Zen Habits Update (with a Best of April 2008)

Hi guys … as you’ve noticed, I haven’t been posting as much in the last couple weeks. I will be posting a bit more this week but thought I’d update you on what’s been going on so you know I’m still alive. :)

First, I have been working hard on finishing my book … it’s going well, although slower than I’d anticipated, and I’m finishing it up this week and next. That’s been taking up a lot of my time, obviously, but I’m excited to have a completed book!

Second, I had a bit of a family medical situation. It’s nothing serious, but it did take away from my blogging time. It’s pretty much resolved now and everything is fine, so please don’t worry. Life throws little speed bumps in your way once in awhile. :)

Third, I’ve really increased my exercise recently and am training for a triathlon. I’ll post more about my training and progress very soon. But with increased training has come decreased time for everything else.

The result of these three things has been less time and focus for my blogging, which I am beginning to miss desperately. So you’ll see me writing here more and more, especially after I finish my book. I’d like to thank you all for your patience!

New Blog Network

In other news, Zen Habits has joined the 9Rules blog network (see the logo at the bottom of my sidebar to the right). This won’t mean much for regular readers, except that you can always click on the logo and check out a bunch of other great blogs. Seriously, there are some good ones there, but be warned: it can be addicting.

For Zen Habits this just means that more people will have a chance to see my content, which is always a good thing. While I’m not focused on growing my readership in leaps and bounds at this point, I’m always happy to find new friends.

New Venture

One last thing that’s been taking up my time is a new venture I should be announcing in the next week, in partnership with a close blogging friend. I can’t give details just yet but I’m excited about it and think that it will help many people in the same way that Zen Habits has, sharing useful information that works.

Best of Zen Habits, April 2008

April was obviously a slower month than usual, but we still had some good posts you might have missed. Here are the best from April:

Also see (this is a great way to go back through the archives):

Zen Habits Update (with a Best of April 2008)

New Blog Network

New Venture

Best of Zen Habits, April 2008

April was obviously a slower month than usual, but we still had some good posts you might have missed. Here are the best from April:

Also see (this is a great way to go back through the archives):

Posted on 7 May 2008 in Aboutzenhabits |
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Comments (53)

Patrick Says:

May 7th, 2008, 3:10 am

Hey Leo, good to hear from you! I did a quarter wintertriatlon couple of years ago (running 10 km, cycling 40 km, speedskating 20 km). It was fun to do. Good luck with your training!!

Andrew is getting fit Says:

May 7th, 2008, 3:20 am

Looking forward to hearing about your new venture.

Kacper Says:

May 7th, 2008, 3:32 am

I have to check this 9rules Network. I hope I won’t get addicted:)
Good to read that everything is ok with medical issues.

Farfield Says:

May 7th, 2008, 3:34 am

Good to hear. I’m curious what your new venture will be and what it will bring Zen Habits!
And I just started thinking about writing a ‘best of’ post every month for my own blog. Might be a good plan!

Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map Says:

May 7th, 2008, 3:37 am

It sure seems like you’ve got a lot in store, accounting for your fewer posts here. I’ll be glad to check out 9 Rules Network and read the great content there!!

Take care!!

Jeff - ScienceSays.net Says:

May 7th, 2008, 3:41 am

Thanks for the update! Been wondering what you were up to, and it all sounds like good things.

Ryan McLean Says:

May 7th, 2008, 4:02 am

I have been wondering where you have been. While you have been doing barely any blogging I have been blogging my guts out. Not just content, but spending time really updating my page so I can give my readers the best possible experience.
I am glad that you are back and will be posting a lot more because I hang out for it. Also I am very excited to see what this joint venture will look like with you and your partner…only good things to come for zenhabits by the sound of it…and therefore only more good things to come for me!

Leslie Says:

May 7th, 2008, 4:17 am

Hey great to hear your success, I really hope the book is a big winner - you have worked hard here over the last year.

Nik Says:

May 7th, 2008, 4:20 am

Dear Leo,

I’d like to thank you for the great inspiration at so many levels!

I’m teaching a new media production course at Jacobs University Bremen and your success story was one of the case studies I we covered.

