Find Your Own Zen with Leo Babauta

October 17, 2008

Leo Babauta is possibly one of the busiest men in the blogoshphere. His blog ZenHabits.net boasts a whopping 74,200 subscribers as of today. He’s environmentally friendly, has six (yes 6) children, loves to run marathons, eats mostly fruits and veggies, and is my personal inspiration for change. Leo has drastically changed his life for the better since 2005, and teaches others that life habits can be relearned. (With Leo and Havi in my feed reader cheering me on, I honestly believe I can change my world.) If you want a terrific example of Leo’s writing, he wrote a truly phenomenal post for Blog Action Day.

As if life change motivator wasn’t enough to qualify Leo for the blogger extraordinaire category, he’s a genuinely down to earth nice guy. Despite his crazy schedule, he was one of the first bloggers to respond to my request for a mini-interview, and he didn’t hesitate to agree even though I’m sure he was thinking, “Jamie, who?” Thanks Leo for participating and being so kind.

Enough with the warm fuzzies. Let the Zen picking begin, shall we?

What writing habits do you practice daily?

First, I try to make a regular time to write, every single day — that habit ensures that I write a lot. I also make my writing come before administrative tasks, because if I don’t the writing will get pushed back. Writing is the single most important thing I do in my work, so it gets top priority.

What is your process for improving your writing?

My writing is mostly about finding my voice. When I can do that, I’ve succeeded. Often that means removing things that are getting in the way of my voice, but most often it’s just a matter of listening to that voice in my head and allowing that to come out on paper. I strive to do that every day, and when I fail, I try to figure out why.

I also listen a lot to my readers. That’s what I love about blogging — in no other form of writing can you get such instant and direct feedback, from a group of interested readers. They call me on it when I’m not putting my soul into my writing, and they let me know when I’ve done well. That’s invaluable feedback for a writer.

Lastly, I read a lot. I read fiction, non-fiction, blogs, magazines and more. And the more I read, the better I get.

What books or blog posts have influenced the mechanics and heart of your writing the most?

There are way too many to name. I’ve been influenced by so many great writers, from Fitzgerald to Vonnegut to Hemingway to Shakespeare to Nick Hornby and Ann Patchett and Douglas Adams and Jonathan Lethem and William Gibson and Haruki Murakami. Even among my favorite bloggers, I couldn’t choose just a few … but some of the bloggers who’ve been most influential include Gina and Adam of Lifehacker, J.D. Roth of Get Rich Slowly, Dooce and Darren Rowse of Problogger. I have many more favorite bloggers and authors — it’s too hard to name them.

A blogger that admits to listening to his readers~ you can’t get much more genuine than that. I think that statement alone is sage advice for all of us. Thanks again, Leo for letting us peer into your well organized and healthy mind, and thanks for inspiring us all to live better.

Leo has written a couple of amazing eBooks to help you in your business, and your personal life.
Click here to find out more about Zen to Done: the Simple Productivity eBook.

Click here to find out more about The Zen Habits Handbook for Life.

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Posted by Jamie | Filed Under Blogging

Comments

Jamie Simmerman

Marelisa, you know, I agree. I really think that comes through in his writing and people just instantly lke and trust him. That's pretty powerful.

Writer Dad, I know. I about fell off my chair when he agreed to the interview! :)
Writer Dad

If it hadn't been for Leo, I might not have started Writer Dad. The simple fact that he build such a wide audience, based on the strength of his voice, made me believe that I might be able to do the same. His writing is so clean, it reads like it's been freshly squeegeed.

<abbr>Writer Dad´s last spectacular blog post..Forty Days and Forty Nights</abbr>
Marelisa

Hi Jamie: Leo does seem to be a genuinely nice guy, I think that probably has a lot do with his success.

<abbr>Marelisa´s last spectacular blog post..Eradicating Poverty Through Human Ingenuity - Blog Action Day 2008</abbr>
Jamie Simmerman

You're welcome, my friend. A nap sounds really terrific right about now. Anyone have sleeping powder for my kids? ;)
Oktober Five

That's what I'm talking about! You made me laugh, if only on the inside. Thank you.
Jamie Simmerman

Hi DC, Leo really does know the ins and outs of personal growth. Plus he's actually lived/i> what he writes, so that makes a big difference. I'm glad you enjoyed the post.

Oktober, Leo does have a wealth of knowledge to draw from. I agree that it shows in his writing. I like that. And you officially have my permission for a nap, just don't expect a lullaby~ I can't sing. :)
Oktober Five

I think you paid him off.

Just kidding. I really like Leo's writing, although sometimes I get lost in the occasionally long post. He's not kidding when he says he reads a lot; and I think that attributes to the fact that he has a lot to say.

Let's see . . .today I read this blog post and 3 others. I think I'm good. Time for a nap.
dcrelief

Thank you Jamie for sharing this particular blog site. It is in the directon I have been looking to support. Thank you for also sharing your daily "habits" and tips.
Most sincerely,
dc relief

<abbr>dcrelief´s last spectacular blog post..I am my words (version 2)</abbr>