The Essential Zen Habits of 2008

Bud Hennekes Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 8:17 am

I love you man! Your posts have changed me in ways I can not even explain. Your an inspiration for a 17 year old blogger like myself. When I become successful It will be because of guys like you :) May 2009 TOP this year!

Success Factors Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 8:17 am

When I originally read your 50 novels list, I realized I wanted to work my way through some of the books on it. It’s been a few months now and I’m no where near complete!

Thats the best thing about Zenhabits. He gives you tips on becoming successful in certain areas and then shows you how to work at it. Let’s hope 2009 is a much better year for Leo!

Writer's Coin Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 8:32 am

At this rate he’s going to be up for a Nobel Prize in a couple of years. Good work Leo!

yanomirei Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 8:37 am

you welcome. All you have, the “fabolous readers” and ALL, I mean ALL, is all about your efortess, you work so much and the reward is all of us love you and follow you. You change my life: I stard reed blogs and such in english ( didn’t hapen before), and if you care I tell all about you and your blog at all I people I know. YOU´re AWESOME!!!

Yak! Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 8:40 am

…and the show has just begun!!

kathy Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 8:47 am

Isn’t great how the years get better and better? I just wish they wouldn’t go by faster and faster. There’s so much to do and learn.

jessica Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 8:48 am

Hi Leo,

Thanks for sharing your joys and wisdom. I have been with you on the journey each time you post since late 2007. It’s wonderfully inspiring reading your successes, and thankyou for helping me find the courage to live more honestly and go after my dreams.
I am not exaggerating when I say you are responsible for helping me begin my own journey of self development, inspire me to work harder at finishing my novel (you even started a site all about writing - how did you know?) as well as creating one website (curiousliving.com) and working on two others.
I know you will say that I did these things for myself, but I really needed the “push” and ZebHabits is where the spark happened for me, and the “aha!” moments started to germinate.
To think that I was googling personal development sites one day at work (naughty!) and stumbled across your site. Imagine if I hadn’t? How long, then, would it have taken me to get my butt into gear and start working towards achieving my goals?

So thankyou, it sounds like 2008 was a “best” year for many people!

Sarah Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 8:53 am

Glad you are doing so well! That’s great. I just started an frugal living column in the local paper. If it is okay with you, I’ll quote you in an article or two and let you know when it goes online! Love your stuff. Very real.

Di Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 8:54 am

Happy New Year! I have to do what you did in 2006, lol!

Guess I have alot of reading to do.

Ashna Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 8:54 am

Great List…Thanks a mil !!!

Eric Hamm Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 9:04 am

Wow, Leo…what a year! You’ve really accomplished SO MUCH in such a short span of time. Good for you, my friend.

It’s exciting to finally have you publicly address your subscriber numbers. I don’t know what it is, but hearing you say the word 80,000 subscribers is just more concrete than seeing the number on the top right of your blog. What an amazing accomplishment in this over crowded blogging world.

Keep up the amazing posts, quality content and helpful demeanor. I hope you have 180,000 subscribers by 2010. You deserve it! :-)

Hannah Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 9:29 am

Hi Leo
looking forward to The Power of Less being available in the UK (according to Amazon.co.uk we have to wait until February!) and in the meantime I thought I’d try Thriving on Less but am having trouble downloading - Safari cannot open it - is there a general problem or is it just me :) thanks

jjson Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 9:34 am

Leo,

2008 is not your best year. It is a mere snap snapshot in time that makes it look pretty good. 2008 only appears good because you had a great victories, failures and experiences in 2007, 2006, and so on.

Thanks Leo for your great blog and guest writers. Along with comments from your readers, you all have given me a great direction to pursue, a different way of looking at things in life.

My end of 2008 far exceeded my outlook of what could be in the beginning of the year.

Thanks again!

Fit Bottomed Girl Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 9:42 am

Congrats, Leo. Your story is really inspiring and you deserve all of your success! :)

Shirley Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 10:02 am

WOW! That’s an awesome year. Thanks for sharing your success; it’s inspiring.

Carolyn Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 10:14 am

Leo, congrats on a truly fine year, and thank you for sharing your light. I love the energy here.

Love, Carolyn

blackteiwaz Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 10:19 am

No, Leo, thank YOU! I am fairly new at reading this blog (just a few months), but I love it and it has helped me a lot so far.
I send you my best wishes so this year can be even better for you and your family.
Feel free to keep inspiring us!

