what designers were responsible?

Many Thanks,
Milad

Paul Says:

September 10th, 2008, 12:32 pm

Your blog is awesome. I love it. Thought I’d give you (and your readers) a quick suggestion about a website I’m working on. It’s called MyWonderfulLife.com and it lets you plan your own funeral. The cool thing about it is that it lets you face death without being scared - sort of embrace it. We think that’s pretty cool. It might make a good post for your blog. Thanks and KEEP WRITING!!

Richard Says:

September 14th, 2008, 8:48 am

I seem to be in a rut — work all day, come home to read or watch TV. So much free time, yet so poorly spent. How can I identify the things that would catch my interest toward involvement, instead of living vicariously?

Vincent Says:

September 15th, 2008, 12:23 pm

Hey Leo,

I hate to sound like a jerk, but could you please remove my last name from this post?

http://zenhabits.net/2007/05/early-riser-three-quick-ways-to-help-cure-insomnia/

I know it’s been up for over a year, but I’d prefer that it was just my first name there. I try to avoid using my last name online, except on my site. It’s a unique name, so seeing my last name there raises some privacy concerns that didn’t really come to my attention till recently.

Thanks a lot! And thank you again for generously answering my question on your blog. I really appreciate it.

-vm

Danielle Says:

September 18th, 2008, 20:03 pm

Hello,
I loved your post that you wrote for Tim Ferriss. I am also a mac user and have been trying to figure out a useful system. I have a couple questions:

How do you manage contacts?
Do you have any suggestions for shared calendars and contacts?

Ankit Shah Says:

September 20th, 2008, 10:47 am

Hey Leo,

Had a quick question — how do you keep a track on the number of subscribers you have? I use feedburner, but I’ve always been a little curious as to my stats.

- Ankit

Eddie Says:

September 22nd, 2008, 19:27 pm

Hi Leo. I’ve recently just began to read your blog and have taken much from it. I thoroughly enjoy it and I thank you for all the advice and tips.

At the moment, I find that I have a lot of free time, even after reading, exercising, and writing. I was just wondering if you had any other activities that I could do that would relieve stress or just plain relax me. I want to take up fishing and gardening, but due to my current situation, that might take a while before I get around to do that.

Anything would be nice.

Thanks,
Eddie.

Leo Says:

September 23rd, 2008, 2:14 am

@Danielle: Gmail saves all my email contacts so I don’t worry about that. As for phone contacts, I just save numbers in my cell phone. That’s probably not ideal but it’s been working for me so far.

@Ankit: I also use FeedBurner to track my subscriptions. It’s not perfect but it does the job OK. I also use a WP plugin called Feed Count to display the count in a nicer way.

@Eddie: Here are some good ways to relax: http://zenhabits.net/2007/04/12-ways-to-decompress-after-high-stress/

Other than that, I just enjoy playing with my kids or friends — board games, sports, having a barbecue, watching a movie.

@Vincent: Will remove your last name now. :)

Andrew Says:

September 29th, 2008, 1:14 am

Hey Leo,

I just have a few questions:

1) When people ask you why you are vegetarian, what do you say?

2) If you have not already (I’m new here), could you post some photos of your workspace at home?

Thanks in advance.

Ritesh Agrawal Says:

October 2nd, 2008, 12:04 pm

Hi Leo,

I came across your blog only yesterday and go hooked to it. Like you, I aspire for simplicity in my life. However, as a guiding principle, I find the term ’simplicity’ too vague. Reading your blog, it seems you equate simplicity to minimalistic which I often find difficult to digest. I would be very thankful, if you clarify the term ’simplicity’. I guess, for everyone the term ’simplicity’ holds different meaning and therefore its difficult to define or describe what does ’simplicity’ mean in our life. Hence, I only want to hear what do you understand by the term ’simplicity’.

thanks

Andres Says:

October 3rd, 2008, 12:21 pm

Hey Leo!

this is not only a question, but a possible suggestion for a future post.

for the past week i’ve had tonsillitis, never having anything like this the pain, fevers and sleepless nights have been quite a nightmare.

my question is… what kind of things can people do when they’re sick, but more importantly, not just to, treat the symptoms… but to get through it mentally.

i feel that i’ve had quite a negative mood and mindset for the past week… moping, complaining… what are some ways to get through a sickness mentally? things to do, ways to act etc…?

thank you

keep up the amazing work

val3 Says:

October 4th, 2008, 13:49 pm

Where the decluttered stuff could go: http://www.stuffyourrucksack.com

iyo Says:

October 6th, 2008, 2:22 am

Hi Leo,

I hope you read this. ;)

I`m interested how you doing with twitter… With time and simplicity. Will be there a summary post about twittering?

Thanks for an answer/post.

Ivan - blatternet.ch Says:

October 6th, 2008, 10:53 am

Hi Leo,

How are your organized now after some months of freelancing with perhaps new rituals, a new rhythm etc.?

Do you still use ZTD? Did you make any changes?

Perhaps this would be also interesting for the other readers.

Regards,
Ivan

SEOAly Says:

October 6th, 2008, 14:37 pm

Hello, Leo. First - you have a beautiful blog. I’m so happy to have found it. :)

Second, I’m wondering about the philanthropic intent you mentioned in your “Success Isn’t A Competition…” post. I am a struggling entrepreneur who wants nothing more than to walk away from corporate life and venture out on my own. Unfortunately, I just don’t have the financial means to be able to walk away from the steady paycheck that comes with corporate life.

You mentioned a willingness to help such individuals and I’m curious as to what criteria need to be met in order to be considered a worthy candidate for your “Pay It Forward” project.

Thanks again for the blog! It has become a sense of inspiration and clarity…and reassurance that a peaceful life, doing something you truly enjoy, is not more than we have the right to work toward and expect in this life.

Leo Says:

October 7th, 2008, 2:22 am

@Andrew, who wrote:

“1) When people ask you why you are vegetarian, what do you say?”

Because I’ve seen how the meat industry treats animals and I can’t support it, especially when I’ve discovered how easy it is to be a vegetarian and how eating meat is completely unnecessary.

2) If you have not already (I’m new here), could you post some photos of your workspace at home?

Check out this post I did on Unclutterer.

@Ritesh Agrawal, who asked for my definition of simplicity:

You’re absolutely right — each person will have a different definition of simplicity. For some, it’s minimal possessions, for others it’s frugality, for others it’s an aesthetic.

For me, it’s a combination of those three. But my real definition is something along the lines of: “Eliminating the unessential things in your life so you can focus on the essential — the things you absolutely love and love to do.”

@Andres: That’s a great post suggestion, but unfortunately it’s outside the area of my expertise. I tend to just put off work and let myself rest. :)

@iyo: I should definitely do a post on Twitter soon! I have found Twitter to be both useful and entertaining, but recently I haven’t had a lot to say so I’ve stayed away. And you know what? It doesn’t matter if you don’t read all the incoming tweets — you can just pick up anywhere you like! I love that.

@Ivan: That’s a great suggestion. I definitely tend to change my routines and rituals over time — depending on what’s working for me at the moment, how much energy I have, what my current main goal is.

As for ZTD, I use the principles in the book pretty much every day. Some days I get a bit lax about things, but I’ve found all of them to be very useful. My work routine has changed but the key habits haven’t really.

@SEOAly: I’d love to help you in some way. Email me: leo.babauta (at) gmail (dot) com. Don’t give out that address. ;)

JJson Says:

October 7th, 2008, 10:07 am

Hey Leo,

I would love to see what advise you have for teens. You Zen blog gives teens what they need to learn but in an adult format. Is there some previous posts or future posts geared toward teens and how they can deal with stresses of homework, dealing with difficult struggles with family and parents, etc?

Eric Says:

October 7th, 2008, 11:17 am

Hello Leo,

Have you ever heard of the elders of Okinawa ? Lots and lots of elders on these southernmost islands of Japan go well past the 100 years cap. In a recent interview on a french-canadian program, the journalist talked with an elder. She was bafeld that the old lady didn’t knew what stress was.

Don’t you think it’s fascinating ?

Cathy Says:

October 8th, 2008, 0:22 am

Hi Leo,

I love your site, and bought your book ZTD. Very helpful, and just the “cure” I needed from getting swamped with GTD!

I’m doing a site on ebooks, and I was wondering: did you do the design yourself for your ZTD book? Or did you hire someone? I’d like to use it as an example of a “good” ebook.

Thanks!

Björn Says:

October 8th, 2008, 7:01 am

Hi!

Check out Seth Godins little text “is effort a myth” - seems quite zen, somehow?

/Björn

Leo Says:

October 9th, 2008, 1:15 am

@Cathy: Thanks! I actually didn’t design the ZTD book myself. It was done by a professional designer, James Wondrack, who did a great job.

@Bjorn: Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll check it out.

Jon Davis Says:

October 9th, 2008, 12:35 pm

hey leo,

i really love your site and the articles. Saw this cool thing the other day that may help you get a streamlined view of what people may want you to write on. You can check it out at http://www.skribit.com. (I have no affiliation with them, just think it is a great tool that you could use to help make it easier on readers to submit topics or any readers that have their own blogs and struggle with writer’s block at times could use to get ideas)

Keep up the good work!

Grace Says:

October 14th, 2008, 8:42 am

Hello. I am 14 years old this year. I have started following your blog a few months ago. I have a question for you.

Sometimes, I feel very annoyed at myself for caring too much about what others think. I know it seems like no big deal.

But me caring too much has made me afraid of making friends because I fear I make a bad impression, because I am scared people will talk behind my back.

I want to be who I am and what I want to be. But I am afraid of how people might see me and what they will say. Even little things, I am deterred from changing even my hairstyle because I am afraid of what people will think.

I do have friends, but sometimes I feel quite lonely when my friends are doing something else and I have no one to talk to because I only talk to a very select few people because I am afraid to make friends.

I really want to stop this because I think I won’t be happy living while caring too much about what others think. I want to live my own life the way I want to. But I have no idea where to start, can you please tell me? :)

Thank you. :)

Tarra Says:

October 16th, 2008, 13:49 pm

Hi Leo,
I was reading about how to be motivated and break bad habits and replace with positive ones. I also saw your suggestion on one at a time for 30 days. Unfortunately I am going to be forced to make several changes at once due to a medical diagnosis. Do you have any suggestions on how to deal with quitting smoking, cutting out alcohol, dealing with a medical problem, having three young kids and still try to be positive?

jane Says:

October 19th, 2008, 15:35 pm

hey Leo,
My name is Jane and I’m from Ireland, I’m in my last year of secondary school which is really important why i study and get motivated but lately I’ve been finding it really hard until i stumbled across your advice on getting motivated and on stuff like that and it’s really helped me so I’d like to say thank you! I’m finding it hard to find time in my day to do homework plus study, exercise, eat properly and groom myself! I usually get up and get ready at 7.30 then out the door at 8 and then school starts at 9 over here so that’s why your post on getting up early really interested me because then i could do some stuff in the morning but then I’d have to go to bed really early which I’m not sure i could do! but the thing you never stated was what you do on the weekends or like when you’re off does your routine change ? do you sleep on? and if so how do you get back into the same routine for the week?…i would go to bed at nearly 10.30 every school night and then like around 12 on the weekends or later if i go out. I’m just trying to find a way to adopt your way onto my way but i think that your schedule is more suited toward an older person not in school. So i was just wondering if you could maybe answer my previous questions and if you can help me sort out some sort of schedule??..i would really appreciate it!! just even if you gave me some sort of feedback it would be great!
thank you so much, Jane…slan(bye)!!

