Zen Habits Podcast

How can we navigate creative projects when faced with major challenges, resistance, and fear of failure?

In this bonus episode, Leo is joined by Fearless Living Academy member Craig Maloney for an inspiring conversation on how to overcome obstacles in creative endeavors, and the importance of tapping into joy as a driving force to craft meaningful experiences.

Topics Covered

• Craig's personal journey in game development and creativity
• Overcoming resistance and self-doubt when starting and sustaining creative work
• Balancing health issues and creative pursuits
• The psychological barriers and doubts that creators often encounter
• The transformative power of integrating fear and resistance into the creative process
• Striving to create meaningful and joyful experiences for oneself and others
• The significance of embracing discomfort and pushing beyond comfort zones
• Balancing multiple passions and focusing on one at a time
• The importance of remembering the original inspiration and purpose behind projects
• The practice of self-reflection and journaling in self-improvement

Resources

• Craig's blog (decafbad.net)
• Pepper & Carrot website

Connect with Leo

Zen Habits

Youtube channel

X (Twitter)

Instagram

Zen Habits Facebook Group

Tiktok channel

Email: [email protected]

Resources

The Fearless Living Academy

Credits

Music composition: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

Editor: Justin Cruz

As creators, we often find ourselves entangled in a web of indecision, perfectionism, and self-doubt, which prevents us from fully unlocking our creative potential. To liberate ourselves, we need to embrace the unknown, confronting and accepting the risks of failure, judgment, and feelings of inadequacy. But how can we transform our fear of the unknown into a playground of creativity and discovery?

In this episode, we explore the challenges and fears that hold us back from stepping into the unknown of our creative projects, and how adopting a stance of playful curiosity can lead us to unexpected discoveries. We examine how fear, resistance, and the quest for a "safe middle ground" affect our creative journeys and introduce the archetype of The Fool as a guiding principle in creative exploration.

Join me as we explore how the practice of stepping boldly into the unknown, armed with curiosity and a sense of adventure, can transform the creative process into a journey of self-discovery and meaningful expression.

Topics Covered

• The importance of exploring the unknown in creative projects
• Confronting and understanding the fears that prevent us from creative exploration
• The archetype of The Fool as a metaphor for embracing uncertainty and risk in creativity
• Overcoming indecision, perfectionism, and the fear of judgement
• The illusion of a "safe middle ground" in creativity and its pitfalls
• The role of curiosity, play, and adventure in transforming the creative process
• Adopting The Fool stance in creative endeavors
• Choosing a stand and stepping into the unknown with confidence and purpose

Transcript

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Connect with Leo

Zen Habits

Youtube channel

X (Twitter)

Instagram

Zen Habits Facebook Group

Tiktok channel

Email: [email protected]

Resources

The Fearless Living Academy

Fearless Mastery

Credits

Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

Editor: Justin Cruz

Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro & Amanda Goddard

Fear often keeps us from diving into what we really care about, nudging us to play it safe instead. But this safety net leaves us feeling like we haven't accomplished much. Ironically, avoiding fear just makes us feel worse about ourselves. But here's the twist: we can change that narrative. We have the power to use fear to make us stronger and help us grow.

In this coaching session, I team up with Dave, a psychologist with a passion for music. Together, we'll dive into how fear prevents us from pursuing our dreams. We'll examine how avoiding fear can make us feel unfulfilled and doubt ourselves. But most importantly, we'll reveal how we can break free from this cycle.

This conversation isn’t just about conquering fear; it's about understanding it, facing its challenges, and using it as a tool for growth. We'll delve into the complexities of fear, self-belief, and the courage needed to pursue our creative aspirations.

Topics Covered

• Acknowledging the impact of fear on actions and decision-making
• Understanding avoidance and its effects on personal fulfillment
• Examining fear narratives and patterns influencing behavior and self-perception
• Exploring the discomfort stemming from avoiding fear in creative pursuits
• Strategies for breaking free from the cycle of fear and self-doubt
• Using fear as a tool for personal growth and resilience
• The significance of self-trust in overcoming fear and doubt
• The interplay between fear, self-belief, and creative aspirations
• Cultivating resilience through a newfound understanding of fear's dynamics

Dave's Resources

• FunkyDrDave - Instagram

Transcript

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Connect with Leo

Zen Habits

Youtube channel

X (Twitter)

Instagram

Zen Habits Facebook Group

Tiktok channel

Email: [email protected]

Resources

The Fearless Living Academy

Credits

Music: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

Editor: Justin Cruz

Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro & Amanda Goddard

Procrastination can feel like an endless battle, one that we keep trying to win through discipline and force. We push ourselves harder, use stricter schedules, or employ rigid systems, only to find ourselves falling back into the same patterns. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that procrastination is simply about lacking motivation or willpower, but the roots run deeper.