Geoff Wasserman Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 10:28 am

Thanks for the post, just started following you.

With the new year, thought this “Christmas” post about Mentors and Angel Investor Funding might be of interest.

http://www.geoffwasserman.com/?p=227

Kelly Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 10:57 am

Thank you for having a great site to come to and get inspiration from not only you but your contributing writers and those that leave comments. I never fail to leave here with a bit of info I can incorporate into my daily life.

Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 11:03 am

Leo - sounds like you have had a great year - congrats to you, you deserve it! Looking forward to 2009 and all the great posts (and books) we’ll read from you!

Monica G. Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 11:08 am

Hi Leo! I’ve been reading your blog for more than a year now (first time commenter) and I must say it’s my favorite read on the web. I’ve picked up amazing habits from these inspirational articles like waking up early and simplifying- thank you! A big congratulations to the completion of your book!

dr aletta Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 11:15 am

Leo,

You are such an inspiration. Keep your kind, human voice. It is what makes ZenHabits so wonderful.

Feliz Ano Nuevo. Besitos y abrazos, Hermano.

The Daily Click Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 11:39 am

Thank you Leo, with out doubt I have got more from reading Zen Habits than from reading the numerous books on productivity that line my shelves, which is down to both your dedication and passion for the subject. I hope 2009 surpasses all your dreams and at the end of it you can look back in amazement at what you have achieved.

Evelyn Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 11:45 am

Congrats Leo, I only knew about this site last year (2008) from reading Ali Edward’s site - and it has truly been inspirational.

You never fail to motivate me when I’m feeling down - thank you.

Cheers to an even better 2009 ahead! :)

J.D. Meier Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 11:53 am

Really? … You think I’m stunningly attractive … or are you just saying that?

Good post, great year, and fantastic list!

William Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 12:19 pm

You’ve had a incredible year Leo and I wish you many more. Your words have given me both inspiration and motivation. I’m an aspiring writer and recently started my own blog, http://learningsimple.blogspot.com/. Just by starting a blog it’s changed the way I interpret the world around me. Again Thank you and continued success.

Scott Williams Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 12:47 pm

I like the way you write and I’ll have go go pick up a copy of your The Power of Less. I like the simplicity of your posts… {Fist Bump} to ya’ The best days are yet to come!

Sarah Hudson Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 14:03 pm

Leo, you’re awesome. You deserve to have your “best year yet” every year because you earn it! It’s as simple as that. I’m pretty sure you know this already but your character and thoughts, as presented here on ZH, have inspired and helped thousands including me. So THANK YOU!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with in ‘09. :)

-Sarah

Chuck Stanley Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 14:16 pm

Leo, you have created an unbelievable blog. I have been following you for quite sometime now. Your writing style is incredibly pleasant and effective. Your writing has had a huge impact on me. The content of Zen Habits is second to none.

Here’s to a great 2009!

Chuck

TheDutchSchoolKid Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 14:27 pm

Wow, what a year. And the other years too, very inspiring.
I had a fantastic year also, went to Greece, wonderfull time with my girlfriend, joining a debate team, started a blog and many other things.
I also had, I believe, my best year. And I hope 2009 can top it, I will enjoy everything even more, will build my blog further, finish high school and I hope I can start doing medicine.
Thank you for this post,

Stefan/DSK
TheDutchSchoolKid.blogspot.com

Rowell Dionicio Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 14:39 pm

Forget how great every year has been. You’re having a PERFECT life!

I need to re-read all your articles again because I seem to have fallen off track.

Your articles are more valuable than the popular books on the shelves of Borders, Amazon and BN. Forget the 4 Hour Work Week!

André Faria Gomes Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 15:13 pm

Congratulations and Thanks.
Your post have been very usefull for me.
Cheers!

Enduring Wanderlust Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 15:14 pm

Great job, Leo. Let’s hope 2009 takes it to the next level :)

~Gennaro

People love chopping wood. In this activity one immediately sees results. ~Albert Einstein

I have Zen Fever! Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 15:38 pm

Happy New Year Leo! Congrats. Keep on writing articles.

Slacker Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 15:58 pm

Haha,

Yeah, no slacker is going to even attempt to keep up with you. But we learn from you, and we appreciate your willingness to share.

- Slacker
http://www.theslackermethod.com

Leo Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 16:33 pm

See? You guys are the most encouraging readers in the history of readership. Thank you for all the wonderful comments! You guys make this site a joy to run. :)

Mike Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 17:28 pm

Well done Leo, and I hope 2009 is also your best year yet. And 2010. And 2011. Et cetera.