Dax Says:

October 22nd, 2008, 2:17 am

Hi Leo,

I’ve been an avid reader of your blog. I must say your blog is one of the blogs i frequent. I have an idea for a blog entry.. it would be the power of a hour. i think small consistencies can build up to big gains. for example, simply reading 1 hour a day would translate to about 1 book per week. doing this one year, would lead to 50 books. This helps improve your vocabulary, writing skills, and what-not. There are definitely other ways to use a hour, and so maybe an entry about that would be really nice. Well, hope this helps. :)

Sean Connolly Says:

October 29th, 2008, 14:34 pm

Hi Leo,

You have an absolutely wonderful website and I’m thankful that I found it. I was on the path of really trying to simplify my life but I was lacking in ideas and inspiration. You and other sites featured here have helped me immensely and have inspired me in my own goals in life.

My question to you is a quick one. What computer and computing equipment do you use in your everyday life? For example, desktop or laptop?

All my life I’ve used a big desktop computer, but I personally feel like it’s unneeded for me and takes up too much space. Lately I’ve been looking into one of those nice netbooks for my work. These thoughts has inpisred my question.

Thank you for your time,
Sean Connolly

yvonne Says:

October 30th, 2008, 15:32 pm

I love your blog. It is so nice to have positive reinforcement in my life. I thank you for the joy of what you do. It shows to us the readers.
I am writing to ask if you recall a post in the last 2 months about an appreciation journal? I thought I saved it and now I cannot find the page. I believe it was a guest post? If you remember anything that would help I would greatly appreciate it. The idea is a wonderful gift, that was my intention.
Again I want to thank you for the time and energy you put out each and every day.
Yvonne Maslin

Dani Says:

