Around this time of year, people begin making New Year’s resolutions. They are invariably doomed to failure for the same reason most diets don’t work: One-offs fail to change the underlying habits and beliefs that drive our daily behaviors.
That is why I found this list of Zen Habits by Leo Babauta so enchanting. The full run with an explanation for each bullet point is found at his blog Zen Habits and is posted under the title Handbook for Life.
Here are the 52 suggestions for a happier and more productive New Year:
- Try rising early.
- Do less.
- Slow down.
- Practice patience.
- Practice compassion.
- Find your passion.
- Lose weight.
- Exercise.
- Eat healthy.
- Meditate.
- Get organized.
- Think positive.
- Simplify your finances.
- Simplify your life.
- Accept what you have.
- Envision your ultimate life.
- Set long-term goals.
- Review goals.
- Life mission.
- Plan your big tasks for week and day.
- Maintain focus.
- Enjoy the journey.
- Create a morning and evening routine.
- Develop intimate relationships.
- Eliminate debt.
- Enjoy the simple pleasures.
- Empty your inbox and clear your desk.
- Build an emergency fund.
- Keep a journal.
- Use the power of others.
- Read, and read to your kids.
- Limit your information intake.
- Create simple systems.
- Take time to decompress after stress.
- Be present.
- Develop equanimity.
- Spend time with family and loved ones.
- Pick yourself up when you’re down.
- Don’t compare yourself to others.
- Focus on benefits, not difficulties.
- Be romantic.
- Lose arguments.
- Get into the flow.
- Single-task.
- Be frugal.
- Start small and slow.
- Learn to deal with detractors.
- Go outdoors.
- Retire early.
- Savor the little things.
- Be lazy.
- Help others.
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Source:
Handbook for Life: 52 Tips for Happiness and Productivity
Zen Habits, by Leo Babauta
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