Monk Mode by Iman Gadzhi

• Tips and tricks on how to stay focused and avoid distraction while working
• Users suggest writing down wandering thoughts (159 karma)
• Use Site blockers such as Sidekick and Cold Turkey (6 karma)
• Use a short Google Form to get feedback about your focus levels, where you add fields such as “what did you intend to work on,” “what did you actually work on,” and “0-10 how focused were you?” Over time this gave feedback about focus levels (142 karma).
• Use Focusmate, a co-working program that pairs users with someone, gives you accountability and timers (33 karma)
• Quality breaks that should involve mood shifts - laughter, gratitude, compassion, looking at pictures of green spaces, or panoramic views to tap into awe, even looking at cute pics of animals which, believe it or not, has some backing. (33 karma)
• Taking a walk for long breaks, brief exercise
• Cycling focus, where you switch tasks when your focus lapses
• Use Samatha meditation that specifically works on granular focus (33 karma)
• Studies show that you are more creative the less focused you are therefore it is better to divide tasks into Focus and Non-Focus (33 karma)
• Use Pomodoro, short work spurts interspersed by breaks (5 & 9 karma)
• Make a structure to deal with this, like stream of consciousness writing down a series of thoughts about a topic you’re going to write when you’re unfocused. Then wait until you’re focused to structure or edit it.
• Flow state: a state of being where everything is flipped, often when a project is almost complete. In certain cases, it unlocks what feels like unlimited energy and focus where time flows differently, and concentration is sharp.
• Some people suggest practicing Deep Work, where you intentionally work on certain things by shutting off distractions, putting phone on airplane mode, and updating your schedule as soon as there’s any deviation. (33 karma)

• Reddit discussion titled “How can I improve my focus?” on r/productivity
• Original post by a user who is studying and working, but can’t concentrate and feels like they’ve accomplished nothing
• One user suggests joining the r/Productivity Discord server
• Another user recommends Deep Work by Cal Newport
• Users suggest various tips and resources to improve focus, including:
  • Exercise
  • Meditation
    • One user shares their personal meditation routine
  • Juggling
  • Getting tested for ADHD
    • Some users share their personal experiences with ADHD diagnosis
  • Vitamin D3 supplement and Lion’s mane powdered mushrooms for cognitive functioning
  • Gamifying the studying process or taking breaks to do things that you enjoy
  • The Pomodoro Technique
  • Breaking tasks into smaller steps and making task lists
  • Compartmentalizing time to only work during normal business hours
  • The Shree Yantra Meditation
  • Lifestyle modifications such as sleep and aerobic exercise
  • r/nootropics for possible supplements
  • Going out and enjoying yourself
  • Seeing a therapist and taking medication
    • One user mentions their experience with Wellbutrin
  • Atomic Habits by James Clear
  • Having concrete goals, especially SMART goals
  • Going to a nice library
  • Keeping your phone away
  • Practice and forcing yourself to bring your attention back when it drifts
    • One user suggests an app to track time to help with this

• The author is a freelancer who must be able to focus and discipline themselves in order to get paid. They discuss their journey to improve their attention span and focus through various techniques.
• The author stresses the importance of starting small and gradually increasing one’s focus capacity. They equate the ability to focus to a muscle that can be strengthened through practice.
• The author recommends batching tasks together based on difficulty and intensity, as well as creating actionable plans and setting measurable goals.
• The author advocates for working in cycles and taking breaks, as well as separating work and relaxation locations. They recommend using music and meditative tasks to help maintain focus.
• The author also stresses the importance of eliminating distractions, such as through blocking distracting sites and having a minimalist phone.
• Finally, the author encourages keeping track of one’s progress in order to spot patterns and triggers that affect focus and discipline.
• There are several comments from other users, some of whom recommend additional techniques such as listening to study tracks or trying cognitive behavior therapy/brain hacks.

