By Leo Babauta
5
4949 ratings
The podcast currently has 56 episodes available.
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 Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection, and explore how this mindset can help us work more joyfully and authentically.
Tune in to learn how embracing imperfection can transform the way we approach our work, fostering more flow, joy, and authenticity in every step.
Topics CoveredYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
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CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro
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 discuss how a closed state, marked by frustration and resistance, creates obstacles to productivity and how befriending that closed state can unlock new energy and ease.
Join me as we uncover how to transform our inner state to make productivity a natural outcome of openness, helping us bring more presence and purpose to our daily work.
Topics CoveredYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
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CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro
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 self-care. By understanding these warning signs and making intentional adjustments, we can maintain our energy, focus, and long-term resilience.
Tune in to learn how managing your stress load can prevent burnout and lead to greater resilience, productivity, and joy.
Topics CoveredYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Explore Zen HabitsZen Habits Blog
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CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro
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 face our inherent human limitations and embrace the concept of finitude. His insights offer a refreshing perspective on how to live with greater intention, focusing on what truly matters rather than constantly striving for control.
In his new book Meditations for Mortals, Oliver goes even deeper into the themes of time, control, and human limitation, offering a counterintuitive yet liberating approach to living well in a finite world. His philosophy encourages us to accept our limits and let go of the need to constantly “do it all.”
In this episode, Oliver walks us through the journey of moving from understanding the constraints of time to taking meaningful action. We dive deep into the concept of finitude—our finite time, energy, and capacity—and explore how surrendering to life’s limitations and letting go of the need for control can lead to a more purposeful, fulfilling life.
Tune in to learn how embracing our limitations can lead to profound freedom, allowing us to live fully within those boundaries and create a life of intentionality, meaning, and true presence.
Topics CoveredYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Oliver's Bio & ResourcesOliver Burkeman's books include the forthcoming Meditations for Mortals, about embracing limitation and getting around to what counts, along with the New York Times bestseller Four Thousand Weeks and The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking. For many years he wrote a popular column for the Guardian, 'This Column Will Change Your Life'. In his email newsletter 'The Imperfectionist', he writes about productivity, mortality, the power of limits and building a meaningful life in an age of distraction.
Zen Habits Blog
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CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro
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 and how this resistance impacts our productivity. By diving into mindful techniques and practical strategies, you’ll discover ways to address the emotions that hold you back and build habits that support your intentions.
Join me as we uncover the power of self-compassion in overcoming procrastination and learn how to turn resistance into a tool for growth and productivity.
Topics CoveredYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Explore Zen HabitsZen Habits Blog
Fearless Living Academy
Fearless Mastery
Coaching with Leo
Connect with LeoYouTube channel
X (Twitter)
Email: [email protected]
CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro
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 your focus with intention, and bring awareness to the moments when you're tempted to stray from your priorities.
Join me as we uncover powerful ways to recognize and manage distractions, helping you cultivate a more productive, focused approach to your work.
Topics CoveredYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Explore Zen HabitsZen Habits Blog
Fearless Living Academy
Fearless Mastery
Coaching with Leo
Connect with LeoYouTube channel
X (Twitter)
Email: [email protected]
CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro
In a world obsessed with constant productivity, many of us feel pressured to do more and more, often at the expense of our well-being and personal fulfillment. This relentless pursuit can lead us to overlook the deeper, more meaningful aspects of how we spend our time.
This week, I’m thrilled to welcome productivity expert, author, and creator of the TimeCrafting system, Mike Vardy. Mike has spent years helping people shift their focus from traditional productivity to something deeper—what he calls “productiveness.” Through his work, he shows us how to approach time with greater intention, crafting a life that aligns with our values and energy cycles.
In this episode, Mike shares his journey from traditional concepts of productivity to his refined philosophy of time crafting. We explore how theming our days, reflecting on our habits, and embracing constraints can help us cultivate productiveness—a state that balances intention, quality, and flow.
Join us as we dive into the deeper layers of productiveness and learn how to move beyond conventional productivity systems to foster a more intentional, fulfilling way of working and living.
Topics CoveredYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Mike's Bio & ResourcesMike Vardy is a seasoned productivity expert, author, and coach dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve their fullest potential. With over 15 years of experience in the field of time management and productivity, he has developed unique insights and practical strategies that resonate with a wide audience. His approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the balance between quality and quantity, emphasizing the importance of living a purposeful and fulfilling life.
Zen Habits Blog
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Fearless Mastery
Coaching with Leo
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CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro
For many, time management is about squeezing in as much as possible, often leading to stress and burnout. But what if we could approach it as a practice of presence rather than productivity—one that aligns with our values and helps us create meaningful impact?
In this episode, we explore mindful time management, a Zen-inspired approach that focuses on creating impact rather than simply doing more. I discuss the power of single-tasking, the importance of showing up on time, and how structuring your day can help you stay committed and focused. Through personal stories and Zen teachings, I dive into how we can shift our relationship with time and learn to be fully present in our commitments.
Tune in to uncover how a mindful approach to time management can bring clarity, purpose, and a deeper sense of fulfillment to your daily life.
Topics CoveredYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Explore Zen HabitsZen Habits Blog
Fearless Living Academy
Fearless Mastery
Coaching with Leo
Connect with LeoYouTube channel
X (Twitter)
Email: [email protected]
CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro
Many of us feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of clutter in both our physical and digital workspaces. We try to manage it all, but constant distractions pull us away from what really matters. This often leads to stress, inefficiency, and a lack of focus.
In this episode, I explore how we can simplify our workspace and workflow to reduce distractions and foster a more productive environment. I share practical tips on decluttering our space, managing our digital tools, and streamlining our workflows to create more calm and clarity. By organizing both the physical and digital aspects of our work, we can create a more focused, mindful workspace.
Join me as I offer strategies to transform your workspace and workflow, helping you bring more intention and efficiency to your work.
Topics CoveredYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Explore Zen HabitsZen Habits Blog
Fearless Living Academy
Fearless Mastery
Coaching with Leo
Connect with LeoYouTube channel
X (Twitter)
Email: [email protected]
CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro
We often set out to improve our productivity by adopting new habits, yet we struggle to maintain them over time. This challenge typically arises when we approach habit formation with rigid expectations, without considering the need for sustainability and joy in the process.
In this episode, we explore how to build sustainable habits that not only support our productivity but also align with our deeper goals and values. I discuss the importance of starting small, using mindfulness to enhance the habit-forming process, and employing positive reinforcement to keep the momentum going. Plus, I'll talk about how to bounce back after missing a day, highlighting the importance of resilience in habit formation.
Join me as I guide you through practical strategies for creating habits that last, helping you make a meaningful impact with consistent, intentional actions.
Topics CoveredYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Explore Zen HabitsZen Habits Blog
Fearless Living Academy
Fearless Mastery
Coaching with Leo
Connect with LeoYouTube channel
X (Twitter)
Email: [email protected]
CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro
The podcast currently has 56 episodes available.
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