Practicing with Zero
- Details
- Written by Leo Babauta

When we’re creating a habit — say, meditation or practicing a language — we often try to encourage ourselves by creating an unbroken streak.
100 straight days of meditation! 30 straight days of practicing Chinese!
These are amazing accomplishments, and we should let ourselves feel encouraged when we have consistency like this.
However, what happens when the streak is broken? When the streak goes down to a Big Zero?
This can be incredibly discouraging, and we then often want to give up.
However, even more powerful than the consistency of a streak is what I call Practicing with Zero.
When we fall off the plan, when the streak is broken, when we don’t do the morning routine we like … this is when many of us hit the “Ah screw it” moment. (aka the “Fuck It” moment)
It’s like, “Ah well, I blew it, I might as well just give up and blow it even more!” It’s as if we’re happy to throw away all of our gains because we had a moment that didn’t go well.
What if the “Fuck It” moment could be turned into a “Dust myself off and start again” moment?
Every time we missed a day, we would just start again.
We would let go of whatever we thought our streak was, whatever we were hoping for … and simply take the smallest next step.
This is Practicing with Zero.
When we stumble, Practicing with Zero is simply taking a breath, and righting ourselves.
When things aren’t going according to plan, Practicing with Zero is simply pausing, and deciding how we want to proceed from here. With intention.
Consistency and things going to plan are amazing. Practicing with what happens when things fall apart — that’s probably the most powerful thing we can learn.
© 2021 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved.
Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!
Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below!
Latest Articles
Dive into the Mystical World of the Crystal Wind Oracle Deck!
Get All the Enchanting Details Now!
NEW Expanded Boxed Edition!
Now with 58 Cards for Richer Wisdom!
Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!
Epilepsy - Finding A Cure
Your donation can make a difference!
Help us find a cure – donate now!
Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!
Follow Us!
Featured This Month
Cancer Mythology
The Mythology of Cancer: A Celestial Tale of Loyalty and Sacrifice Among th... Read more
Egyptian Zodiac/Astrology
Egyptian astrology was one of the earliest forms of astrology. The Egyptians w... Read more
Chalcedony
The Stone Of Orators Chalcedony was very popular as a decorative stone in ant... Read more
Lammas by The Hedgewitch
Although in the heat of a Mid-western summer it might be difficult to discer... Read more
Abalone Shell
Echos Of The Ancestors Abalone strengthens the structure of the body and th... Read more
Sun in Cancer
Cancer Sun Sign Characteristics Overview The name "Cancer" comes from Latin, ... Read more
Lugh - Celtic God Of The Sun
The god Lugh was worshiped in Ireland as a deity of the sun. This connection... Read more