Zen Habits Podcast Leo Babauta

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to finish one project and quickly move on to the next, often leaving behind a trail of unresolved feelings and incomplete experiences. This common approach can hinder our personal and professional growth, leading to a cycle of ongoing dissatisfaction. But what if we could transform the way we conclude our projects to feel truly accomplished and fulfilled?
In this episode, I introduce the concept of "closing with completion," a powerful practice designed to help us conclude our projects and life chapters with a sense of fulfillment and clarity. We explore the steps to acknowledge our accomplishments, forgive ourselves and others, and extract valuable lessons from our experiences. This process not only frees us from unresolved emotions but also prepares us for future creative and personal endeavors.
Join me as we dive into the transformative power of completion and explore practical steps to incorporate this practice into our daily lives, ensuring that each ending becomes a powerful foundation for new beginnings.
Topics CoveredUnderstanding the concept of "closing with completion"The impact of unresolved feelings on personal and professional growthSteps to acknowledge accomplishments and extract lessonsThe role of forgiveness in achieving a sense of completionPractical journaling prompts for processing emotionsHow to feel accomplished and clear at the end of a projectTransforming the way we conclude projects for future successThe importance of emotional completeness in creative endeavorsUsing completion practices in various aspects of lifeInsights on coaching for achieving completion
TranscriptYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Zen Habits ResourcesZen Habits
The Fearless Living Academy
Fearless Mastery
Coaching with Leo
Connect with LeoYouTube channel
X (Twitter)
Instagram
Facebook
Email: podcast@zenhabits.net
CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro & Amanda Goddard

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves stuck in a cycle of routines and habits, going through the motions without much thought or intention. This can lead to feelings of emptiness and disconnection. But what if there was a way to bring more meaning and presence to our everyday tasks?
In this episode, we explore the power of rituals and how they can transform ordinary activities into moments of sacredness and devotion. By understanding the difference between a habit and a ritual, we can begin to infuse our daily actions with a sense of wonder and purpose. Whether it’s through meditation, creative work, or simple self-care practices, creating rituals allows us to fully engage with and appreciate the present moment.
Join me as we discover how to create and maintain rituals that bring more joy and mindfulness to our everyday experiences, fostering a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.
Topics CoveredThe distinction between habits, routines, and rituals.The role of intention and sacredness in rituals.Practical steps for creating personal rituals.Examples of rituals in creative work, meditation, and self-care.The impact of rituals on mindfulness and presence.Using objects and symbols to enhance rituals.Transforming mundane tasks into sacred moments.The lifelong practice and evolution of rituals.
TranscriptYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Zen Habits ResourcesZen Habits
The Fearless Living Academy
Fearless Mastery
Coaching with Leo
Connect with LeoYouTube channel
X (Twitter)
Instagram
Facebook
Email: podcast@zenhabits.net
CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro & Amanda Goddard

In an age of endless distractions and obligations, it's easy to lose sight of the importance of self-care and mindfulness, especially for parents juggling the demands of raising children while pursuing their passions. But what if we could find a way to integrate mindfulness into our creative pursuits and parenting journey, leading to greater well-being and deeper connections?
This week, I'm delighted to welcome Maria Gehrke, a watercolor artist and IT professional who beautifully embodies the intersection of art, mindfulness, and parenting. Maria shares her inspiring journey of rediscovering her creativity after becoming a mother and how she has woven mindfulness practices into both her art and her parenting.
In this episode, we delve into Maria’s integration of mindfulness into her creative process, discussing how personalized art can serve as a therapeutic tool for both the creator and the client. We also explore how mindfulness has transformed her parenting journey, fostering deeper connections and greater presence in everyday moments.
Join us as we uncover the transformative power of mindfulness in art and parenting, and discover how it can lead to greater emotional resilience, creativity, and joy in all aspects of our lives.
Topics CoveredHow mindfulness influences Maria's watercolor artThe significance of nature in Maria's creative inspirationPersonal and client experiences with "Your Portal to Your Refuge"Mindfulness practices that enhance creative expressionMaria's transition to mindful parenting and its impact on her lifeStrategies for nurturing emotional regulation in childrenInsights from co-founding "The Becoming Mindful Podcast"The role of collaborative art in fostering mindfulness and growthCreating tranquil spaces through visualization and personalized paintingsThe intersection of creativity, mindfulness, and personal development
TranscriptYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Maria's Bio & ResourcesMaria Gehrke, a multifaceted watercolor artist and IT professional, bridges the gap between technology and art with a focus on nature and mindfulness. Since moving from Germany to Wisconsin in 2007, she has found inspiration in nature and her personal mindfulness journey, leading to the creation of her unique art series like "Windows to Nature" and "Mini Portals To Tranquility." These culminated in her 2023 project, "Your Portal To Your Refuge," a collaborative art experience designed to manifest tranquil spaces for her clients. Find out more about this mindful art experience here: Your Portal To Your Refuge
Alongside her artistic endeavors, Maria co-founded the Becoming Mindful Podcast in 2021, aiming to explore and share her mindfulness journey with a broader audience and encourage others on this path. Tune in here: Becoming Mindful Podcast
Balancing a busy life with a small child, a husband, and two dogs, her work embodies her commitment to mindfulness, creativity, and compassion.
Zen Habits ResourcesZen Habits
The Fearless Living Academy
Fearless Mastery
Coaching with Leo
Connect with Leoa...