There is already one student who’s registered a site and is hoping to be blogging professionally in the near future.

The more people we help get our of the rat race, the better!

Thanks again for your support, Leo, and the very best of luck with your book!

Lots of love from Bremen, Germany

Scott Says:

May 7th, 2008, 4:29 am

Thank you for posting this great round up of best features. It’s a good chance to explore some of the good bits that could’ve been missed. Looking forward to hearing what’s in store in the future ;-)
Good luck!

The Daily Minder Says:

May 7th, 2008, 5:03 am

Ah the ‘best of’ list. The sick bloggers refuge!

Nice to see you are okay Leo!

The Daily Minder

Anna Says:

May 7th, 2008, 5:37 am

Venture news is quite interesting :)
Looking forward to hearing more on new projects of yours

Very best wishes on your book :)

Chris Says:

May 7th, 2008, 5:55 am

Hi Leo,

Hope your family member / child gets better soon. All the best with your triathlon.

Jeniffer Says:

May 7th, 2008, 5:58 am

I’ll bet that book is going to be great. When will it be available in stores?
Good to hear family medical situation is ok.
Great to see you’re back.
All the best with the new venture!

Flint Says:

May 7th, 2008, 6:51 am

Hi Leo,
I hope whoever is ill has a speedy and complete recovery, and good luck with the last stretch of your book and your triathlon training. We’ll all hold out for a bit longer while you get your house in order, looking forward to the eventual pick up in posts though :)

Charlie Says:

May 7th, 2008, 7:07 am

Hi Leo,

Sorry about your family medical situation but I am glad to see it is resolved. I am pleased to see that you are taking your training to another level. I am a triathlete too, having just taken my training to that level last year. I live in a cold climate so it’s tough to train all year long but here’s kinda what I do now for training, now that it’s a little warmer out.

My situation is a bit unique, probably, but for at least three days of my workweek I will get up at 5am to do my 6-10 mile run. Then, after a shower and a bite to eat, I will actually bike to work…difficult for you folks who work from home, true….and then on my lunch, I can use the downtown pool (swimming is BY FAR my weakest event). Then I obviously bike home from work. So, at least I am getting in some training on those days. For two other days of the week I will try to do some bricks, or swim drills etc.

I am by no means a competitive triathlete, but I really enjoy doing it and it keeps me healthy. My challenge isn’t the training, it’s starting a maintaining a blog. With that, and family matters, I can completely see how you are running out of time. It will be interesting to see how you can balance it. Most triathletes I know work out on average for two hours a day. Take Care!

Jeff Says:

May 7th, 2008, 7:59 am

Leo - Best of luck on the triathlon training! I got started on tri’s last summer and ended up doing 6 sprints. I’ll be doing 7 this summer. They are a blast. Look forward to posts on your progress!

Daniel Says:

May 7th, 2008, 8:49 am

Sounds like everything is going well - which is all we can really ask for! Life happens, it’s important to be there, in the now, when it does!

texafornia Says:

May 7th, 2008, 9:16 am

I just did an off-road triathlon on Sunday. 400 meter swim in a lake, 9 miles of mountain biking, 3 miles of trail running. It was very “earthy” and oh so zen.

B Smith @ Wealth and Wisdom Says:

May 7th, 2008, 9:23 am

Leo-welcome back. It sounds like you’ve been busy! You were smart enough to realize that something had to give. I wish we could all be that wise.

Dr. Bardou Says:

May 7th, 2008, 11:32 am

“so you know I’m still alive.”
Ha-ha, good joke! :) But we know that you are alive, and wish you to live for a long time, up to 100 years. :)

Vered - MomGrind Says:

May 7th, 2008, 11:34 am

I am always happy to be reminded that bloggers, even top bloggers, do have life outside of blogging. I think it’s encouraging. It puts things in perspective.

Glad you are all well.

Ali Says:

May 7th, 2008, 12:04 pm

Go Leo Go!