Jason Hughston Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 17:33 pm

The love for your work and your belief in what works is self evident. Your actions are aligned with what you say. Truth shines.

Darth Brooks Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 18:38 pm

Congrats, bro. Much deserved. I know I’ve derived some value out of your blog personally, and coming from a random internet asshat, that’s saying something. Make 2009 the most arse-kickingest yet, and take me with you. Blessings and Peace from Dallas.

gerryc Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 20:35 pm

it’s a honor to be on the journey, thanks for everything

shea Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 20:54 pm

Congratulations!!!
I am still waiting for that very best year of my life so far.
Any suggestions?

Wearing Mascara Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 20:57 pm

Hi Leo!

I just wanted to comment and say that you have been such an inspiration to me as a new blogger. I have been a loyal reader of yours since 2007 and recently started my own blog (wearingmascara.com) in August of 2008. I just did a post about you: http://www.wearingmascara.com/2009/01/zen-habits.html

I’m sure you don’t have time to read it, but thank you for inspiring me and giving me great ideas. I am doing a blog redesign soon (it’s nothing right now!) and I am going to use you and your philosophy as much as possible: Keep it simple.

Happy 2009!

Julie

Praveen Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 21:29 pm

Hi Leo,
Congrats on having such a great year. You have been a great inspiration and driving force for many to quit bad habits.
Learn something new in every blog.In this process i got know read so many great bloggers .
Inspite of staying in a remote island in a remote part of the world you have showed what words can do .

Kudos Leo
Praveen

Dee Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 23:32 pm

You have a great blog. I don’t read it all the time but it is one my favorites. The articles are great. I love the “50 essential novels”. I love reading about your success. you are inspirational. You are happening (…I wonder if Happy is the root of that word)! Happy New Year.

Siva Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 0:39 am

Glad to hear that Leo :D! I managed to get myself out of my academic rut. well, it required a strict media diet [anime addict :( here] and hours of notes writing but it was well worth the extra hours I stayed back in college every day :)! So i’m starting brand new subjects come monday, all the math and programming i couldn’t get my hands on last semester due to some lousy grades. Wish everyone the best for the new year :). Let’s persevere to succeed yeah?

love,
Siva

Xurxo Vidal Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 0:58 am

Leo,

Wow, not only a very inspirational post, but it comes with an awesome resource of equally inspirational posts. Nice touch!

I have reading material for the weekend now that I plan to put to good use. Also just started following you on twitter - can’t believe that I wasn’t already!

A F Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 1:13 am

Cannot download your free e-book, either in Firefox or IE on Windows. Mediafire.com doesn’t seem to have been a very wise choice for hosting the file…

Michelle Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 2:04 am

Leo,
You must hear this a lot, but thank you for writing such brilliant articles. Congratulations on having such a great year, and here’s to hoping another one is on its way!
I’m 16 and I found your blog a few years ago. It has really helped me streamline schoolwork and goals that I have as well as maintain a positive attitude.
Thank you once more for such an inspiring piece of the internet :)
Michelle

Leo Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 7:00 am

@Shea, who wrote: “I am still waiting for that very best year of my life so far. Any suggestions?”

Yes, my suggestion is to stop waiting. :) Often we look toward the future as if something will happen that will make us happy … but really we have the power to be happy right now, in this moment, every moment.

Here’s how to do it: whatever you’re doing, really focus on it, and really appreciate everything that’s wonderful about that activity, that moment. Washing the dishes, appreciate the feel of the suds, the water, the dish. Taking a shower, really feel the water running down your body. Eating, really focus on the food, really taste it, don’t do anything else. Walking anywhere, really look at your surroundings. Wherever you are, focus on your breathing to come back to the moment. Stop rushing, just be alive!

This way you can live fully in the moment, without waiting for happiness.

It works for me!

@AF: I tried to email you the ebook … but it failed. Can you email me … zenhabits at gmail … put “bonus giveaway” in the subject line so I’ll see it right away. Thanks for your patience!

Steve @ Freedom Education Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 10:23 am

Hi Leo -

My deepest appreciation for your appreciation :)

You’re an inspiration,

Miss Attica Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 10:28 am

I wish 2009 will prove to be even better! Thanks for a lot of inspiring posts, Leo!

Grampa Ken: 7 Decades c/w potholes Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 11:27 am

I’m betting 2009 will be the best year of your life.

