Fellowship Fridays: LEOpalooza! The Essential Motivation Handbook
July 24, 2009
Most of you are probably quite familiar with Leo Babauta. His blog, Zen Habits, has about 68 billion subscribers (I rounded up), and he just launched his latest project, an ebook called The Essential Motivation Handbook (a partnership with Eric Hamm from Motivate Thyself). Leo does NOT need any “link love” from me, nor will he benefit in any significant way from this post… but I’d still like to feature his work for two reasons:
1. The three of you who STILL don’t know Zen Habits should really check it out.
2. To make up for my karma of being a total Leo-doubter in the beginning.
Yes, it’s true… at first I didn’t “get” why Zen Habits was such a big deal in the world of Personal Development blogging. I skimmed a few posts, found some common themes, and thought, “Well it’s OK, but it’s not all that.” But I was wrong. It really IS all that, and lately I’ve become quite the Zen Habits groupie (a fact I’m sure Leo is completely oblivious to).
So, be warned: This post is a Leo Love Fest.
By all accounts, Leo is either a really great, down to earth, altruistic guy, or a fantastically believable poseur. Regardless of which is the case (I’m pretty sure it’s the first!), he deserves a lot of credit for what he has achieved and for the value he continually provides for the rest of us.
Zen Habits has an astounding collection of articles to help us simplify, get more done, and find happiness. He should know–he seems to have done all three quite well. This is saying a lot for a guy with SIX KIDS! I can’t believe the word simple is even in his vocabulary. If HE can live simply, Lord knows WE can!
His lifestyle, his writing, his approach to blogging, and his intentions all inspire me… he teaches by example. And one of the major things he has successfully incorporated into his previously sedentary life is exercise… my albatross. I have yet to conquer that beast. I just have NOT been able to get motivated to do it; I don’t enjoy it. I’m seemingly healthy (according to my doctors), I don’t need to lose weight, and I’m not vain enough to want the most perfect body possible. Good enough is good enough for me.
And yet, I know I should do it. Leo constantly reminds me (well… us, really) that I need to start exercising. Which is why when he put together The Essential Motivation Handbook, I sat up and took notice. This isn’t stated anywhere in the book, but I’m pretty sure I was the Muse that inspired this masterpiece! The table of contents is all about me (and… everyone else who can’t quite get motivated!). I’m going to post it here, with my key chapters in bold, because Leo has already made it perfectly clear his work is UNcopyrighted:
THE ESSENTIAL MOTIVATION HANDBOOK: TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. How To Motivate Yourself
2. The Only Two Secrets to Motivating Yourself You’ll Ever Need
3. A Guide to Beating the Fears That Are Holding You Back
4. Task Ninja: Form the Action Habit
5. Top 20 Motivation Hacks
6. The Ultimate Guide to Motivation – How to Achieve Any Goal
7. Progress, Progress, Progress! 5 Tips To Keep You Moving Forward
8. 7 Steps to Turn Your Self-Improvement Desires Into Reality
9. 25 Killer Actions to Boost Your Self-Confidence
10. 6 Small Things You Can Do When You Lack Discipline
11. 16 Ways to Motivate Yourself When You’re in a Slump
12. 5 Tips For Motivational Recovery
13. The Magical Power of Focus
14. 10 Ways to Beat the “Can’t Get No Satisfaction” Syndrome
15. 30 Incredible Places to Turn When You Need Inspiration
16. How To Deal With Negative Feedback
17. How to Doggedly Pursue Your Dreams in the Face of Naysayers
18. Achieve Your Dreams Despite Pressures of Work and Family
19. Why You Should Celebrate Your Mistakes
20. How to Actually Execute Your To-do List
21. The Yin And Yang Of Persistence
22. Enduring the Valley to Get to Success
23. How To Relax And Why It’s So Important (<— This one I’ve mastered!)
24. The Simple Guide To Single-Tasking Success
25. Stop Reading About It and Do It
If The Essential Motivation Handbook doesn’t get me motivated to exercise, I’m moving to Guam to hire Leo as my personal trainer. I’ve added this book to my sidebar as a constant reminder to myself, and to make it available to anyone else who might find value in it. Please note that if you buy it from my link, I’ll earn a commission on the sale. So don’t buy it here unless you’d like to support Quest for Balance (me!).
