What Did Leo Babauta Change First?

In 2005, Leo Babauta was overweight, in debt, a smoker, living in Guam with six kids and a life that felt like it was running him.

He didn't fix everything at once. He changed one thing.

He started running. Just that. Not the debt, not the cigarettes, not the diet, not the stress. Just: run today.

Then later he quit smoking. One thing. Then he paid off debt. One thing. Then he started writing — first a blog to document the changes, then books, then a readership in the millions.

He calls his blog 'Zen Habits.' But his real subject isn't Zen. It's this: you can't do everything, so stop trying to. Do the one thing. Do it well. Let it compound.

He later did something unusual: he removed the copyright from everything he'd ever written. Anyone could share it, use it, reprint it, for free. He said it felt lighter.

The whole philosophy in one move: let go of what you're gripping. Start with one thing. Then let it go too.