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

• The webpage was written by a person who had suffered from depression for eight years before pulling himself out of a deep hole about two years ago.
• The author suggests that the more one learns about themselves, the better changes they can make in their lives.
• The author recommends five habits: writing in a journal, eating clean and healthy, getting regular exercise, meditating, and setting small daily/weekly goals.
• Writing in a journal helps to understand what the subconscious and conscious mind are feeding a person, allowing them to identify negative behavioral or thought-patterns and work on them.
• Eating clean and healthy foods that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts/seeds/legumes, and lean meats/fish improves body and brain functioning. The author suggests getting enough essential vitamins and minerals that the body can’t produce on its own, such as Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA that are found in fatty fish like salmon. Eating things like cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), berries, dark chocolate (70%+), and green tea (preferably matcha) reduces inflammation and leads to a healthier life. They state that changing their diet led to a life-changing realization – “you are what you eat” and ridding the body of inflammation clears up a ‘foggy lens’ to see the world more clearly.
• Physical activity is necessary for the human body since it has evolved throughout history from hunting, gathering, traveling, and moving. The author recommends practicing an active lifestyle to achieve a longer and healthier life and overcoming depression.
• Meditation can help in getting diaphragmatic breathing which can benefit those who suffer from anxiety. The author suggests that accepting thoughts without judgment can make a person present in every moment. They mention that meditation makes a person patient and compassionate towards oneself.
• The author suggests setting small daily/weekly goals that are easily achievable and abandoning any end goal that one thinks will make them happy. The journey is what matters, and the author recommends writing down daily goals, setting a structure, getting into a routine, developing good habits, and kicking the bad ones.
• The author has received several comments on this Reddit post, thanking them for their inspiring words. A lot of readers shared their thoughts and experiences with the habits recommended by the author.
• One reader mentioned that the mentioned points were deeply rooted in sound psychology and could help a person leave a content life.
• A few readers asked for more details on how the author began with meditation.
• Several readers mentioned that the post was motivating and that

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

• A reddit post about “monk mode”
• Post title: “how long is monk mode supposed to be and why?”
• Date: posted 2 years ago
• Subreddit: r/monkmode
• Upvotes: 6 points
• User is asking for the recommended duration of monk mode and the science behind it
• Suggests it’s to do with rewiring neurons in the brain
• User is considering starting monk mode but thinks 90 days is too long
• Attached poll asking what motivates people to do monk mode
• First comment suggests treating monk mode as a way to focus and improve oneself, regardless of specific goals
• Second comment shares their own motivations for monk mode, including wanting to start a business, purchase a home, and get back into art and creativity
• Both comments wishing the user luck in their journey

• Monk Mode is a reset that someone can drop into a few times a year. It is an aspirational stance that includes the intention to be something greater.
• Monks are idolized for their discipline, wisdom, and compassion. There is also an austerity or purity aspect to Monk Mode where above-average effort is spent to be extra moral in conduct and lifestyle.
• The author sees the Monk Mode image as Aang the Avatar’s student contemporaries or a Kung Fu monk like the Shaolin and less of a portrayal of actual monk’s lives, which are significantly less glamorous than fiction.
• In the modern world, Monk Mode can bring the cave to you since hiding in a cave isn’t possible for most people.
• Superhuman feats are possible through correct training of the principles of Monk Mode. Actual examples of this include the Monk who lit himself on fire.
• Since summer fun is over, the author thinks it’s a good time to buckle down and stay focused for long enough to build some superhuman momentum. The author’s goals include career pivots, fixing up the bits of their life that are holding them back, being more pro-active and consistent in their social relationships, removing all non-productive computer time, exercise, deep work, meditation, and mental health healing.
• The author’s intentions include helping save the world, contributing to environmental projects again, more cash to give away to uplift disadvantaged groups, and being their best self.
• If the author doesn’t succeed in their goals, then they believe that their primary relationship will not survive this change.
• The author plans to start an accountability and peer coaching group to keep themselves on track and maintain Monk Mode over a longer term than just short sprints of a few weeks.
• The initial tests for the author’s group will probably be for 6-9 weeks, and they will decide whether to extend or add to the group after that.
• The author reminds readers that if they are interested in joining the group, they can send them a message.
• There are comments on the post, and some express thanks for the author’s efforts, others set reminders for a year to see how the author is doing.

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

• Monk mode is a term used to describe a period of time where one focuses solely on themselves and their personal growth.
• It is a time to disconnect from distractions and focus on self-improvement.
• To go monk mode in 2023, some tips to get started are:
  • Define your goals and create a plan of action to achieve them
  • Eliminate all distractions
  • Develop a routine that promotes personal growth
  • Use your time to work on yourself with courses, reading self-help books, seeking mentorship or guidance from successful people
  • Be present in the moment and focus on the task at hand.
  • Set boundaries and let others know that you are taking time for yourself
  • Keep track of your progress and celebrate your accomplishments
• Going monk mode is a powerful way to focus on personal growth and achieve one’s goals.
• Monk mode is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another.
• Reddit users commented with suggestions and questions about monk mode:
  • Some recommended that it is always good to take a step back and focus on personal growth, and these tips are a helpful guide for anyone looking to go monk mode.
  • Another user recommends asking ChatGPT for more information.
  • Some users discussed their struggles with incorporating monk mode into their daily lives when managing work and family life.
  • One user shared an app called Monkmode Habit Tracker.
• There are currently 34 points and 7 comments on this Reddit post.
• One user criticized the post as obvious ChatGPT generated content with low effort.

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

Not used in article

💭  Looking into

Benefits of 'Monk Mode' on productivity and focus, backed by case studies

💭  Looking into

3 actionable tips for incorporating 'Monk Mode' in daily life