October 30th, 2008, 16:18 pm

Thanks for your work. It is amazing the feedback you get. Love your writing.

~~~~

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” ~Maya Angelou

http://www.ahamprema.com

Leo Says:

October 30th, 2008, 20:19 pm

@yvonne: I’m not sure which post you mean, but maybe it’s this one by Chris?

@Sean Connolly: I use an iMac as my main desktop computer and also have a Macbook Air for working on the road. I’m a big Mac fan — they’re a bit more expensive but I just love working on them so it’s worth it for me, as I do everything on them. That said, you should use whatever works best for your situation.

@jane: Good questions … personally, I do get up a bit later on weekends unless I have an early run planned. However, I don’t sleep in too late because as you say, it’s hard to get back into the routine. So I’ll get up at 6:00 or 6:30 if I don’t have anything to do. That still gives me some nice quiet morning time for myself, but it’s not super early.

@Tarra: Unfortunately I’ve never had to do so many things at once, so I can’t give much advice on that. However, a few suggestions:

1. For each habit, identify your triggers. What situations trigger your smoking habit (waking in the morning, having coffee, drinking alcohol, stressful meetings, going out with friends, driving, etc.)? Identify all of them, for each habit.

2. For every single trigger, identify a positive habit you’re going to do instead. When you first wake in the morning, instead of smoking, what will you do? What about when you get stressed? When you go out with friends?

3. For at least one month, focus entirely on being as consistent with your triggers as possible. That means, every single time those triggers come up, do the positive habit you identified instead of the negative one.

4. Avoid situations where you normally drink and smoke, at least for awhile, to make it a bit easier on yourself. Realize, though, that when you go back to those situations, you will still get the old urges.

5. Ask for help. Get your family and friends and co-workers to support you. Find an AA group in your area. Join online forums where people are trying to quit.

6. Staying positive is key! You will have negative thoughts — the important thing is to realize when you’re having them, and push them out of your head. Squash them like a bug! Then replace them with a positive thought. “I can do this! If Leo can do it, so can I!” :)

7. Realize that your urges will be strong, but they will go away after a few minutes. They come in waves, but just ride out the wave. Find strategies for getting through the urges — deep breathing, self massage, eating frozen grapes, walking around, exercising, calling a friend who will support you.

Leo Says:

October 30th, 2008, 20:26 pm

@Grace: I definitely hear you — it’s hard to not care what other people think. In fact, I think we all care what people think to some extent — even the people who claim they don’t. It’s a natural human tendency.

However, as you point out, if it becomes too strong, it can stop us from doing things we want to do. So how do you overcome this fear?

I think it’s a matter of self-confidence. And trust me, most of us have a lack of self-confidence when we’re 14 years old. High school comes with a lot of social pressure at exactly the time when we’re going through a lot of changes — growing, maturing, hormones, all of that. So it’s difficult, I know.

But you can work on your self-confidence. Start really small. Do something you know you can do, but something that will challenge you a bit. And complete that task. It will help you feel better about yourself. Consider exercise — go for a run of just 10 minutes. When you’re done, celebrate the fact that you ran! Feel good about it. Then, the next day, increase that to 15 minutes. (This is assuming you have no health problems.)

It doesn’t have to be exercise, but anything you’re interested in. Start small, and increase the difficulty a little at a time, celebrating your success the entire time. Stay positive!

As you build competence and success, you’ll build confidence. And as you do that, you’ll be able to break free of the fear of what others think.

Blair R Says:

November 1st, 2008, 5:30 am

Tips for managing support materials along with lists?

Brad Says:

November 2nd, 2008, 2:28 am

Hey Leo. I know you are busy and have a lot going on but I want to suggest a book to you. I am reading “How Full is your Bucket” by Rath and Clifton (ISBN: 1-59562-003-6). It is an amazing book about how positive feedback can provide productivity, happiness, and well-being. If you ever have a chance to read it, you will not be sorry. Its only ~100 pages.

Brad Says:

November 2nd, 2008, 2:28 am

Hey Leo. I know you are busy and have a lot going on but I want to suggest a book to you. I am reading “How Full is your Bucket” by Rath and Clifton (ISBN: 1-59562-003-6). It is an amazing book about how positive feedback can provide productivity, happiness, and well-being. If you ever have a chance to read it, you will not be sorry. Its only ~100 pages. I am sure it would make some great blog posts.

Tony Says:

November 11th, 2008, 1:44 am

Leo,

This is a article on unconditional love that I came across. Thought it might be worth your time since it offers another perspective on the very ideas found on zen habits.

Your blog has helped me enormously and I can’t thank you enough.

Here is the link:

http://www.enotalone.com/article/6427.html

Sincerely,
Tony

Jennifer Says:

November 11th, 2008, 10:42 am

Leo,

I have appreciated your website and often visit it.

Lately, life for so many is so stressful and people are on pins and needles. Everywhere you turn the news is glum, people are worried about there jobs, their retirement, and the state of the world and this does not even include what may be personally going on with their lives and families.

I was hoping you would consider writing idea’s on how to stay positive in a shaky time and persevere through this cycle.

Alison Says:

November 12th, 2008, 12:19 pm

We at Dirt Devil love Zen Habits! And we think you might be interested in a sweepstakes promotion we are launching for the holidays with a product called KWIK that we feel matches up with your content.

What’s KWIK? A must-have desktop detailer and the latest gadget and computer accessory. It’s a small, lightweight vacuum with a USB charging system perfect for cleaning keyboards, small spaces and tiny crevices.

What’s the promotion? “The 12 Days of Cleaning” – and we hope you’ll be our partner.

Here’s how the sweepstakes works:

For 12 consecutive business days starting December 1 and running until December 16, we’ll give away 1 KWIK vacuum to one of your readers – all they have to do is submit an entry form hosted on DirtDevil.com and linkable from your blog. We can also brand the form with your logo, list your blog on our Dirt Devil site and provide you with different creative options and buttons to include on your blog.

Please email me as soon as possible to secure your spot in this national promotion. Thank you and i look forward to hearing from you soon.

David Says:

November 15th, 2008, 7:22 am

Hi there,

I just saw this article on Digg.

http://www.physorg.com/news145901411.html

It’s actually no surprise to me that unhappy people tend to watch more tv (and that it’s an addiction). In my opinion, these results can be extrapolated to internet usage. Nowadays, a lot of people are having an information addiction (digg, del.ico.us, twitter, …) and are spending dozens of hours surfing the net, trying to find something new. I am, to some extent, one of those people. I find myself surfing the net without an actual goal quite often. Since I am a highly educated post-grad, and my future career (and myself) don’t tolerate this waste of time, I was wondering what your experience is on this subject.

Thanks for all the effort you put into this blog, you help a lot of people by sharing your experiences.

Kind regards and enjoy your day,

David

Albert Says:

November 17th, 2008, 0:53 am

You should write an article about Information Overflow. It’s a big problem for most today and I think most of us spend way too much time in front of the computer than we’d like to, but can’t seem to stop.

Luis Ortega Andrés Says:

November 20th, 2008, 10:50 am

Hi Leo! I would like that your blog has a spanish version of each article. I am spanish and I would like to collaborate in it although I don’t have a very good level at English.

Bye!

Ryan Alsayegh Says:

November 23rd, 2008, 0:32 am

I just came across this and I would love to read your take on it.

http://www.owenkelly.net/737/dalai-lamas-18-rules-for-living/

Thanks!

Olga Says:

November 25th, 2008, 1:57 am

Hello!
It would be great of you reviewed Task2Garther at ZenHabits blog.
Task2Gather is an on-line service for managing tasks. Distinguishing features that make it unique among other projects: hierarchical structure of tasks, ability to share each project with different people, ability to discuss each task separately, user-friendly interface. Besides, there is an iPhone client for the service that is already available at appstore and Windows Mobile client that is expected to be released in few weeks. For more information about the product visit the site: http://task2gather.com or our blog devoted to the project: http://blog.task2gather.com
Task2Gather can be really helpful during economical collapse when each company try to save money. Task2Gather is very reasonably priced.
BestThis is an on-line service for managing tasks. Distinguishing features that make it unique among other projects: hierarchical structure of tasks, ability to share each project with different people, ability to discuss each task separately, user-friendly interface. Besides, there is an iPhone client for the service that is already available at appstore reasonable price $5 and Windows Mobile client that is expected to be released in few weeks. For more information about the product visit the site: http://task2gather.com or our blog devoted to the project: http://blog.task2gather.com
Best reagards,
Olga.

Andrew Says:

November 26th, 2008, 1:59 am

Hallo Leo,
I’ve been able to cut my ToDo list down to three things a day, having read this tip on your great site. I do this with TaskPaper - a lovely little list programme for the Mac.
Yesterday Jesse updated it to 2.0. and it’s even better.
Not only that but he posts pictures of his daughter on the HogBaySoftware blog and talks about baking pizza. A man after my own heart.
Best regards from Holland, Andrew

chris Says:

November 28th, 2008, 18:06 pm

Hello,

I thought this web site might be worth sharing with other readers:

http://www.zingsale.com

It’s a free service that tracks prices of products from online stores (like amazon) and sends you an email when the price drops. You can set a target price or be notified when it falls by a certain percentage.

It’s an easy way to make sure you’re getting the best deals this holiday season.

Kate Marshall Says:

December 1st, 2008, 18:07 pm

Hi Leo,

My name is Kate Marshall and I do digital public affairs work at Edelman, a communications firm based in Washington, DC. I actually wrote to you a few months ago as one of my clients advertised on your site through BlogAds. Thank you for letting us connect with your readers!

That being said, another one of my clients — the World Wildlife Fund – just released their Pocket Guide to a One Planet Lifestyle, a guide to leading a greener life. I thought this may be of interest to you since it’s all about streamlining your life and becoming more eco-friendly.

In addition to providing simple tips about being environmentally conscious at home, at the office and on vacation, the booklet offers an easy to understand carbon footprint calculator (thankfully you don’t need to know how many gallons of water your household consumes every month) that asks about your daily habits and then offers ways to “green” those habits.

If you’re interested, you can download the e-book here: http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/policy/news/index.cfm?uNewsID=151361

Take care!
Kate

Beverly Says:

December 2nd, 2008, 4:17 am

Hi Leo,

Just read one of your articles forwarded to me by a friend of mine and it concerns the Okinawan diet. I entered motherhood 4 months ago and while I’m managing my food intake well, I don’t seem to have the opportunity to do exercises or workouts like I used to. It’s making me feel restless for activity but I’m at a loss for ideas on workouts I could do with my baby and since you’ve got 6 kids I figure you’d have some ideas that could help. I’m taking care of her by myself (single mom). Thank you so much for your site and whether or not you can help me I still appreciate your articles.

Enjoy your Holidays!

Bhavna Says:

December 5th, 2008, 14:37 pm

Leo,
I started following your website since last couple of weeks. I am so glad that I tumbled across your website. I am a working mom of a four year old and four month old. I have a question on disciplining the kids. I have trouble managing just the two of them. How do you handle disciplining your six kids. I would greatly appreciate some artilcle on parenting.

D.L. Says:

December 8th, 2008, 0:36 am

I’m a 17 year old high school senior and I just got into college. I’ve struggled with weight and self-esteem issues since my freshman year and want to finish out this year and go into my college years with a good self-esteem and in good health/shape. The thing is, the self-consciousness that prevents me being more social also prevents me from exercising, as I am afraid someone from school will see me. How can I get in shape while balancing a busy schedule and (at least the first couple weeks) not being seen by my peers?

Thanks.

Bill Says:

December 8th, 2008, 12:52 pm

I work at a large corporation that severely restricts software use. Specifically, many internet sites are filtered (until recently, gmail was blocked) and users are restricted from installing ANY software on their machines. We’re Windows based and use Lotus Notes, not Outlook, for all meetings, e-mail, etc. The Lotus Notes to-do function is combersome and antiquated.

I would love to see an article about free or cheap to-do list software with an eye to those that can run off a thumb drive (perhaps by installing on my home computer and than copying the file to the thumb drive). This would allow me to use the same to-do both at home and at work.

I know it’s a specialized need, but I think a recap of to-do software discussed over the last few years would be useful to everyone, and I can’t be the only one in this position.