Bijou Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 12:21 pm

Hoping your inspiration and success can help lead me to the best year of my life! Congratulations big-time blogger!

Kim Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 12:40 pm

Happy New Year and Congratulations on all your successes Leo. With your determination, focus and desire to share these excellent life tips; it is well deserved. Leo is it possible to address or maybe it has been already that although some of us have the desire it is not always easy to make the changes in our lives we really need and want to?

Live for Improvement Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 13:30 pm

There are two types of people in the world: those who strive to better themselves, and those who are content with living a stagnant life.

It sounds like you are improving your life with the passing of each year. This is a sign, and the meaning of happiness.

Please continue to help others to achieve in life.

-Dan Malone-

Leo Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 18:29 pm

@Kim: Actually I address this issue in my book, The Power of Less … basically here’s what you should do if you desire to make changes in your life but find it difficult to do:

1. Focus on just one goal for now (you can do another goal when the first is completed).
2. Start small — if you want to exercise (for example), do just 10 mins a day instead of 30 or 45.
3. Create a new habit … use the principles in The Power of Less to make a new habit that will last much longer … most people try to do something but give it up after a couple of weeks.

There are other tips to make you more effective with life changes. Hope this helps!

Jo-Anne Vandermeulen Says:

January 3rd, 2009, 19:30 pm

Just found you tonight. I’ve RSS. This is one site I don’t want to miss.

Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
“Conquer All Obstacles”
Prolific Writer of Romantic Fiction
http://www.gr5mom2.wordpress.com

Andresito 10 Says:

January 4th, 2009, 0:39 am

Leo, is great that your life is at top consistently over this last years, keep up inspiring many of us every week. If you happen to have side projects do not worry, you will always inspire somebody out there even if not online.

I still don;t get why you number mostly every topic, and the site layout is terrible for pdf prints.

Hope to get your new book soon.

DKumar M. Says:

January 4th, 2009, 5:54 am

Nice one Leo, Last year you are very helpful in many seance. Many people find your many articles as a source of inspiration.

Keep them coming with same quality.

Charles Says:

January 4th, 2009, 9:52 am

I get a bad response from server when trying to download your “Thriving on less” e-book.

gwinne Says:

January 4th, 2009, 14:15 pm

Leo, congratulations on the publication of the book! It’s on my list of things to read ASAP.

Went to download the e-book and didn’t have any luck. As soon as I hit “start download” I get a blank page from Internet explorer. Any suggestions?

Simson Li Says:

January 5th, 2009, 1:16 am

One of my best thing in 2008 is that I found Zen Habits. I really love those “simple life” ideas and I would like to apply those in 2009. Looking forward to see my achievement and development for future.

Congratulation on the publication! Happy 2009!

~Kat~ Says:

January 5th, 2009, 4:01 am

Wow! This is a very inspirational post for me. I am going to look back at my 2008 and decide that it was my best year ever. But I don’t think I can top you! Congrats on all your great accomplishments. I look forward to seeing what you will be doing in 2009.

Iris M. Gross Says:

January 5th, 2009, 14:16 pm

Leo, I bought TWO books over the Christmastide, one to keep and one to send to my overstressed friend in Boston. I plan on re-covering mine in a nice fabric jacket since I bought me a new glue gun over the holiday!

I might add that my wish for Zen Habits in 2009 is that there will be less guest writers and 100% Leo this year. These other people have their OWN sites, and if I were interested in them, I’d go find them! But, that’s just me and my wish! ;-)

Healthy Weight Loss Girl Says:

January 5th, 2009, 17:59 pm

Your posts in 2008 were wonderful and I have a feeling that 2009 will be just as great! Keep up the awesome work!!!

Dan Massicotte Says:

January 6th, 2009, 20:11 pm

Nice that you include some personality in your posts. I’m working on that at Positive Living as well.

Ashna Says:

January 7th, 2009, 2:07 am

Thanks again for the great list. I keep coming back to them to read and then re-read.

JustinPopovic.com Says:

January 10th, 2009, 11:45 am

Leo,

I learned about you fro Tim Ferriss’ blog the other day. I feel very fortunate to read your work and get exposure to your ideas.

You really give meaning to “less is more” and thanks to you I finally see how and why this is true!

Great job. I look forward to following more of your work

Justin

medaholic Says:

January 10th, 2009, 16:52 pm

I started reading your blog late last year, and I want to congratulate you on all your successes and hope that 2009 will another best year for you.