What’s been your experience with Zen Habits? Are you in need of motivation, too? If you’ve read The Essential Motivation Handbook, please stop by and let us know what you think.
Thanks!
Related posts:
- Fellowship Fridays: Getting Your Groove Back
- Fellowship Fridays: Simplicity
- Fellowship Fridays: Free Blogging Blueprint
- Fellowship Fridays: Finding Happiness
- Fellowship Fridays: Be True to Yourself, and to Others
Posted in Fellowship Fridays, Overcoming Challenges, Reviews, bad habits, choices
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Hi Lisis,
Thanks so much for bringing this book and Zen habits to my notice. You know i am new to the blogging scene so this is news to me. I am going to check this book out and the Blog and maybe join you and become a zen habits groupie as well.
Yay to Self Improvement and Self Motivation!!!
p.s. I hate exercising too…:) I think a trainer with a strict alarm& maybe hunter regime will end being my only hope…I better go to Zen Habits before that;)
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..The Power Of NO!
I kinda like the moving to Guam idea. In fact, if you decide to go that route, let me know, so I can move there with you. Or Taiwan, but I don’t know any personal development bloggers based in Taiwan.
I’ve fallen off the Leo bandwagon lately. I used to be a huge fan, but not so much anymore. It’s nothing that he has done, just a subtle shift in my perspective. I still enjoy reading his articles, but I’m far less likely to comment on them now, and I’ve stopped following him on Twitter. Heh. I guess you could say that I’m just not that into him anymore
But, his articles *are* good, and I definitely think he’s on to something, and doing great work. I’m sure this book will help a lot of people.
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Song Remembers When
Lisis this is hilarious! I actually think Leo’s up to 69 billion subscribers this morning I just checked…
Leo certainly appears to be a down to earth practical guy, and I believe that he is. I love Zen Habits and the message it sends. I just wonder how much longer Oprah is going to hold out before having him on her show!
Sherri (Serene Journey)´s last blog ..Motivation Handbook To Help Get You Back On Course
@ Zeenat: Yay, indeed! You just made my day! I didn’t know if I would actually reach any readers who hadn’t heard of Zen Habits, so I am thrilled to point you in that direction. It’s a valuable resource in self-improvement/ personal development, but also a great example of what a blog can grow up to be (for those of us just getting started).
I hope you’ll enjoy your Zen Habits visit.
@ Jay: I’m pretty sure it’s going to take moving in to Leo’s living room to actually get this exercise thing to become a habit… good thing is, I don’t think he’ll even notice ’cause there are so many kids running around that house. I’ll just blend right in.
I used to go to Zen Habits JUST because it was a prudent thing to do as a beginning blogger… to learn from someone who has certainly got the blogging thing figured out. I wasn’t in terrible need of the teachings because I’m fairly simplified and serene already, and not a huge fan of getting lots of stuff done (it’s a Costa Rican thing).
But lately, I don’t know if it’s since his trip to Japan, or since he started planning it, or what? He’s been writing more articles that appeal to me. They are less focused on achievements and goals, and more focused on acceptance and contentment. If I didn’t know better, I’d say Leo is maturing… ripening, settling into his groove. I kinda like it!
@ Sherri: You know, he’s actually BEEN on Oprah. I’m pretty sure that was the moment that launched him from being a mere mortal blogger, like us, to this mythical legend status he has now. It’s amazing when you think about all the Personal Development blogs out there, what a huge difference there is (at least in numbers) between Zen Habits and… whoever is #2. I don’t even know who that would be!
I first found him in Psychology Today (the paper magazine that comes to my mailbox). I had never heard of him and had no idea what blogs were. But when I read his story and saw what he was doing for a living, the lifestyle (not lavish, but simple) that he had, and how he was helping so many people, I decided to give it a try.
So, I guess when I get on Oprah, I’ll have to give my buddy Leo (who doesn’t know I exist) a shout out.