Robert Tolmach Says:

December 8th, 2008, 20:42 pm

Many of us are looking for more meaningful holiday gifts this year. http://www.ChangingThePresent.org provides a solution!

Visitors can find such tangible charitable gifts as:
• preserve an acre of the wilderness
• provide a child with her first book
• fund an hour of cancer research
• feed a family for a week
• or even sponsor cataract surgery to restore a blind person’s sight.

More than 1,500 tangible donation gifts from hundreds of leading nonprofits address a full range of causes, so you are certain to find something that moves you. You can also donate through the site to support any of half a million nonprofits. No wonder the New York Times called ChangingThePresent the “amazon.com of the nonprofit world.”

You can also personalize beautiful printed greeting cards, which include a photo and description of your gift, right from the site.

Imagine the impact we could have together, as this new form of giving becomes a social norm. Please help spread the word.

tamra Says:

December 10th, 2008, 21:20 pm

Hi Leo,
This one is a timely one, so I sincerely hope you do read these suggestions daily and consider this one for the upcoming week!

With huge Sales in full swing and gift-giving well underway, seems that readers could use some sanity tips on how to best navigate this holiday season.

Tips could include:
- tips for online shopping in general
- shipping deadlines for on-time delivery
- coupon codes/free shipping codes
- personalized and comprehensive sale alerts like ShopItToMe.com
- best times to go to the mall if you absolutely have to
- etc etc…

Basically anything that will be a one-stop resource for your readers during this crazy holiday season.

Patrick Says:

December 12th, 2008, 10:56 am

Hi, Leo,

I am a vegetairan, and just found your blog, like what you wrote here. I am wondering if you can write something about “How to be a happry vegetarian/vegan?”
I would much like to learn it.

Thanks and the best!!

Good Guy Says:

December 17th, 2008, 12:40 pm

Hi and thanks for a great site.
I totally share most of your opinions so that is great :)

Mental freedom is great, but without financial freedom, living in the Western world, it is hard to be happy. Most people retiring, about 67% are on welfare or taken care/helped by their families in the USA, but it is almost as bad in most countries.

I just came across a system that helps you, if you have a mortgage, that is, to save hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to pay as we are trained to and how the banks LOVE us to pay because it makes them RICH not US.

On our tiny 200k home, we will save about 172,000 in interest and save about 20 years of payments which equals about 250,000 dollars. Total savings is about 322,000 dollars, taxed money which equals about 400,000 dollars pre-tax money.

It is just amazing and it was only 299 dollars, then I got the book for 25 dollars. Total cost 324 dollars for us and we have already saved over 100,000 dollars in 12 months.

This is very important that people get to find out about I think :)

Cheers.

Chis Says:

December 18th, 2008, 3:35 am

Hi Leo

I dont wanna bother you, but i woul like if you write about people that need a lot of attention.

Why Women Date Married Men?

But the point is that in my work, there’s a girl…she always wants to get all the attention, specially for men.

Now, I’m very sad cause she’s destroying a marriage from a coworker. She’s still flirting with every man in the office…..

I don’t undestand her behavior.

Thank you

palindrome_man Says:

December 24th, 2008, 16:33 pm

Hi Leo.

Just wondered if I would be able to obtain a transcript or text file for some of the audio podcasts I am interested in as I am Deaf (but still very interested)???

Cheers from Australia.
Michael

westindianladee Says:

December 26th, 2008, 14:31 pm

Leo, I’m fairly new to your site and one of the things that resonated with me was choosing 4-5 things that I want to dedicate your time and energy to. One of my things in having a side business. I have 3 different areas to explore that could generate revenue, but I don’t know which one to push and focus on. Yes, I’m passionate about all 3 but multi-tasking has been killin’ me. Any advice?

Al M. Says:

December 29th, 2008, 23:06 pm

Leo,

I’m considering a career switch or possibly starting my own business. However, I’m concerned about keeping a steady income as I make the switch to a new opportunity (especially because I have a family to support, which I’m sure you’re familiar with). Perhaps you could make some recommendations for how to make this kind of transition while keeping yourself afloat?

Thanks for your consideration and happy holidays!

Joe Says:

December 31st, 2008, 20:35 pm

Could you do a post with pictures of how you apply the minimalist philosophies to your own home?

Jason Powell Says:

January 1st, 2009, 16:05 pm

Hi Leo,

I’m writing through a personal journey on the possessions I let into my life, and I thought it might be appropriate to share with your other readers.

“The Precision of Living”:
http://jasonthomaspowell.com/2008/12/31/the-precision-of-living/

All the best,
Jason

pascic Says:

January 1st, 2009, 19:54 pm

Hi Leo,
I know you often suggested web apps to simplify…
Do you know what’s happening with Google Docs?
Lot of people -me too- (”a small subset of users” as defined by google) are unable to access their documents online.
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Docs/thread?tid=3bd6b2d9d0be62c7&hl=en
Not a nice gift for Xmas!!!
Cheers from Italy

Camille Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 21:52 pm

I was just wondering if you could post a story about how to meditate. I am trying to everyday but I’m not exactly sure how. I have heard many different ways and I would like to hear your input. If you already have a post like this and I just can’t find it could you email me the link? THANKS!

Nick Says:

January 6th, 2009, 9:30 am

LEO YOU NEED TO SEE THIS! Important!
Sorry for the caps, but seriously, this is amazing. I don’t even care if you do an article about it, but you must read it.
You may or may not have heard of the man in San Diego, Dave Bruno, is living on just 100 things this year. That, to me, is the typification of simplicity. I’d explain further but his personal website would do it better:

http://www.guynameddave.com/

Matt Says:

January 7th, 2009, 22:18 pm

Hi Leo,
I love your blog, ebooks, and book and I’ve been following your writing for several years now. I’ve noticed that there have been almost half a dozen requests on this page for college specific advice. I would LOVE to see something of the sort. I don’t know if it would be entirely possible, but I would love to see something college specific. That said,
keep up the great work, you’re an inspiration to many.
Thanks,
Matt

Henry Says:

January 8th, 2009, 14:42 pm

Leo -
I just got given a Blackberry for Christmas. What is the most effective way for me to use it to simplify my lie?
Henry

Jaimie Says:

January 8th, 2009, 15:49 pm

Hello!
I’m a student and am currently revising for my exams next week. I’m hoping you could do an article on the best ways to revise effectively?
Thanks :)

Leonor Says:

January 9th, 2009, 14:58 pm

Hi Leo

I love your blog. i’ts been so helpfull for me!

I’m trying to set my life and my year goals.

for the year goals I´m afraid to have too many or too few goals…

for the life goals I’m afraid to change my mind on the way and then finding out that I’m going on the wong direction…

I wonder if there is a way to structure my goals.

Are there some topics on this subject that I can look for?

Sally Says:

January 12th, 2009, 9:25 am

Hi Leo,

You talk a lot about goals and habits. When I started writing down my goals in my daily notebook I realized - wait - that’s a habit, or is it a goal! Waking up early is a habit but also a goal, no? It would be awesome to see an article on goals vs habits (apologies if there is already one and I missed it). You advocate tackling 1 goal at a time. What about how many habits to change at a time?

Thanks!

Josh Says:

January 13th, 2009, 16:39 pm

Leo,

Post suggestion for you.

As all internet enthusiasts know, there is alot out there. From endless amounts of RSS feed to forums, I frequently find myself living with a constantly open Firefox window with 10-20 tabs at any given time.

It is a distraction waking up, hopping on the computer bent on productivity, looking to relax, and always being greeted by tabs and distraction (with a Netvibes homepage providing fresh distraction, to boot!). An article here, a forum post there… they’re all content that I WANT to read but it typically never get to (though I usually glean much from just glancing when I initially open the tab).

What do you do?

Kind of like the ‘digital packrat’ article but for news and study instead of data.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on a possible solution to this.

Thanks for the great content!!

-Josh

Gloria Says:

January 17th, 2009, 1:34 am

Hey leo,
I was browsing through your website and its been really motivating i really love it. I have a problem i was really hoping you could help me with if you have the time..this is gonna sound stupid but its been taking over my life..a couple years ago i developed this fear of the world. i know it sounds silly but its true. I dont leave my house, i wont go outside because im so scared something is going to happen to me. Bad things happen to people all the time and i dont wanna be on of those people. Even at home im scared someone will break in or something. I was wondering if you had any advice? I wanna be able to go out and enjoy the world, not be scared of it. please if you have the time respond to my email. Lithium322@yahoo.com..it would mean so much to me. Thank you.

Kyle Says:

January 17th, 2009, 17:02 pm

Leo,

I came across a super-simple web-based money management app yesterday, and I’m already hooked on using it. You should check it out.

Mint.com

Rachael Says:

January 18th, 2009, 7:32 am

I am a student in my final year of school and am about to hit university. I would love to create a more simplified, less stressed out life for myself, based on the principles here and in books I’ve read. Only problem is, alot of the advice I’ve been givemn does not apply to young people who need to get through their education and onto their career path! Please help!
Regards, Rachael

Alex Says:

January 20th, 2009, 19:46 pm

I really liked your article on your 100 favorite novels.

But I’m curious to know what in your mind all of these books have in common, what makes them great?

Ian Says:

January 21st, 2009, 10:36 am

Greetings,

I know you are into exercising and there’s a great book / manual out there called Never Gymless by Ross Enamait (http://rosstraining.com). I have been using it for almost a year and a half and have lost 30 lbs of fat by using the program described in the book.

Of course I feel that the idea of leaving the gym behind (or bringing it with you) fits very well with what you are all about, as you are working on trimming things down, and Never Gymless definitely does that and also helps to save money by avoiding gym fees etc.

He also has a lot of interesting links to making your own fitness equipment (medicine balls, sandbags, etc).

Anyway, I hope you find this interesting and useful.

Best Regards,
Ian

PS. I am not affiliated with Ross Training or anything, I just really dig the program and what it’s all about.

Melissa Says:

January 21st, 2009, 13:03 pm

What to do?
Hi Leo - I will be taking mandatory furlough from my full-time job (week off work without pay) and I keep going round and round about what to do with my time off. My family will not be in a financial crisis over this, but its obviously a setback. I’d like to make it a week of self-discovery and renewing - taking the negative and making it positive.

Any suggestions?

Kate McCormack Says:

January 21st, 2009, 22:28 pm

I really enjoy reading your work. You have helped me so much! I have two random questions..

Did you write any articles pertaining to success in Corporate (America)? I am struggling, not with my workload but with the lack of integrity my co-workers utilize. I feel that in order for me to climb the “corporate ladder” I will have step on some people, lie, cheat, steal others ideas, and play the politics game with everyone. My manager tells me “it is all about the perception.” Suggestions?

Also, there was an advertisement on the right hand column of your site that had web page layouts on it. Do you know what that site is?

Thank you

The College Warrior Says:

January 24th, 2009, 20:40 pm

My new favorite site.
I am an aspiring blogger in college. What theme are you using and where can I get it?

Thanks!

Nosesplash Says:

January 26th, 2009, 17:22 pm

Hello, I read your guest post at problogger.com about how to grow your blog on minimal time. Great article. One point you made was about guest posting. I was wondering if you could elaborate on that in terms of how to go about obtaining guest posting gigs. I figure I can just find blogs I like and knock on their proverbial door, but am curious if there is any sort of protocol I should follow. Thanks!

Kaye Says:

January 28th, 2009, 20:34 pm

Hi Leo,

Thanks for your blog. I admire your committment to keeping your life simple but wonder a lot about how I can apply this to myself.

I am a 34-year-old mother of 3 and a physician, about to start my private practice soon. The past12 years of my life have been spent training for this… now I get some doubts as to whether I am meant for this kind of life or not. It’s great, the prospects are promising but I take a look around me and all my mentors are busy, busy, busy.

How can I stick to the plan without letting myself become overwhelmed? Is it wrong to feel like I am stuck in this career path because of the amount of time (and money) that my family has spent for my training? Feels like there’s no more turning back.

Thanks again.

Lyne Patterson Says:

January 29th, 2009, 13:03 pm

Hi Leo,
I enjoy reading your work ;-) Your life seems quite amazing… I bet your kids keeping you in line has something to do with it ;-)
I have an idea for a post that I hope you would be interested in writing, as we would all be intererested in hearing your message on the subject.
How do you deal with grown men (women) when they are put in management positions and out comes the Power Tripping Bully?
Low Self Esteem has to be part of the cause!