SpaceAgeSage Says:

May 7th, 2008, 12:50 pm

I have a book I need to finish as well, and blogging does take a lot of time, energy, and creativity, so I can understand! Nice to read that the bumps are smoothing out for you.

banji - LessonInLife Says:

May 7th, 2008, 13:17 pm

Speed bumps of life.. that will make a good entry :)

Anyway, I wish you all the best in all your projects. If there is one person to be able to balance out things, it is you.

Don’t forget to have fun

Frugal Dad Says:

May 7th, 2008, 13:54 pm

Thanks for keeping us posted, and glad to hear the medical issue is behind you and your family. Looking forward to the announcement on your new venture!

Chris Austria Says:

May 7th, 2008, 14:17 pm

Leo– You’ve piqued my interest with this new venture that you are talking about. Also, I’m looking forward to your triathlon training updates.

I’m glad that everything’s ok now with your family medical emergency. I guess this the reason why your blog is so authentic. You live it!

VIOLINTIDE Says:

May 7th, 2008, 14:22 pm

Good luck with the triathlon training! I’ve been trying to step up my own workouts as well!

Jay - Ready, Set, Change! Says:

May 7th, 2008, 14:58 pm

It’s like the bloggers answer to a clip show. And well worth it to stoke the fires of creativity!

Muscle Post Says:

May 7th, 2008, 15:04 pm

Excited to hear about your new venture! I really enjoy reading your blog and find some of the best information here. Thanks so much!

Jeff@My Super-Charged Life Says:

May 7th, 2008, 15:32 pm

Looking forward to your book and the announcement about your new venture. It will also be great when you get the time to start posting more frequently. I miss reading your articles!

Timo Says:

May 7th, 2008, 15:36 pm

Good luck for your triathlon contest! I entered my first race ever last summer (sprint race) and I was instantly hooked! This summer I’m attending to the Olympic Distance race + some other races as well.

Anyway, good luck for you and once you cross the finish line, the feeling is awesome :)

Satya Says:

May 7th, 2008, 16:40 pm

Hi Leo!

you’re too hard on yourself! I think you need some serious Rest. I think i can speak for all your fans in saying we’d all still love you even if - God forbid - you took a month of more off from blogging… not that we wouldn’t miss you though! (look at Tina Su - she took off for three months, and last i checked her site i think her subscriber numbers were higher than ever…speaking of which isn’t she coming back soon…?)

anyway, i will blame you for a lot of sleepless nights as of late - since you’ve always been a big inspiration for me in building my website as a blog, and taking my growing love of writing to the next level…

so check it out and i hope you enjoy it anywhere near as much as i do

hugs,
Satya

http://thehappinessproject.com
~May all beings be Eternally Happy~

Piankeshaw Says:

May 7th, 2008, 17:00 pm

Hi. Leo!! Glad things are getting back to normal. I have to admit, I missed the blog. I’m also glad that you have resolved to become a triathlete.

One caveat, however: the sport of triathlon can take over your life completely. With three sports to train for it can really be a serious demand on your time. My first Ironman nearly cost me my marriage and my job. Have an attitude of doing it just for fun and it will be much more rewarding. Family always comes first.

Just passing along some hard-earned lessons. My times are slower, but I enjoy the sport more today.

Leo Says:

May 7th, 2008, 17:09 pm

Thank you everyone for the kind thoughts and the well wishes and the continued encouragement! It’s very much appreciated.

The tri training is going great! I’m really loving it. I’ll blog about it soon. And yes, I’m addicted. :)

Miss Gisele B. Says:

May 8th, 2008, 0:18 am

Leo,

You are very busy and that’s very good for you and for us your readers because there is so much more to learn.

Congratulations on the triathlon and I cannot wait to learn more about this new joint venture.

April is pass now and let’s welcome a busy and fruitful May 2008!

Miss Gisele B.

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

May 8th, 2008, 1:22 am

Good to hear you’re keeping well!

Andre Says:

May 8th, 2008, 5:47 am

Wow, book’s almost done! I was wondering why updates have been rather infrequent. My mornings just aren’t the same without my regular dose of ZH.

Glad to hear things are going well with your endeavors. Well, good health to you and your family. :)

Marsello - feedbacksecrets.com Says:

May 8th, 2008, 7:33 am

Congrats on your partnership and best wishes for your book, when is it going to launch by the way?