Great Leo post, Lisis! Leo’s journey is one of many factors that inspired me to start a blog.
I can’t believe you were a Leo Doubter :O! For shame…
(kidding) But seriously he does great work and it’s because of him that I have a new outlook on simplicity. I used to think “Zen” was bull. Now I realize I was just being close-minded.
In regards to your goal, don’t let it keep kicking you in the butt. You can do it.
John´s last blog ..How to Electrify Your Life for Maximum Effect
Hey, John! I know it… I hated to admit I was a doubter in my early days (a couple of months ago). But at least I’ve come around to see the light. Jay, up there, is headed in the wrong direction. I think an intervention might be in order.
PS: My current “goal” is actually to make exercise a goal. I’m still one degree removed from actually exercising. But I’m getting closer… at least the word is in my vocabulary now and I don’t break out in hives when I use it.
Hey Lisis:)
I’ve been following zen habits for a while now, really love his posts:)
“His blog, Zen Habits, has about 68 billion subscribers (I rounded up)”
I think I’m being blonde but I don’t get this:) Are you saying his blog just has loads of subscribers?
Bookmarking leo’s book on my “buy” list for when I have enough free time:)
Have a great day!
Diggy
Diggy – Upgradereality.com´s last blog ..Delayed Gratification or Quick Fix?
Hi,
I began reading Leo about 8 months after he started. I think he must have some kind of techie background. Not sure. He actually helped connect me with some contacts I needed.
I think the guy is genuine and real and has a good heart. He’s an amazing example to all and has helped me tremendously simplify my life. Yeah Leo!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Mind Fitness: How About A Workout For A Healthy Mind?
@ Diggy: Yup… loads and loads of subscribers. Every day that number grows. It’s really the stuff of wonders. Good luck finding “free time”… I’ve been searching for it for years!
@ Tess: Thanks for adding to the Leo Love Fest (Yeah Leo!!!!). That’s neat that you were there for the early days of Zen Habits and got to watch it blossom into what it is today!
I think you’re right about the techie thing. If it isn’t his background, at least it’s one of his obsessions… I mean, interests. Every once in a while he posts something about techie tools and totally loses me. Maybe it’s a guy thing… gotta have gadgets.
You are right. Leo rocks!
Lena´s last blog ..Friday Shoot Out Reflections
Hey, Lena! Loving the Love Fest!! I wonder if Leo ever gets tired of people telling him how awesome he is? I’ve been meaning to ask him that in his comments, but didn’t want him to think I was being sarcastic. Plus, I figure, he probably doesn’t.
Thanks for joining the party!
The Essential Motivational Handbook sounds great. Especially useful would be the chapter on How to Doggedly Pursue Your Dreams in the Face of Naysayers.
I have always had great business ideas and was so enthusiastic about them until I shared them with others, the Naysayers, who gave me a millions reasons why it wouldn’t work.
Wow. What an amazing amount of kind words! I am overwhelmed by all of you.
I just want to say thank you, to Lisis, for this extremely kind post, and to all of you for the words of encouragement.
I truly believe the encouragement from my readers has made my blog (and me) what it is today.
Oh, btw, Zen Habits has been about simplifying and slowing down from the beginning — I have some early posts about slowing down, eating slower, doing nothing, and the like that many people have missed. However, I definitely think my writing has been changing focus, as my philosophy has inevitably changed over the last couple of years. I would hate to stop growing — I hope it changes two years from now as well!
Again, thanks Lisis, and thanks everyone!
Aww… Leo, now you’re gonna make my cry! Soooo nice of you to stop by our gathering of Leo devotees. This is right up there with Johnny Depp showing up at Comic Con to greet his fans! If you could see and hear my readers (all six of them), you’d know they were screaming and chanting your name.
I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying your current vibe and philosophy, and I’m certain it will continue to evolve. I suppose if it didn’t, things would get mighty stagnant, wouldn’t they?
Not that you don’t hear it enough, but… you’ve done an amazing job with Zen Habits and completely redefined what is possible with a Personal Development blog.
Thank YOU for being a fantastic role model!