I would love to hear your message on this, as it could help many people dealing with that situation in the workplace.
Thanks for your Time!!
Lyne ;-)

Alecs Jonson Says:

January 30th, 2009, 14:20 pm

Hi Leo,

i’m a father of girl who is 6 years old and i have a question and maybe an idea for one of topics.

First a bit about me. I was rised in one country on Balkans and i lived relatively quiet but hard life there. So i did not want to let my doughter to miss anything in hers.

But as of this moment, i have a problem. No matter what she gets she is unsatisfied. Just an example. Today i had free day, and we both stayed at home while my wife went working. She acted very good and i decided i am going to bring her to McDonalds, her favorite Restaurant. (Which kid does not like McD? *smiles*) Basically, she likes to go there, because she likes to get a toy with her happy meal. So, we went there and she got happy meal and a toy. Ok, that was fine.

Problem occured later in the evening, when wife returned home and was too tired to cook. (I don’t know to cook, and i never learned. Also, i don’t see fun in that activity.) So she said “awww, and i thought we could go to Burger King after shopping.” (I know, i know, this is unhealthy and this situation occured for a first time in out 16 years of marriage). So, we agreed we will go there, little one and me will have just one cheeseburger and drink (no fries or anything else), while wife will have her dinner there.

While we were on the way home, she started complaining that she did not get a toy. I asked her about the toy from McD, but she ignored that continued complaining.

Here is the question and/or topic that i would like to ask: How can you teach your kid to be grateful for what they have, instead of complaining for things they don’t have.

Kids are complex, i was no better.

Your faithful,

Alecs

Leo Says:

February 1st, 2009, 19:45 pm

Hi guys … thanks for the questions/post ideas. I’m reading them belatedly (I’ve been a bit busy lately and have fallen behind) and will try to answer some of these in future posts.

@TheCollegeWarrior: My theme is custom designed by a friend.

@Alecs: Teaching kids to be grateful is difficult — they don’t naturally have a broader perspective as we (sometimes) do, so they can’t appreciate how good things already are.

I think the best way to teach them gratitude is to 1) set a good example and 2) talk to them about it — why it helps to be grateful for what you have, why we’re lucky to have what we have, etc. Do it in a positive way, don’t force it, and be patient. This will take time, and I don’t think most kids will get it right away (it could take years). But it’s good that you’re teaching her this! :)

radhika Says:

February 4th, 2009, 4:21 am

Hi Leo,

I have been religously reading zenhabits for the past one year and have tried implementing some of them in my life but with very little success. I am a big fan of yours. The fault lies in me, when I start something, I make schedules, stick to them maximum for a week because I am just not able to control my mind. Withing a weeks time, I think of further improving myself, because my elated mood spreads to the whole day and so I end up doing so many tasks perfectly. This results in me being exhausted by end of week. So I end up taking rest and then tend to get lazy for more than a week. So I am on two extremes, when I do somethign, I follow very strictly and continously think of ways to improve by very next day. How can I discipline my mind to stick to a schedule atleast for a month and not change it at all till it becomes a habit.Even my husband feels surprised at my constant changing of routines. Could you please write a post on it. PLEASE HELP.

Lindsay Says:

February 5th, 2009, 3:50 am

Leo-
I’d really love to hear your thoughts to how to deal with unhealthy friendships and arguments with friends.
I’ve been going through some roommate/friend drama the past month or so, and it seems to be an ongoing cycle of cattiness and we are no longer on speaking terms. As much as I would love the tension to go away, I’m unsure that I would like to remain friends with this person, which is difficult due to mutual friendships.

I think this topic is relevant to all of your readers, as many of us deal with unhealthy relationships!
Thank you.

Jen Says:

February 9th, 2009, 17:06 pm

Working 40+ hours leaves me feeling fatigued, making me want to veg out or sleep as soon as I walk in the door. It makes it difficult to get household chores done, let alone working in quality time with the fam. Any interesting advice on how to reverse this very UNzen habit?
Thanks! ~Jen

Derek Wood Says:

February 9th, 2009, 18:50 pm

Leo-

Love your new book and blog. Thanks to Tim Ferriss for introducing you…

I’d love your thoughts on the following Newsweek article:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/183666

Shanty Says:

February 10th, 2009, 5:14 am

Hi Leo,

I’m not a vegan. On weekdays, I don’t eat meat but vegetables only, but on weekends I eat meat (chicken, not red one). I love animals and I want to be a vegan someday.

I want to know, which one is ‘crueler’ or worse to animal: being a meat eater or being a vegan but let the un-eaten meat dishes go to trash bin? We all know what the impact of meat eating to earth is. But if we let the dishes go to trash bin, doesn’t it mean that the animal’s death has less meaning? Also the energy used for preparing the meal dishes. In this situation, usually I choose to eat the meat.

What is your opinion?

Please pardon my English. I hope you can understand my question. Also please don’t laugh at my question.

I love your blog :)

Regards,
Shanty
Jakarta, Indonesia

Adam Says:

February 10th, 2009, 16:15 pm

Hi Leo, I’m a frequent visitor and really enjoy your content. I am just starting a site of my own (http://checkbookdiaries.com/) and really enjoy the aesthetics of your blog. In reference to the pictures that you use, are they pictures that you just go out and find on the web? Or do you use some kind of stock photography site for them?

Keep up the good work.

Adam

Erony Says:

February 12th, 2009, 15:42 pm

Hi Leo, I am a relative newbie and enjoy reading your blogs. I wanted to know your method or suggestions for eliminating bad habits. Most of your blogs are focused on adding new habits 10 min per day, which is great, but does not address how to focus on eliminating bad habits such as smoking or biting nails.
Thanks! Erony

Anonymous Says:

February 15th, 2009, 7:08 am

Hi Leo, Your blog inspires me and I like the way you phrase thoughts succinctly. If at all possible, could you do a blog on how the fear of loneliness & rejection keeps one from expressing their true self (since one is always trying to act ‘accordingly’ in order to be accepted) to the point that one does not ‘remember’ how to listen to that inner voice.

Yam Erez Says:

February 16th, 2009, 7:53 am

re your claim to be one of the top 100 bloggers (”on the ‘net” is superfluous; where else are there blogs?): How is this measured? Who decides?

robert Says:

February 16th, 2009, 20:48 pm

Hi Leo,
I have an post suggestions. I had been having trouble keeping on top of my good habits - there were just so many relating to all aspect of life and work. Then I fixed it. By creating a new habit! I call it “one habit to rule them all”. The habit is to constantly remind myself that I should be thinking about my habits! I know it sound crazy but by thinking about this as a separate habit, and as the most important habit, suddenly I am able to keep on top of everything.
I dont want to ramble on about “one habit to rule them all”, just to say this is working for me very well! When im in any situation now and i remind myself of my master habit all the sub habits start popping up in my head. Somehow my brain responds much easier to this way of looking at things.
Peace out. Robert

Lauren Says:

February 19th, 2009, 21:36 pm

Dear Leo,
In a population of 6billion+ people globally, it is hard not to feel like another number. I find life so disenchanting the more I pursue things I though were my dreams. I am at possibly the top university in the world getting my masters to make the world a better place… yet I lack the joy and excitement that I should have. If this were just my problem, I would figure this out, but I think so many of us deal with this. We can have so much to be grateful for, and we very well might be grateful…however, when the achievement of a dream fails to make us as satisfied as we thought it would, it calls the very credibility of dreaming into question. I appreciate the process of life, one might say…Nothing seems to be that exciting though… nothing could surprise me anymore. I was wondering if you had any insight on this issue… i.e. what I call the “I can’t get no satisfaction” syndrome.
Thanks for all your great posts!
Cheers!
Lauren

Kayla Says:

February 19th, 2009, 23:45 pm

Hey! I just want to say that I LOVE this site! I just discovered it! I’m 21 years old, I go to school full time, and I work a full-time retail job :S.

I usually have class all day MWF, and work 8 hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sats, and Sundays. I’m trying to get back to feeling healthy. Any advice for young people like me who are super busy and stressed? I just want to be happy, look great, and perform my best so I can rock this world! (I’m pretty ambitious no? ha ha)

Anyway…I guess I just need some help with meal ideas since my main issue is eating healthy. I only run about 3 miles a week (better than nothing eh?…I live in Nebraska…running outside in cold weather is not my thing..we have a treadmill at my complex)

I am usually on the go! I’ve converted to eating grape-nuts, oatmeal or slimfast shakes (when I am in a hurry) for brkfast. It’s helped…but I need more ideas for healthy, quick meals that are cheap for lunches and dinners. Any advice would be awesome. I’m 5′7″ and I weigh 144, but I want to drop to 130. Any advice/ motivation/ideas would be great…

Love the site btw! Thanks for all of the great postings!

Kayla

Leo Says:

February 20th, 2009, 3:33 am

@Yam Eren: It’s measured by Technorati, which is considered to be an authority. It doesn’t really matter much, of course. :)

Max Says:

February 20th, 2009, 18:38 pm

Hi Leo,
I had an interesting question that I have been trying to find a good answer to. How do you deal with noise when you work, read, and write?

What about use of music (classical, instrumental, drums, etc.)? Are you aware of any quality research done on effects of listening to music while reading or working on the computer in a relationship to focus, comprehension, and productivity?

Thank you,
Max

Elizabeth Says:

February 22nd, 2009, 10:44 am

Leo,

This is a wonderful site. How about us baby boomers who have retired? I’m 54, happily married for almost 30 years, own my house and car, have saved enough for retirement, have a great dog, and an independent, fairly stable daughter whom I love very much, and yet….I feel a need to change or charge up my life. Anything you have specific to us? Thanks for your hard work. Oh, and I got up earlier today! :)

Jon Pape Says:

February 23rd, 2009, 17:40 pm

Leo,

I try to follow your advice a lot, setting small goals and living one day at a time. Recently, I had a baby and there are so many unknowns right now I’m not sure how to set personal small goals.

For example, I was going to the gym in the morning but midnight feeding and an ever changing schedule make that almost impossible. My child is only a couple weeks old so I realize there maybe there will be a routine some day but I do not foresee it.

I guess my question is, how should you adjust to big life altering changes? Change your goals? Change your schedule? Or, change your expectations?

Ash Says:

February 24th, 2009, 21:54 pm

Hey Leo,

I am sort of new to Zen Habits. I have been following it for about 6 months now. I really enjoy reading your posts at work or at home. I am a 20 year old college student in Sacramento and your posts have helped me out in many different situations. I have a current situation that maybe I thought would be helpful to bring for your future posts.

I am having problems finding the passion within the major I am studying. I am studying computer science and I have always been very passionate about computers and technology. Lately though, it seems that it is beginning to fade and I can’t really seem to pinpoint why. It isn’t like some other passion is taking over, it just seems to be decreasing. Have you ever experienced this? The result of this is causing me to lose motivation to do well in school because I have always lived by the philosophy of work hard at what your passionate about. Any insight into this sort of problem would be most helpful either in an email or in a future post. Thanks again and keep up the amazing work!

-
Ash

Prefer to remain anonymous Says:

February 27th, 2009, 2:39 am

I would love to see a post addressing something I realized that I suffer from, and have met others who do as well:

Fear of success

I know, I know, it’s crazy. But we all seem to do the same things; sabotage our selves, our projects, even things we passionately want to succeed. A few of us have discussed it, and we’re at least *aware* of what the problem is, but the actual solution has eluded us.

I’m sick and tired of it, and I want to be over this. I’m casting about looking for ideas. Any ideas?

Kayla Says:

March 2nd, 2009, 14:07 pm

Could you do an article about stopping a cold from coming on? I feel like I am getting a cold, and I really can’t be sick since I have a lot of stuff coming up soon!

Thanks

John F Jr Says:

March 4th, 2009, 2:56 am

Greetings Leo,

I read about you in Mac / Life (October 08) magazine recently. I find it amazing that you keep your desktop clear. Everything has it’s place, eh? My question to you is… why Firefox over Safari? I favor Firefox.
Thank you for you time.

Peace,
John F.

Nick Says:

March 4th, 2009, 4:45 am

Dear Zen Habits!

We are vertor.com (Verified Torrents). We’ve created something new and really useful. This is new age bittorrent site. Our engine downloads the torrent’s data, makes an antivirus scan, extracts music samples or screenshots of videos and finally puts the torrent file on the site. This way we can eliminate fake torrents at all! Nobody does it and we’re first ones here and want to spread this great news to everyone.

