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The Life of Zero

Brian Stucki

Brian Stucki

— 2 min read

In an ironic approach on accomplishment, I try to live a life of zero:

  • Zero red dots
  • Zero debts owed
  • Zero broken promises
  • Zero inbox items
  • Zero physical addictions
  • Zero past due tasks
  • Zero unreturned messages
  • Zero desktop clutter (virtual or physical)
  • Zero Oreo flavors untasted

It’s not that responsibilities don’t land in these places. I just find that any delay in completing them adds to the stress of my life. Until it is complete, it is a weight to carry. Or as I've read before, "procrastination is an unwholesome blend of doubt and delay."

Keeping an empty plate (literally with the Oreos) allows for a mind free to ponder and time available for new experience.

An Invite to Examine

A tree of solitude - Lake Titicaca

Last month, I heard a talk that was quoting a previous talk about productive activities for the Christmas season. It listed a number of good ideas like "Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child."

But one stuck out to me the most:

Examine your demands on others.

I've never thought to do this, but for a 2026 resolution, this will definitely be added to my quest for The Life of Zero™. (Not actually trademarked but the little letters make it look so official. Perhaps soon.)

Of course, not all interdependence is bad. As I've written before, "individuals who feel comfortable depending on other people actually become more capable, confident, and dependent." True joy is being able to see a need and fill a need.

Rather, I think the admonition is to identify your burdensome demands on others and see how you can decrease those. For instance:

  • habitual tardiness is a burden on the time of others
  • a constant need for praise or apology can be draining for people who care about you
  • being easily offended/angered makes for shallow conversation
  • clear, rinse, and load your own dishes
  • don't wait on others to push forward the friendship. Make the plan.

The beauty of this invite to examine oneself is that the very act removes the burden for others to have to do it for you. You succeed simply by starting.

Here's to zero burdensome demands on others in the coming year.

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