Something Beautiful

12 Zen Habits posts

These classic Zen Habits posts are really worthwhile.

Here, for example, is the author on the relationship between focus and goals -

. . . focus is the most important determination of whether you’ll achieve a goal or stick to creating a new habit. Not self-discipline, not rewards, not sheer willpower, not even motivation . . . . If you can maintain your focus on a goal or habit, you will more often than not achieve that goal or create that habit. (Focus)

And on the Four Steps for organizing any part of your home, office or even life -

1. Collect everything in one place.
2. Choose the essential.
3. Eliminate the rest.
4. Organize the remaining stuff neatly and nicely. (Four steps)

Contentment

Another truly excellent post from Zen Habits, this one on Living a life of contentment.

The author begins with this exhortation from Thich Nhat Hanh -

Whatever the tasks,
do them slowly, with ease, in mindfulness,
do not do any tasks with the goal of getting them over with.
Resolve to each job in a relaxed way, with all your attention.

He then gives 17 rules which strikes me as too many.

They can, however, be reduced to two main rules and a handful of corollaries. The two main rules are:

     * Focus on what's truly important to you;
         let the rest go.
     * Go slowly.