Tim Brownson Says:

May 8th, 2008, 7:37 am

Much gnashing of teeth. I just clicked through to the 9rules site and I have missed the 3 month deadline by 7 hours!!!

Is that bad luck, bad karma or just that I have bad breath!

Glad things are ok Leo!

Chica Dificil Says:

May 8th, 2008, 11:47 am

Looking forward to hearing about your triathalon training. After running 2 marathons (half; full), I considered a triathalon for a brief moment until I realized that I DON’T OWN A BIKE & I’m NOT A VERY GOOD SWIMMER. lol

Good luck! I’ll live vicariously thru you!!

http://chicadificil.com/

Greg Bassett Says:

May 8th, 2008, 12:30 pm

I’m looking forward to reading about your triathlon experiences! What triathlon are you currently training for?

Kim Says:

May 8th, 2008, 12:36 pm

Leo,

Wow, looks like you took the getting healthy thing really seriously!

I’m training for a triathlon too. My first. There’s a great site http://www.beginnertriathlete.com where you can log your training, read great articles & get tips from those who’ve been there. I love the site…check it out & see what you think.

Love your blog, it’s one of my favorite feeds.

Kristin Park Says:

May 8th, 2008, 17:41 pm

Please keep me updated on your book and the triathlon. I’ve done a few marathons and always wanted to try a triathlon, but just haven’t taken the time and energy to focus and train for one. I’d love to hear about your training experience and what you’re doing.

Best,
Kristin

Jacko Says:

May 8th, 2008, 20:52 pm

Hey bro, pull your self together and stop wallowing in self-pity.

Cheers

MrAchievement.com (Stanley Bronstein) Says:

May 9th, 2008, 11:47 am

Writing a book takes a lot of time and effort. I’m sure you’ll get it done and it will be a nice piece of work when finished.

MrAchievement
Stanley Bronstein
Attorney, CPA, Author, Blogger & Professional Motivational Speaker

Dane Says:

May 10th, 2008, 20:04 pm

Hey Leo,

Just wanted to say that I love reading ZenHabits, and you actually inspired me to start my own blog…. http://www.imdane.com/blog . Keep up the good work, and I look forward to that book!

Dane

MrAchievement.com (Stanley Bronstein) Says:

May 11th, 2008, 20:29 pm

Leo, I am attempting to contact you about interviewing you for my next book on the subject of highly successful individuals and you have so many safeguards in place, it is hard to contact you.

IF you think it is worth your effort to investigate it, please feel free to contact me via the information provided.

While I think you are highly qualified, your safeguards make it so difficult to contact you that it is causing MAJOR problems.

MrAchievement
Stanley Bronstein
Attorney, CPA, Author, Blogger & Professional Motivational Speaker

John Elar Says:

May 12th, 2008, 10:19 am

i wanted to say that i love this blog and everything its on it. Hope you be more successfully in the future

Herdi Says:

May 12th, 2008, 11:41 am

Wow Leo, Thank you so much. You’ve been a great inspiration to this 3rd world citizen whom is in pursuit of freedom from the 9 to 5 paradigm. Thanks again. :)

phraedus Says:

May 12th, 2008, 21:23 pm

My wishes for a quick recovery.

Two suggestions: First, make your triathlon training open to the zenhabits readers, which is a technique you previously published.

Second: In regards to the venture with the other blogger, how can you facilitate your readers to help you with that work?
Eg. Could you publish your book as a wiki, and have people add suggestions for you, before you eventually publish? Something similar to that.

oakling Says:

May 14th, 2008, 17:47 pm

will we soon be seeing some list of Ten Ways To Stop Looking At 9Rules Blogs When You Have Stuff To Do? :)

Leo Says:

May 25th, 2008, 23:04 pm

@phraedus: Great suggestions! I do have a training blog (see http://leoruns.wordpress.com/) to help open my training up to others. I’ll give your other suggestion some thought — it’s an interesting idea!

@oakling: lol! Great article idea. :)

Thanks for the comments everyone!