We would really appreciate if you wrote a post about us. Our site has just been opened a couple of months ago but people like it very much. Please take your time and check out our website: http://vertor.com. Since we don’t place ads, we won’t get any profit, just publicity. And for you it’s another chance to make a great post in addition to all others you do regularly.

It would be great to hear from you soon and to know what you think of it! We hope for fruitful relationship with you!

Best regards,
Nick
Vertor.com Team

Anand Says:

March 6th, 2009, 2:06 am

Hi Leo!
Can you guide me to a post or a link, from where I can also get nice pictures (like you do) for my posts? I have some vague idea about some creative common copying thing (dont know If am saying this right) - that allows me to use another person’s picture as long as I acknowledge that it belongs to that person.
Any guidance/direction in this regard would be fantastic.
Cheers!
-Anand

Polina Says:

March 8th, 2009, 3:57 am

Leo I would love to read some advice about belonging to a social community. There are so many troubles one can face trying to fit in at work, school or any other large group.
Is there a way to fit in to the “cool” crowd or no point of trying because it is not worth it.
Also, how not to be too nice?

Hope this sparks writing ideas. Thanks.

Melanie Says:

March 8th, 2009, 22:43 pm

Hi Leo,
Love your blog and would love it if it were available on the Kindle! Have you thought about publishing it for the Kindle? Lifehacker is there, but your blog is sooooooo much better for the soul!
Thanks,
Melanie

Ting Says:

March 9th, 2009, 6:25 am

I’ve been studying in a new city for about 6 months now, and I’m considering finding a job after my studies are over. I have this conflict, that I can’t seem to resolve in my heart.

I truly believe that the people around you, make your life worth living. I haven’t met the type of people I’d like to in this city, yet. And I’m afraid I won’t after I’ve committed to a job. I want to be able to be okay with myself, without having to depend on friends/people to be happy. I love this city. But I haven’t found the people that I love.

Should I try to stick it out, work towards separating happiness from friends? (Maybe I just haven’t been going the right places?) Or, should I go somewhere else and try something new?

- Ting

Brad Says:

March 9th, 2009, 9:16 am

Email request.

Leo,
I’m not sure if this is a simple request or a difficult one on your end, but none-the-less, it might be something to think about. I get the “Zen Habits” email articles and I keep the really good ones in a folder in my mail program. That way I can read or re-read them on either of my computers or my iphone. The mail program already shows that the email is coming from “Zen Habits” and then it also list the subject as “Zen Habits”. Would it be practical to make the subject the actual title of the article? That would make it more simplified in knowing what the article is about without having to open the email and for organizing them.

I would appreciate it but I understand if it is more work on your end.

Thanks for your consideration.
Brad

L.A. Says:

March 10th, 2009, 15:29 pm

Hi Leo, I love Zen Habits. I’ve checked and haven’t seen anything directly about this one topic and was wondering if you’d consider doing something on the importance of and how to get your personal space in order to create? I’m working on that now. It’s more than just about being minimalist, it’s creating the right environment. Kind of an uncluttered, appealing environment, helps keep the mind uncluttered and focused. I’ve utilized some feng shui tips, but was wondering if you had some tips you’ve used. Thanks!

Kelly Says:

March 11th, 2009, 18:10 pm

I have been searching all over your site trying to find your fantastic breakfast burrito recipe. They were prepared in bulk. Any hints on how to find it?

Brian Pucket Says:

March 18th, 2009, 17:26 pm

Hi Leo,

What about doing a post on THE ZEN OF ZOMBIE by Scott Kenemore? It’s a book about how you can make your life better by being like a zombie. I thought it was real funny.

Cheers,
- Bri

Stephanie Says:

March 20th, 2009, 11:42 am

Hi Leo,

I saw your post from Wednesday, March 18, “17 Arse-kicking Strategies to Stick to Your Diet and Get Fit.” I work on behalf of Atkins, and I wanted to offer you some more information Atkins as a lifestyle change, not a “fad diet.”

Many people still see Atkins as the bacon-and-eggs diet, when in fact it has evolved to include a wide variety of foods that can be used to create a healthy, sustainable lifestyle rather than a quick-fix diet. Recent studies have shown that the now multi-phase Atkins diet, which incorporates lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a heart healthy and effective approach to eating. There’s great science available to back Atkins up - two recent studies, published by the New England Journal of Medicine and Duke University have proved the program’s efficacy for both weight loss and lowering cholesterol.

At least 44% of Americans are actually already reducing their carbohydrate intake, thanks to the foundation laid by Atkins many years ago. As we become increasingly conscious of ways to lead a healthy life, Atkins offers a program that leads to permanent weight loss, lower cholesterol, and a reduced risk of Type II diabetes.

Please check out our website http://www.atkins.com, which offers free tools to users, including carb counters and recipes.

Thank you!

Jacob Bandes-Storch Says:

March 25th, 2009, 0:02 am

Hi there, Leo,

I’m a junior in high school and have been seeing a lot of good ideas and strategies on Zen Habits that look interesting and useful, but frankly don’t fit in with the way my life works at the moment, since I’m in school and busy. I’m swamped with homework, other school requirements and extracurricular activities (in my case, for the IB program), research about colleges, and then there are the things I like to do in my free time… what free time?

I’m wondering if you have any suggestions as to what others like me could do in order to work information from Zen Habits into a chronically school-focused schedule. What are the best ways to prioritize schoolwork and other activities in your opinion? Are there good ways to fit side projects into the mix without getting overloaded? I hope you’ll consider posting some info to Zen Habits about this topic; I hope it’s not too narrow of an issue to be worth writing a post about.

Thanks!

Jen Says:

March 25th, 2009, 18:38 pm

RE: Land Your Dream Job

Can you give me some pro-blogging advice? Thank you :)

Belton Lubas Says:

March 25th, 2009, 20:26 pm

Hi Leo,

Hafa Adai! I’ll keep this short as I am sure that you receive many comments/questions. I am from Guam and a class of 94 JFK grad. Went to OSU and graduated and am now in business with fellow Guamanian and FD grad.

My Question:

I am wondering if you have ever mentored anyone in certain aspects of their personal and professional growth and if you are open to that? As I look around for those to consider my mentor…I thought of you. I sincerely believe that if you aren’t growing, you are dying…

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and the Universe works “PERFECTLY”. With that being said, I just want to say THANK YOU for impacting so many lives.

Belton Lubas

PS…The “GO-GIVER” is a great short read for anyone.

jana Says:

March 30th, 2009, 8:26 am

i have just dicovered an article + videos about a not-wealthy young woman who was able to make an alternative career with youtube. it might be of some interest http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/jan/30/lauren-luke-youtube-makeup

Carol Chase Says:

March 31st, 2009, 0:10 am

Hello Leo,

As social networking continues to grow, finding effective ways to manage all of these new relationships becomes more challenging. I am always very happy to connect with old/new personal/professional friends (online and offline). However, as my social network expands (via in person networking events and sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn), I feel that it is becoming more challenging to maintain individual communication with these people.

What are some techniques to manage and nurture individual relationships with these people. I would like to use technology to create some sort of system to help with this as well as identify some effective offline systems for managing these relationships too. Of course I recognize the larger my network grows that I will have to limit the number of relationships that I choose to cultivate and stay in contact. While it is better than nothing, limiting communication to Twitter comments and Facebook messages seems a little distant. Leo, what methods do you use to nurture important relationships and manage all of your contacts? Thanks for your idea/suggestions! Also, thanks for your great blog. I always look forward to the next post! :-)

Silvana Slater Says:

April 3rd, 2009, 20:12 pm

Hi Leo,
If you actually read this – I’ll be impressed!
I have signed up to Zen Habits’ blogs and gone through your website for some months now. I really applaud your approach and have avidly read your book The Power of Less. I totally commend your approach – set aside time first thing to do what is important / most beneficial in the long term – but I have what may be a female / mother / main carer / worker problem…
I am building a new business having given up a large income in a career I didn’t like. (The loss of my sister to cancer - aged 43 with 2 young children - made me re-evaluate my entire life!) There are so many things I want to, and need to do – but, when I look at my MITs – I have to put them behind my two boys and the family. Let me explain – before I can even, practically, consider my MITs – I have to:
– Make packed lunches for my boys
– Walk the dog
– Feed the fish and the rabbit
– Do the accounts for my husband’s business
– See my own customers
-Take / pick them up, to / from school
– Take my kids to their various activities – piano, guitar, drums, saxophone, Chinese, swimming…
– Do homework, music practise, bathing, reading etc.. with the boys (which don’t get me wrong – I love and get great pleasure from..)

But – how am I supposed to find time to carry out what you propose? I have tried, very hard – but things I put down as my MITs end up being sabotaged by the list of things that HAVE TO BE DONE TODAY!

I would appreciate ant tips……..

Warmest regards,
Silvana.

Silvana Slater Says:

April 3rd, 2009, 20:14 pm

Hi Leo,
If you actually read this – I’ll be impressed!
I have signed up to Zen Habits’ blogs and gone through your website for some months now. I really applaud your approach and have avidly read your book The Power of Less. I didn’t want to post this as a general comment – but would be interested in your reply. I totally commend your approach – set aside time first thing to do what is important / most beneficial in the long term – but I have what may be a female / mother / main carer / worker problem…
I am building a new business having given up a large income in a career I didn’t like. (The loss of my sister to cancer - aged 43 with 2 young children - made me re-evaluate my entire life!)There are so many things I want to, and need to do – but, when I look at my MITs – I have to put them behind my two boys and the family. Let me explain – before I can even consider my MITs – I have to:
– Make packed lunches for my boys
– Take / pick them up, to / from school
– Walk the dog
– Feed the fish and the rabbit
– Do the accounts for my husband’s business
– See my own customers
– Take my kids to their various activities – piano, guitar, drums, saxophone, Chinese, swimming…
– Do homework, music practise, bathing, reading etc.. with the boys (which don’t get me wrong – I love and get great pleasure from..)

But – how am I supposed to find time to carry out what you propose? I have tried, very hard – but things I put down as my MITs end up being sabotaged by the list of things that HAVE TO BE DONE TODAY!

I would appreciate any tips……..

Warmest regards,
Silvana.

Mattias Johansson Says:

April 5th, 2009, 3:01 am

I would LOVE to read your take on todays entry on The Simple Dollar:

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/04/04/the-jack-of-all-trades-why-its-valuable-and-how-you-can-become-one/

“The best single coworker I ever had was a fellow named Darwin. Darwin was one of those “jack of all trades” types - he simply seemed to have some insight about everything - and the actual ability to back it up. He knew how to program computers and manage large database systems. He could make a mean strawberry rhubarb cobbler. He could repair his own truck. He could provide good conversation on almost any topic.”

Brent Says:

April 5th, 2009, 11:01 am

If you haven’t mentioned this in your musings about facebook and twitter, they provide an extremely effective way to make public announcements of intent in order to motivate yourself to follow through. E.g. I just resolved to run 100 km to train before my next race in 2 weeks, and now all my facebook friends know about it. A bonus: as well as accountability, I’m also getting words of support.

Summer Says:

April 5th, 2009, 19:18 pm

Hi Leo,

I’m a third year university student in Ontario specializing in Criminal Justice. I recently read your post regarding the “Can’t Get No Satisfaction Syndrome” and found that it really applied to my life. Over the past few years, I’ve found myself in a constant slump, I’ve transferred schools three times and have changed majors several more. It seems that whatever I do I’m simply always unmotivated. Although this problem has lasted for awhile, it is really beginning to affect my grades as well as my relationships with others. I find that I’m resenting a lot of my friends and family because they seem to be completely on track and keeping up with the process of school, careers and life overall. I feel as though I’m being left behind and not succeeding like those around me. I find myself becoming more apathetic about things that previously interested me and this upsets me greatly. As a result of this, I’ve developed an anxiety problem which only makes matters worse. I see others around me with far worse issues and feel even more pathetic as I watch them move on from their problems and continue to find happiness. I feel like a whiner when I discuss these issues, however if I try to bottle them up inside I end up feeling far worse.

I’ve tried integrating some of your ideas into my routine, including positive thinking and goal setting, and have even worked to become more physically active, however I still feel completely disinterested and unmotivated with everything that I do. I find I’m afraid of failure and because of this I simply opt to do nothing because I feel as though I can’t handle the disappointment. I’m feeling completely burnt out at 21 before my life has even really started, and this depresses me greatly.