Fear of failure can be a significant barrier to achieving our creative goals, often causing us to doubt our abilities and hesitate to share our work with the world. This fear can keep us stuck in a cycle of inaction and self-criticism, preventing us from realizing our true potential.
In this episode, we examine the deep-seated fear of failure and its impact on our creativity. We explore the underlying causes of this fear, such as self-doubt and fear of criticism, and discuss practical strategies for overcoming it. By building self-trust and learning to reinterpret criticism, we can transform our relationship with failure and use it as a catalyst for growth and improvement.
Join me as we dive into practical strategies for building self-trust, embracing failure as part of the creative process, and developing a resilient mindset that fosters continuous learning and creative expression.
Topics CoveredUnderstanding the fear of failure and its impact on creativityThe relationship between fear of failure and self-doubtHow fear of criticism affects creative expressionStrategies for building self-trust and resilienceFinding constructive feedback in criticismThe importance of embracing failure as part of the learning processPractical steps to develop a supportive mindset for creativityThe role of curiosity and playfulness in overcoming fearTechniques for staying present and focused during the creative process
TranscriptYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Connect with LeoZen Habits
Youtube channel
X (Twitter)
Instagram
Zen Habits Facebook Group
Tiktok channel
Email: podcast@zenhabits.net
ResourcesThe Fearless Living Academy
Fearless Mastery
CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro & Amanda Goddard

Creativity thrives not just on inspiration but on the steady accumulation of small, deliberate actions. Yet, many creatives find themselves challenged by the need to maintain a consistent practice. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in building a foundation of sustainable habits and practices that support incremental progress and ongoing creativity.
This week, I’m thrilled and honored to welcome special guest James Clear, a celebrated author, blogger, and thought leader. His book, Atomic Habits, has transformed the lives of millions with its practical approach to habit formation and improvement. James brings a wealth of knowledge on how small changes can lead to remarkable results, making his expertise invaluable for those seeking to build a resilient and effective creative practice.
In this episode, we dive into James’ journey, from his early days as a blogger to the phenomenal success of his book. We discuss the challenges he faced, the strategies he employed to maintain consistency in his creative work, and how he manages the balance between professional demands and personal life. We also dive into the impact of Atomic Habits, the evolution of his creative practice, and his disciplined approach to writing and creativity.
Tune in as we explore the important role of consistency in creative projects, the power of honing one’s craft for long-term success, and the profound impact of aligning your work with your values and goals.
Topics CoveredJames' journey from blogger to bestselling authorThe foundational principles of Atomic HabitsStrategies for maintaining consistency in creative workThe role of small, deliberate actions in achieving long-term successBalancing professional demands with personal lifeThe impact of habit formation on creative practiceThe evolution of James' writing and creative processesOvercoming challenges in habit-building and creativityThe importance of aligning creative work with personal valuesPractical tips for developing a sustainable creative practice
TranscriptYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
James' Bio & ResourcesJames Clear is a writer and keynote speaker focused on habits, decision making, and continuous improvement. His book, Atomic Habits, has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, has been translated into more than 60 languages and was the #1 best-selling book of 2021 and 2023 on Amazon and #1 audiobook on Audible.
James is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and his work has been featured in publications such as Time magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and on CBS This Morning and Today Show Australia. He is a MasterClass instructor, alongside the world’s top experts such as Serena Williams, Neil Gaiman and Gordon Ramsay. His popular “3-2-1” email newsletter is sent out each week to more than 3 million subscribers.
James doesn’t merely report the research of others. He tries out the concepts for himself as he experiments with building better habits as an entrepreneur, writer, and weightlifter. In the end, his talks end up being one-part storytelling, one-part academic research, and one-part personal experiment, forming a colorful blend of inspirational stories, academic science, and hard-earned wisdom.
JamesClear.comAtomic Habits
Zen Habits Resourcesa href="https://ignite.zenhabits.net/fearless-living" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Many of us find ourselves trapped in a cycle of avoidance and procrastination when facing projects that matter deeply to us. This resistance often stems from a mix of fear, uncertainty, and a lack of effective strategies to navigate these challenges. But what if we could harness the power of rituals and structure in our daily routines to overcome these common pitfalls?
In this episode, I introduce the Fearless Ritual, a powerful daily practice designed to help us face the uncertainty and fear that often derail our creative projects. We dive into how this ritual, together with the Four-Step Creator Process, forms a robust framework to foster a fearless approach to challenges, enhancing focus and productivity. We discuss how, by committing to this practice, we can make substantial progress in our work and develop a deeper understanding and mastery over our creative processes. We also cover practical steps to incorporate this framework into your daily life, ensuring each day is a step forward in your creative journey.
Join me as we explore how the Fearless Ritual can transform not just how you work, but also how you view your capabilities and creative potential in the face of adversity.
Topics CoveredIntroduction to the Fearless RitualBenefits of daily rituals in tackling resistanceThe Four-Step Creator’s ProcessFacing and managing resistance in creative projectsBuilding confidence and trust through ritualistic practiceThe importance of routine in overcoming creative barriersStrategies for maintaining consistency in ritualsThe role of community and feedback in creative processesEnhancing focus and productivity through structured rituals
TranscriptYou can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.
Connect with LeoZen Habits
Youtube channel
X (Twitter)
Instagram
Zen Habits Facebook Group
Tiktok channel
Email: podcast@zenhabits.net
ResourcesThe Fearless Living Academy
Fearless Mastery
CreditsMusic: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Editor: Justin Cruz
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro & Amanda Goddard