Zen Habits Podcast

10 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Leo Babauta

Hosted by Leo Babauta, the Zen Habits Podcast explores the power of ritual in support of your greatest purpose, taking on meaningful work, and creating more impact through daily action.

Eran Katz on Parenting, Self-Awareness & Playfulness
#60
12/16/2024

Parenting often feels like a whirlwind of challenges, leaving us searching for quick fixes and one-size-fits-all solutions. But the truth is, focusing solely on our children’s behavior can leave us disconnected from the deeper work required for real transformation.

This week, I’m excited to welcome Eran Katz, a clinical psychologist, father, and creator of the Parenting MAP framework and the Apparently Parent podcast. Eran’s mission is to guide parents out of stress and confusion into confidence and harmony, fostering enduring, meaningful relationships with their children.

In this episode, we explore Eran’s journey...


Reflection & Adaptation
#59
12/11/2024

In our drive to be productive, it’s easy to miss out on one essential step: reflection. Often, we focus on doing more and checking things off without truly understanding our progress or the adjustments that might lead to deeper fulfillment and ease in our work.

In the final episode of the season, we dive into the role of regular reflection and adaptation in our productivity journey. I guide you through techniques for self-assessment that help you identify what’s working, what’s not, and why. I also explain how to use accountability groups, intentional reflection practices, and mo...


Cultivating Gratitude, Wonder & Joy
#58
12/04/2024

The conventional approach to productivity focuses on output and discipline—often at the expense of joy and fulfillment. We push through tasks, trying to be more efficient, only to find ourselves feeling disconnected from the work we’re doing. This mindset can turn each day into a grind, leaving us drained and unfulfilled.

In this episode, we explore how shifting our mindset towards gratitude and wonder can not only boost productivity but also make our daily tasks more meaningful. I discuss how practices rooted in Zen can help us fully appreciate each moment, from mundane chores to majo...


Toku McCree on Building Genuine Client Relationships
#57
11/27/2024

In our work, there’s often pressure to focus on getting results, closing deals, or following scripts that can feel transactional or impersonal. But for those of us who value genuine connection, this approach often feels misaligned, leaving us questioning how we can serve others in a way that’s true to our values and leads to more meaningful impact.

This week, I’m thrilled to welcome Toku McCree, a close friend, coach, and someone who has redefined the way we think about client relationships. Toku’s background as a Zen practitioner and coach led him to develop...


Embracing Imperfection
#56
11/20/2024

When we aim for perfection in our work, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of anxiety and procrastination. We hesitate to start, or we push ourselves until we’re burned out, afraid that anything less than flawless won’t be good enough.

In this episode, I invite you to reconsider the value of imperfection. I discuss why flaws can make our work more unique and valuable, how imperfection is an inevitable part of challenging projects, and ways to shift from striving for the ideal to embracing the messy process of growth. I also dive into the Ja...


The Inner State of Flow
#55
11/13/2024

Many people approach productivity by focusing on systems and discipline, trying to push through tasks with force. This approach often leads to burnout and frustration, especially when we don't address the internal resistance that holds us back. We push ourselves harder, only to feel more closed off and disconnected from the work we aim to do.

In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to cultivate an inner state of flow. I explain how being open—filled with curiosity, love, and purpose—can make even the most challenging tasks feel lighter and more fulfilling. I also...


Managing Stress & Burnout
#54
11/06/2024

We often overlook the early warning signs of burnout—subtle hints like exhaustion, irritability, or loss of motivation. Instead, we push forward, believing that powering through will get us to the finish line faster. But ignoring these signs only brings us closer to a breaking point, where recovery becomes much more difficult.

In this episode, we take a closer look at how stress leads to burnout and explore the importance of balancing stress with recovery. I share strategies to help you recognize when you're overloading and depleting yourself, and how to build sustainable recovery practices through mindful se...


Oliver Burkeman on Finitude & the Freedom of Letting Go
#53
10/30/2024

We live in a culture that constantly tells us to push harder, achieve more, and stay on top of everything. But this relentless striving often keeps us from the fulfillment we seek. Many of us face anxiety, procrastination, and burnout as we struggle to accept that the key to a more meaningful life lies in embracing our limitations rather than fighting against them.

This week, I’m honored to welcome Oliver Burkeman, bestselling author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, as our special guest. Oliver’s work challenges the conventional approach to productivity, urging us to f...


Overcoming Procrastination
#52
10/23/2024

Procrastination can feel like an endless battle, one that we keep trying to win through discipline and force. We push ourselves harder, use stricter schedules, or employ rigid systems, only to find ourselves falling back into the same patterns. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that procrastination is simply about lacking motivation or willpower, but the roots run deeper.

In this episode, we explore the true nature of procrastination, examining its roots in fear, uncertainty, and avoidance. I guide you through understanding why we often resist tasks that challenge our sense of self an...


Dealing with Distractions
#51
10/16/2024

Distractions are a universal challenge, keeping us from fully committing to the tasks that matter most. Whether it's the pull of social media, a buzzing phone, or even seemingly productive activities like organizing, these distractions often derail our focus and creativity.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the root causes of distractions and explore mindful strategies to counter them. From minimizing digital interruptions to creating a workspace that fosters focus and deep work, I break down actionable steps to help you stay on track. You'll learn how to build a mindful, distraction-free environment, manage...