I’m writing this in hopes that you’ll have any words of advice for me or if there is any way you can point me in the right direction. I really want to return to the passionate, active, outgoing, and successful student that I once was, but I don’t know where to start. If you, or anyone, could write back to me with any sort of words of encouragement that would be greatly appreciated. When I discuss these issues with those I’m close to I feel like a disappointment and it would just be nice to have someone to talk to who perhaps shares my feelings or can offer me some assistance in any way.

Thank you.

Sean Connolly Says:

April 9th, 2009, 22:03 pm

Hi Leo,

Perhaps this may be a subject worth tackling. I have to admit that I’m really paralyzed when it comes to moving to a new place. The thing is, I don’t know where I would want to move, I just know I have this need to. Somewhere lively, but serene. The beach or something close. I feel like I’m trapped in a small town in the middle of the desert (New Mexico) and it makes me unhappy. Yet, I’m paralyzed to move because I think about “what if it’s not the right place?” or “what I leave this decent (yet boring, unfilling) job for nothing?”

The small town mindset is a powerful thing. People here find happiness in unhappiness but I just can’t take it anymore!

Perhaps you have your own experiences on this subject?

Rebecca Wilson Says:

April 10th, 2009, 9:50 am

Please add a share link to Facebook. You have some great topics that I want to share with my friends!

Sherri Says:

April 10th, 2009, 23:20 pm

Hi Leo,
I’m following up on your “Ask the readers” post “How Do You Find People Who Make You Happy?” There were 170 comments left on that post and as a reader it’s difficult to sift through them all.

Interestingly all of those responses could be classified into 4 main suggestions. I would love to send you the summary I did of the comments on that post. I think it would be valuable to a lot of your readers.

Please let me know if you’re interested and where I can send it to.

Sincerely,
Sherri

Axr Says:

April 12th, 2009, 18:17 pm

Hi Leo,

I stumbled upon your blog relatively recently. The perspectives that your (and others’) articles often moot here, i must say, are simple yet bodacious. Thank you.

Why not post an article on “Decisions” and “Confidence”? After all, decisions are the beginning of all our conscious and cognitive actions and confidence (and mastery) the by product! In my experience, I am sure others will agree, I find that I could read and read and read about all the wonderful personal improvement and betterment ideas out there, but its not until I DECIDE to act upon that those ideas really begin to bear fruit.

If we are what we repeatedly do, and we all do some counterproductive things, then isn’t it DECISION that will help us readily and radically shift the pattern into a productive and enjoyable new course of repetition?

What say you?

Regards

Axr

Geoffrey Molloy Says:

April 13th, 2009, 3:50 am

Dear Leo

Thanks for the blog.I’ve been coming here for a while now and found the ideas range from OK to quite brilliant.

I have a request and This seems the most likely place to place it

I want to translate the postings on your blog into Spanish and post them on my website/blog with full author acknowledgements and with a link to your web.

My website has some 7,000 vists a month dedicated to ideas for mproving happiness and wellbeing through being rather than doing and through and simplifying rather than acquiring. Whilst I do charge for my books and courses. Information ideas and exercises my web/blog are free of chrage.

I believe that there are benefits to be had for both of us. Your ideas and blog will be exposed to a new audience who will in turn be able to improve the quality of their lives. I hope also hope to make my blog/web more interesting by including some of the posts I read here.

Await your response

thanks

Geoffrey

April Says:

April 18th, 2009, 15:24 pm

I’d like to hear more about how to improve your daily habits by making a conscious effort to serve something bigger than yourself. I got the idea from an article on forbes:

http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/14/trappist-business-lessons-leadership-management-mepkin1.html

and thought it went nicely with what your topic. How do you create and sustain this change?

Matthew Allen (tz0n3) Says:

April 20th, 2009, 12:12 pm

I’ve been a reader of your blog for awhile. I understand you can’t get to everything, but I’d appreciate some advice on something I’ve been having problems with.

The school I go to is catered to by Sodexho, which is rather notoriously unhealthy. I won’t blame them, but this year, I’ve gained 30 pounds. I don’t have the money to buy anything more than some raw carrots and celery every now and again. I can’t eat ‘well’ all the time. I wanted to know if you had advice for college students like me stuck in this type of situation. I mean, I do eat fairly healthily- I don’t drink soda anymore, just coffee and tea (both without sweetener), and I eat very little red meat. I try to cut down on sodium, but that’s darn hard in the caf here. I basically eat Cheerios and a banana for breakfast, a sandwich (whole wheat bread, lettuce, tomato, 2 slices turkey, mayo) with carrots and an apple (or an orange) for lunch, and for dinner, some kind of pasta dish, unless it has meatballs, in which case I do breakfast again. Is that the best way to eat in a caf like this one?

Response or not, I’ll keep reading. Your posts are great. :)

~Matt (tz0n3)

Brett Says:

April 22nd, 2009, 7:09 am

Suggested post:
“Zen and the art of the iPhone”

- 10 Reasons you don’t need the latest app
- Criteria for keeping the ones you have

Tom Says:

April 22nd, 2009, 17:10 pm

Hi Leo,

I am a new blogger, 3months in. I am finding that my blog is taking a heavy toll on me mentally. I only spend about 20 hours a week on it but when I am away I can’t stop thinking about it. I can’t switch my mind off.

I can’t live this way so I have two options: 1. Quit or 2. Find a way to deal with this.

I have tried setting limits for myself but the constant pressure to write and post, the constant flow of emails and comments is doing my head in. If I can’t handle it after 3 months what am I going to do after a year when I start getting some higher traffic numbers.

As an expert on blogging and habits I hoped you might have some advice for how to deal with “blog addiction.”

My other problem is that I am afraid to quit because I don’t want to have a “real job.” I want to be my own boss and do something I have passion for but I also want to be able to relax at the end of the day.

Help, please.

Nick Says:

April 23rd, 2009, 4:14 am

Suggestion for post: How to handle “pending” email

It’s easy for me to handle most email, but in my work I get a lot of emails that either I will need to reference later or that require more info in order to act on.

I know the usual answer is to put them on a to do list, but when I’m waiting for an answer or another recipients reply etc I cannot put a date on when this will happen. This also clutters my otherwise lean to do list in an unneccessary way.

Any ideas appreciated :-)

Dave Ridarelli Says:

April 23rd, 2009, 5:19 am

Hey Leo-

I was playing the game Peggle when Master Hoo the Zen Owl Character popped up and it reminded me of your blog. I was wondering if you have done a post on how video games or board games can be a simple way to relax or spend time with your family. Or at the other end of the spectrum how they can be addictive and end up taking too much time away from your goals.

I also wondered if you’ve done a post explaining the differences on what it means to live simply - frugally - or cheaply. I think they overlap a bit like a venn diagram but people seem to muddle there meanings. Most people see frugal as a euphemism for cheap but I think it is more of a matter of discovering value. Simple and cheap can cross paths sometimes since you aren’t buying frivolous items. I know some people who are cheap for the sake of being cheap whereas I’m sure some live a simple life but still spend a boatload of cash on a few select things.

Just wondering your thoughts on the topic…

Thanks Leo-

Zen Habits Fan! Says:

April 23rd, 2009, 8:36 am

I love your posts and read them everyday!! Today’s was wonderful until I got to the part where you said ‘the amazing Barak’. I can’t stomach politics mixed in with my daily positive readings, especially praising someone who, in my opinion, is destroying our country. We see a lot of people assuming that since they are Omaba-ites, we all are and that our thoughts resonate with theirs. How would a Bush-hater feel if you had substituted the ‘amazing Bush’? Probably would not go over that well!!We see this assumption in the news media, daily conversations and throughout our entertainmenet outlets. My suggestion is to keep political references and the ‘amazing Barak’ out of your writing. Not all of us have been sipping the kool-aid.
Thanks for the spot to make a comment and for the wonderful writing and inspiration…

Irrevenant Says:

April 24th, 2009, 2:57 am

PROBLEM WITH ZEN HABITS & IE6

About 3-4 days ago (20-21/4/09), ZenHabits stopped working on my IE6 browser at work. It just completely locks up the browser every time I try to access it.

Have there been any site changes in that time period that could cause this problem?

Thanks.

John746 Says:

April 26th, 2009, 20:19 pm

Very nice site! cheap cialis http://opxaiey.com/oyyrqay/4.html

adksunflower Says:

April 27th, 2009, 10:24 am

Leo, I just read your post about this author’s lawyers threatening to sue you because you (inadvertently!) used the title of her book in your post. I work in publishing and can tell you that the lawyers CAN’T SUE YOU for this, because a book title cannot be copyrighted! I can decide to give a book I’m editing the title of a bestseller and it’s perfectly legal! So you can’t be sued for simply using the phrase. This is just a cheap ploy for getting publicity for their author.

Yisrael Medad Says:

April 28th, 2009, 6:41 am

You use Twitter. Is a twitter-user a twit? or A Twitter? Or…?

Jap Says:

May 1st, 2009, 20:04 pm

Hi Leo,
I am planning on running my first marathon. I was wondering how long you were sore after completing your first? How long did it take you until you started running again?

JP Says:

May 4th, 2009, 9:24 am

Hi,

I appreciate your blog enormously!

One idea for a topic/question: how do you “choose” goals…. What I mean is this: I have set up three goals which are very clear to me (financial, family, carreer). However I need to get into shape (physically) and would love to learn to play the piano. I know I have to choose, but how….. (heart versus mind?)

thx

JP

Mele Says:

May 11th, 2009, 14:50 pm

For students looking to be more productive and efficient with their homework and studies I suggest StudentofFortune.com, a site where you can get help with your specific questions in any category even web design and IT issues. Here’s one of the latest posted IT questions: http://studentoffortune.com/question/96090/IT-220-and–IT-210

Todd Reilly Says:

May 13th, 2009, 15:42 pm

Hi,
Love the look and layout of your blog. Would like to know how to make a blog for my family that will look like yours.
Blessings,
Todd

Victoria Says:

May 14th, 2009, 8:59 am

Can you please do an article on setting too many goals? Right now, I have about ten hobbies, am planning my wedding, getting ready to move and work full time.

I keep reading how to “achieve” goals…but how’s about how to figure out which ones are the most important and how to eliminate some?

ismael Says:

May 17th, 2009, 13:37 pm

hi leo,

first let me congratulate with ur blog success and wishes u luck in ur endeavors.

my problem: im excited to start them but cant finish them!

im 25yrs old male, living away from family, friends and my country. im currently studying for my degree. few yrs ago i was doing well for myself, i do my work well, set goals and get to finish them. but recent years im failing at finishing them, i can always get to start them. this process is haunting me with my studies, my certifications and my weigt loss.

if this process keeps up, im afraid ill loose everything and be a nobody in the end. but i want to fight this, i want to prove myself once again, i want to reclaim my life, be productive, i want to complete my degree, get my certifications, and above all loose my weight.

ive searched places asked through forums and friends and still with no luck for a solution. ive been a reader of this gr8 blog for a year now. i was hoping if you can see through my problem and give me ur point of view on how to achieve my main 3 goals and future ones.

i know your be busy, but am really hoping that you could give me advice that would help me think through my problems and achieve my 3 goals and keep going stong.

thanks

Brian Says:

May 20th, 2009, 11:49 am

Hey Leo,

I just wanted to give you a quick heads up that a GMail feature you mentioned (the task list) has been added to both Google Calendar and the personalized google homepages (iGoogle). The nice part is the list is shared, so wherever you add the task, it’s easily accessible from whichever application you are using. Personally, having my task list appear on my home page really helps me keep track of the miscellaneous to-dos I have.

I apologize for the link spam, but here they are::

Google Calenda Tasksr:
http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/tasks-now-in-calendar-too.html

iGoogle Tasks:
http://www.google.com/ig/directory?type=gadgets&url=www.google.com/ig/modules/tasks.xml

Love the blog and keep up the great work!

h. Says:

May 22nd, 2009, 3:43 am

I read your blog since a while, and I really appreciate it. And I would like to thank you for the good work done, as you provide really good analysis and advices…but to be honest, lately I found the article less relevant (may be I’m following you for too long, and I get use to your idea too much).

I think we are facing a really change in civilization nowadays, and I start to get interesting in our monetary system (reading other blogs, not in english sorry, and looking for data). From this blog, I found a comment on really good material in english explaining the issue we are facing. The “crash course” from Chris Martenson. I could assure you will not loose your time to look at it (http://www.chrismartenson.com/crashcourse ). You might not share his view, but at least all the explanation of the facts and figures is great.