In this episode, we explore the true nature of procrastination, examining its roots in fear, uncertainty, and avoidance. I guide you through understanding why we often resist tasks that challenge our sense of self and how this resistance impacts our productivity. By diving into mindful techniques and practical strategies, you’ll discover ways to address the emotions that hold you back and build habits that support your intentions.

Join me as we uncover the power of self-compassion in overcoming procrastination and learn how to turn resistance into a tool for growth and productivity.

Topics Covered

• Understanding the roots of procrastination
• The role of fear and uncertainty in triggering procrastination
• How procrastination is linked to self-identity and ego
• Mindful techniques for recognizing and addressing resistance
• The limitations of using discipline and force
• Strategies for breaking tasks into manageable chunks
• The importance of self-compassion
• Building habits that promote consistent action and reduce avoidance
• Accountability techniques to stay focused and motivated
• How to restart with a fresh mindset after a setback

Transcript

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Explore Zen Habits

Zen Habits Blog

Fearless Living Academy

Fearless Mastery

Coaching with Leo

Connect with Leo

YouTube channel

Instagram

X (Twitter)

Facebook

Email: [email protected]

Credits

Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

Editor: Justin Cruz

Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro

At the heart of every challenge lies the potential for innovation, unity, and profound personal growth. Music, with its boundless capacity to express, heal, and unite, offers a unique vantage point on life's challenges.

This week I have the privilege to be joined by Linda McIntyre, a composer, conductor, and pioneer at the forefront of using music as a transformative force to bring light to the shadows of Parkinson's disease. Her work with the New Voice Choir not only showcases the transformative power of music but also the strength found in community and shared experiences.

In this episode, we uncover the layers of Linda's mission, diving into the relationship between music and wellness, the communal strength born from shared vulnerability, and the transformative journey of turning adversity into art. We explore the nuances of creating a safe, nurturing space where music serves as both a bridge and a destination, inviting us to consider the broader implications of artistic expression as a form of therapy and celebration.

Join us as we tune into the melodies of resilience, exploring how creativity, when fueled by love and resilience, can transcend personal challenges, and inspire collective healing and joy.

Topics Covered

• The interplay of music and healing in Parkinson's management
• Building community and support through choir participation
• Harnessing personal challenges as fuel for creative expression
• The transformative journey from individual struggle to collective strength
• The role of creativity in enhancing physical and mental well-being
• Adapting artistic practices for inclusivity and accessibility
• The importance and value of routine in sustaining creative projects
• Navigating the challenges of leadership and inspiration in therapeutic settings
• Music as a bridge between personal experience and communal healing
• The impact of collaborative art on overcoming societal stigmas

Transcript

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Linda's Bio & Resources

Linda is an award-winning composer, arranger, teacher, director, & performer – just an all-round muso, really! More recently, her PhD candidature has been added to the mix with the aim of producing a portfolio of new music based on a narrative of lived trauma.

As a composer with Parkinson’s, Linda is in a unique position to record a case study within her PhD, evaluating the impacts of Parkinson’s disease on her deepest levels of mathematical creativity across a period of years. Some surprising reverse developments have already come to light within this process!

She is the co-founder & musical director of New Voice Choir (NVC), a group that celebrates people with Parkinson’s and their supporters.

The combining of music composition with Parkinson’s, teaching, and the uplifting NVC community has become an abiding passion for Linda.

• NVC’s website: www.newvoicechoir.org.au
• Video: Fighting Parkinson’s the Musical Way

Zen Habits Resources

The Fearless Living Academy

Fearless Mastery

Connect with Leo

Zen Habits

Youtube channel

X (Twitter)

Instagram

Zen Habits Facebook Group

Tiktok channel

Email: [email protected]

Credits

Music: Salem Beladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

Editor: Justin Cruz

Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro & Amanda Goddard