This article was co-authored byGuy Reichardand by wikiHow staff writer,Amber Crain.Guy Reichard is an Executive Life Coach and the Founder of HeartRich Coaching & Training, a professional life coaching and inner leadership training provider based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He works with people to create more meaning, purpose, well-being, and fulfillment in their lives. Guy has over 10 years of personal growth coaching and resilience training experience, helping clients enhance and transform their inner worlds, so they can be a more positive and powerful influence on those they love and lead. He is an Adler Certified Professional Coach (ACPC), and is accredited by the International Coach Federation. He earned a BA in Psychology from York University in 1997 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from York University in 2000.
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You’ve seen the articles and social media posts about people “going monk mode,” but what does that mean? Monk mode refers to a period of deep focus set aside for achieving a specific task or goal. During monk mode, you eliminate all distractions to achieve a heightened state of productivity. If you want to learn more, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll explain how to enter monk mode, go over the benefits and risks, and share productivity tips to help you achieve peak performance.
Monk Mode: Quick Overview
Monk mode is a productivity strategy that involves setting aside a block of time to focus on a specific goal or task without distractions. To get into monk mode, turn off all non-essential tech, set a clear goal, and focus on completing it during a set time. The overall goal is to boost productivity and build self-discipline.
Steps
How to Get into Monk Mode
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Choose a timeframe for your session.The duration of each sprint is completely up to you–it could be hours to weeks or even longer, depending on what you want to accomplish. Consider your goals, workload, and energy levels when choosing how long a sprint should be–remember to be realistic and factor in breaks so you don’t overwork yourself.[14]
- If you have a lot of work to do and limited free time, you may want to do longer sprints whenever you can fit them in. For example, if you have a project to complete and a free weekend coming up, use that for a monk mode sprint.
- If you struggle to concentrate for long stretches, doing frequent shorter sprints might be better. For example, dedicate 1-2 hours a day to monk mode and spread those sprints out over a few weeks. You can complete your project in smaller chunks.
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Set clear goals for each session.Create goals that are specific and measurable so you can work methodically and track your progress. If you have a large goal and limited time for monk mode sprints, break up your work into smaller tasks that you can complete in shorter timeframes. That way, you're constantly completing tasks and whittling away at your larger goal.[15]
- For example, to study for an exam, work in shorter sprints (1-2 hours per day) for a week leading up to the test. For one sprint, your goal might be to review chapter 1 in your textbook and make flashcards. For the next sprint, review the flashcards, then go over chapter 2, making more flashcards along the way.
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Prioritize the tasks required to achieve each goal.Create a schedulefor each monk mode session and allot a specific amount of time for each task. Generally, try to devote the most time and energy to key tasks that get you closer to your goal, but that doesn’t mean ignoring the little things. After scheduling critical tasks, allot some time to knock out the easier stuff. Remember: just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it isn’t time-consuming![16]
- Consider using a technique like the Pomodoro method, where you work in 25-minute increments punctuated by short breaks.[17]
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Schedule short breaks in each monk mode session.Taking breaks during periods of deep focus is key for avoiding burnout. As you’re assigning tasks to time frames, include short breaks (10-15 minutes) throughout the day, especially between the harder tasks. Use that time to grab a snack or a drink, stretch your legs, or get some fresh air. For longer stretches, be sure to schedule in 30 minutes to an hour for meals, as well.[18]
- If you’re planning to go into monk mode for days or weeks, it’s important to schedule in sleep and recovery times, too. Be intentional with your scheduling so you aren’t neglecting your well-being.
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Eliminate all distractions before each session starts.Most people are juggling a steady stream of texts, emails, and notifications every day, and these constant interruptions severely impact productivity. Before a sprint begins, mute your notifications, turn off your cell phone, close unnecessary tabs on your browser, and create a quiet, organized space for yourself. If there are any other distractions you deal with, try to reduce or get rid of them.[19]
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
References
- ↑https://therevealer.org/monk-mode-monastic-living-for-the-digital-age/
- ↑https://www.businessinsider.com/i-tried-monk-mode-productivity-hack-and-hated-it-2023-6
- ↑https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/monk-mode-tiktok-trend-productivity-2277926
- ↑https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embracing-monk-mode-unlocking-your-path-productivity-growth-newsom-rgjzc
- ↑https://emeritus.org/blog/career-monk-mode/
- ↑https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embracing-monk-mode-unlocking-your-path-productivity-growth-newsom-rgjzc
- ↑https://emeritus.org/blog/career-monk-mode/
- ↑https://emeritus.org/blog/career-monk-mode/
- ↑https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/the-new-viral-trend-monk-mode-and-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it
- ↑https://emeritus.org/blog/career-monk-mode/
- ↑https://topresume.com/career-advice/what-is-monk-mode
- ↑https://emeritus.org/blog/career-monk-mode/
- ↑https://topresume.com/career-advice/what-is-monk-mode
- ↑https://topresume.com/career-advice/what-is-monk-mode
- ↑https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embracing-monk-mode-unlocking-your-path-productivity-growth-newsom-rgjzc
- ↑https://topresume.com/career-advice/what-is-monk-mode
- ↑https://emeritus.org/blog/career-monk-mode/
- ↑https://topresume.com/career-advice/what-is-monk-mode
- ↑https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embracing-monk-mode-unlocking-your-path-productivity-growth-newsom-rgjzc
- ↑https://www.betterup.com/blog/productivity-tips
- ↑https://www.betterup.com/blog/productivity-tips
- ↑https://hbr.org/2015/12/9-productivity-tips-from-people-who-write-about-productivity
- ↑https://www.betterup.com/blog/productivity-tips
- ↑https://hbr.org/2015/12/9-productivity-tips-from-people-who-write-about-productivity