In my view, what you are promoting (simplicity, get out of debt, take action, etc) go in the same direction. But I think it is time to put it in the global vision on the changes our societies is facing. Make people aware of what is going on, and think about what we could do in this new emerging context.

I hope it could helps.

All the bests…

Steve Says:

May 22nd, 2009, 12:24 pm

OMG! Leo! What happened to the black gradient and the stones at the top of the page?!?!?! I miss them!

Rolf K Says:

May 25th, 2009, 16:13 pm

Hi, I just want to say that I find the new layout/design hard to read - the white background is just a bit screaming and makes the light colored text hard to read. At least to my eyes. I liked it better with a softer, darker background color. The white is screaming too much, at least on my laptop.

However, I love the simplicity, the post archive (was that there before?) and the added extra positiveness (or was that also there before?) (I mean phrases like “brilliant comments”, “read the goodness”, “attractive commenters”) - it’s so simple but makes such a difference! It makes me feel a little bit better just by seeing those words! Maybe it was there before but I didn’t notice before now if so. Super!

Sandy Reynolds Says:

May 26th, 2009, 14:32 pm

Leo,
I just downloaded your ZTD ebook. I am hoping it helps me get a handle on what feels like a life out of control. I wanted to give you one suggestion…small thing. On the forms the year is 2007. I know that wasn’t that LONG ago but it would be great if it was updated to say 2009 (I’m referring to the forms at the end of the ebook).

And is there anyway to clear up these posts to make it easier to leave a comment! It was along way down to find this box!

Pierre Tanguay Says:

May 26th, 2009, 21:46 pm

Hello Leo,

Today alot of people were talking about this new minimalist software, Superminder. It is a really simple and easy to use email and SMS planifier. The slogan is Remember to get things done and the core values are Simplicity, minimalism and humanism.

Please tell me what you think about it!

andrew Says:

May 26th, 2009, 22:16 pm

i was convicted of a sex offense more than 12 years ago. i haved healed a lot but now that i am married my requirement to register and notify employers is hurting our relationship. i am so fearful that i limit myself and i need to know something, anything that could help me to find zen. my wife is hurting too, she has been so supportive but now it is getting to the point where she cant carry my burden any more. and i dont blame her.. please help.

Moe Says:

May 28th, 2009, 5:10 am

Hi Leo

Thanks for a great blog with wonderful advice.

I am a 30 year old cubicle dweller for a multinational IT company. I am married to a wonderful woman who encourages and challenges me to do greater things.

I am hugely unhappy in the way the script of my life has played out so far with a few exceptions of course.

I want to resign my job and do something more meaningful to me instead of running the rat race. I am not content with the way things are now and need a change, but dont know what to do and how to do it. I dont know where to start and the fear of failure is driving me not to do what I want to do.

Please if you do have any advice for someone who is lost on the road to nowhere. Please help

Joel Says:

May 28th, 2009, 15:36 pm

Hi Leo

I just have a question about the iStockPhotos you are using. I know you can buy individual photos from them… but in your case, is that a service or something? Are they letting you use the pics from their site? How are you getting those pics?

Site looks awesome. Keep up the good work.

Zee Says:

May 29th, 2009, 8:05 am

I love your 2 e-books which I just bought and just started reading!

Question: How do I search your blog? (Maybe blogs aren’t searchable?) Specifically, I’m looking for insight on how to have a minimalist wardrobe. My closet is bursting and I still have “nothing to wear”. This may be too mundane for this site, but it’s a special “clutter” problem for me, in addition to others(!).

If any readers can tell me the “search” function, please email me at zelda.plinte@ttc.ca.

Marcel Says:

May 29th, 2009, 14:26 pm

Hey Leo,

I like your new layout. But I miss a search option. The only way I can find your older entries would be via the search of my feedreader. Please implement a little Blogsearch. It would be a greeeat help. (In fact, every time I’m on Zenhabits I miss this function.)

Ray Says:

May 29th, 2009, 16:36 pm

Leo, please do not tell people that you are Italian. Your parents may have been born there but your surname and looks do not spell Italian heritage. WHat is your real extraction mate?

Elle Says:

May 30th, 2009, 18:10 pm

Hey Leo,

I agree with Marcel. I miss the search too!

Otherwise I would’ve searched this before asking/suggesting it. I’m a university student and am trying to simplify life, starting with goals, projects and MITs (as suggested in this post: http://zenhabits.net/2009/05/3-ways-to-get-more-done-with-the-power-of-less/ ). Problem with trying to impliment this is that university doesn’t want to help me with an easier life. All assessment is due in the same week, two novels a week to read, plus any homework for the next class. I have my own goals, but they don’t seem to get done because all I’m doing is university work! Any chance of a “Student’s Guide to becoming Zen(Habit-like)”? Because, seriously, so much help!

Elle.

Michael Says:

June 1st, 2009, 13:27 pm

Hi Leo,

Your articles are also so refreshing. I love your post today about taking simple, small steps. I’ve already seen the fruit of this approach in my life. You give the suggestion of saying a prayer of gratitude. I have found many times that gratitude effectively conquers my fears. But I was wondering, who do you pray to? Just, curious :))

-michael

Elaine Says:

June 3rd, 2009, 9:58 am

Leo,

I love your site. I’ve been reading for 2 years. I recently started following you on Twitter and get SMS updates on my phone when you post a new blog entry….I run right to the computer to check it out.

I’m sad to say that I don’t like the new layout. I like your intention…we all see enough advertisement and other junk in day-to-day life, so it’s great to come to a “clean” site.

I miss the search function. I hate the white background…it’s hard on the eyes. I miss having a section right at the bottom of the page (Categories…so with just a few clicks I can be reading an older blog post that I’m interested in that day).

Just some suggestions! Overall, keep up the good work. The content of the blog is stunning.

Elaine

Peter Lawrence Says:

June 3rd, 2009, 17:29 pm

Hi Leo,
Would you consider offering the book The Happy Minimalist at your store? It is an easy read on how simple living can hasten one’s financial independence, improve your health & sustain the limited resources of our planet.

Thank You

Chris Miller Says:

June 4th, 2009, 17:14 pm

Hey Leo,

How do you maintain productivity and continue doing what you know is right when you’re feeling freaked out, insecure, neurotic and emotional (F.I.N.E for short ^.^) Sometimes I’m so stressed or depressed I barely even want to get out of bed, much-less be productive.

Where’s a good place to start so you can get back to feeling normal, happy and productive? Any tips on how to tame emotions that are holding you back?

paulien Says:

June 6th, 2009, 9:22 am

Hi Leo,
I just finished reading Michael Pollans book on food, and found out via the internet that I live 15 minutes by bike away from a farmer’s market, so I am now all motivated to eat right, or at least better.
For mornings and evenings this will not be that hard, but since I work away from home and am gone mostly from seven to seven I need to take some food with me. Do you have any suggestions for packing right lunches? Preferably quick to make, not too expensive. I travel a lot during the day and do not have the possibility of keeping it in a fridge, so it needs to be edible even after a few ours out of a fridge.
Thanks for your blog, I really enjoy reading it! Thanks to you and your guest posters!

Sara Says:

June 7th, 2009, 4:43 am

Hi Leo,
I am a huge fan of Zen Habits and have purchased one E book and the other hardcopy of The Power of Less.
However, I am having a hard time translating incorporating my values into my life.
I value Simplicity, Love, Gratefulness and Cheerfulness. Sometimes I just dont get it translated into my daily life. Can you think about a post of getting values into daily life? Please.
Thanks
Sara

Brett Says:

June 7th, 2009, 21:02 pm

Just so you know, I liked the old website design a lot better. (Not sure how old since I last visited a few months ago.) I certainly appreciate the simplicity of this design, but needing to go all the way to the bottom for navigation is not intuitive.

Keep up the great work!

Dave Ridarelli Says:

June 8th, 2009, 18:48 pm

Hey Leo-

Have you ever written a post on the best places to blog? I saw a few people with their laptops at the bar of a very relaxed Bavarian restaurant which gave me the idea. I usually get the most done at the library. I’m sure plenty of people enjoy coffee shops and maybe a handful blog somewhere serene like a forest preserve.

Thanks!

Dave-

Ili Says:

June 9th, 2009, 16:22 pm

hi Leo, love your new site design - just one question: why do you still make your readers click on a second link to read the whole post??? I often open zenhabits as a tab in firefox together with many other I like to read on the train, offline + often forget to do the “one-more-click” to get all the goodness… so frustrating :)

Taylor Norrish Says:

June 9th, 2009, 17:01 pm

Hi,

This is Taylor again. Just noticed there a couple of people asking for print friendly functionality on your site.

Check out @Fausto “be a good idea if you put a print version button somewhere”

Please check us out: PrintFriendly.com/button

We’d love to have you use our service. It’s free and easy :)

Cheers!

Victoria Says:

June 9th, 2009, 17:10 pm

I posted earlier and made the bad decision on clicking the “notify me of followup comments via email” button.

Now, I keep getting notifications and I can’t figure out how to stop it! Any suggestions?

Zee Says:

June 9th, 2009, 22:34 pm

It would be great to be able to select “be notified by email once a week, or once a day” of new posts. To get an email for every new post is a bit too much.

Also, if the newest posts were at the top, it wouldn’t take so long to get to it; or make the link go right to the post, not just to the article.

I must say, if I received so many helpful comments and constructive criticisms, I would have thrown in the towel by now! I admire you patience Leo!

Dawid Naude Says:

June 9th, 2009, 23:29 pm

Hello there

I love music, but have no idea on how to start when it comes to organising and maintaining my itunes library.

I know it might sound ridiculous, but I just find it so tough to keep it all organised and sorted.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, specifically help on culling your itunes library, sorting the wheat from the chaff, organising and decluttering the library. Basically I’d like to zen my itunes.

Thanks a lot

Irrevenant Says:

June 13th, 2009, 19:58 pm

Just wanted to let you know that the zenhabits logo on the home page links back to the homepage. While that link is useful on every other page it’s generally considered bad form (and potentially confusing) to have a page link back to itself.

P.S. There doesn’t seem to be an option anywhere to send site feedback - this was the closest I could find. It might be worth adding one?

Thanks.

Tiffany Says:

June 15th, 2009, 1:38 am

I just wanted to suggest this topic.overcoming PMS. Everything can be going fine then suddenly this throws me out of wack. I feel moody, major sweet tooth , and have abdominal discomfort. How can women stay motivated when she feels like crap, emotionally and physically?

Clay Says:

June 15th, 2009, 10:51 am

Hey Leo. I just wanted to suggest keeping up with your Zen Habits Facebook page (not the group). One man can only do so much, I understand, but I think you could easily link that page to your Twitter account. That way you could have some fresh stuff on the FB page by doing what you are already doing.

iksanov Says:

June 16th, 2009, 3:48 am

Hi, Leo. I suggest you to write about important thing: HOW TO FIND YOUR PURPOSE.
There’re a lot of words what the purpose shouldn’t be but you can’t find any advices how to search your goal.

Aaron Says:

June 17th, 2009, 11:30 am

Simple is awesome. As we progress in this life we throw off those fruitless things that make the world billions of dollars and realize we can heal the body powerfully with the correct food and water.

Zee Says:

June 19th, 2009, 10:07 am

Hi Leo, et al,

Index Cards: I purchased a deck of index cards as an alternative to a notebook as you suggested in Zen to Done (?) but I’m not sure how to use them effectively. They came in 3 different colours, one side lined and one not, with a ring holding them all together. But maybe there’s too many (70-80). Any suggestions?

Weight Loss: Also, do you have any articles or recommendations on weight loss? I am working out 4 times a week, with a trainer weekly, for 11 weeks now. My blood pressure has come down (!!) to a healthy level, which was my main reason for exercising and I am getting stronger, but my weight has hardly budged. This is chiefly due to not wanting to eat less! =)

Enjoy your vacation - it sounds wonderful!!

Jeffrey Long Says:

June 21st, 2009, 18:23 pm

I am considering writing a book and make it available for sale as an ebook through various channels and physically publish it through Lulu.

The iphone application store has changed the price point and expectation of features for software. People have become accustomed to buying a product with a smaller feature set that is thus cheaper, i.e. $.99, $1.99, $2.99

I have wondered if the same could hold true of a book. If I could write short books… something like 60-100 pages and sell them at $2.99 for the ebook.

This is contrary to Tim Ferris if you are familiar with 4 hour work week who says that you should charge a premium.

So, how did you decide on the price for your ebooks and physical books. Do you think you made the right decision? Do you think the marketplace has changed?

Thanks for your time.