How to change your life using monk mode
2026 is almost here, reminding us about renewal.
The new year is not just a new date on the calendar;
it is a reminder of renewal, a reset, a new chapter, and a new beginning.
I have a yearly ritual of reviewing my year,
including all my mistakes and the lessons I’ve learned.
After the review, I create a new system based on these lessons
to make the new chapter of my life better.
Most people don’t do this, and they remain stuck.
There is no feeling worse than knowing that
you are the same person as last year.
You didn’t change the toxic habits keeping you stuck;
you didn’t improve or learn something new.
This feeling is unbearable. But I have the solution.
Here are 9 practical steps you can follow that will change your life:
1. Identify Your Distractions
What is holding you back from reaching your goal?
One of the main “Monk Mode” habits is to identify your distractions.
Do you check your email several times an hour
or visit social media sites throughout your day?
Your distraction can also be your social life.
Do you spend your time around people with a lifestyle you don’t want?
When you have figured out what is draining your time, eliminate it.
For example,
if you spend hours a day on TikTok, IG, or Facebook,
temporarily delete the apps.
If you message your friends 24/7,
let them know that you will need to take
a break for the upcoming week. This is crucial.
2. Switch Off for a Week
If this is your first time practicing Monk Mode,
it may be advisable to limit your monastic period
to no more than one week.
During this period, you should ‘switch off’ from all distractions.
Once you have successfully applied these principles
for a short period, you may find that you can increase
that timeframe to several months.
You may even decide to implement the practice
for shorter periods but on a more frequent basis.
3. Make Your Goal Specific
Make sure that you’ve defined your goal in absolute terms.
If your goal is too vague,
it will be almost impossible to track progress or recognize success.
Pick one objective at a time to ensure you’re able
to devote 100% of your focus to that goal.
Start with simple, doable goals:
- Health: Improve your physique—exercise for 20 minutes every day.
- Saving: Save 5% of your salary every month for an emergency fund.
- Start a Business or Project: Launch that project you have been hesitant about starting.
- New Hobby: Dedicate 90 minutes per week to a new hobby for one month.
- Sleep Hygiene: Avoid screens one hour before bed every night for 30 days to improve sleep quality.
- Learning: Complete one online course or training program within the next month.
- Reading: Read for 20 minutes before bed every night for the next month.
- Journaling: Write down three things you are grateful for every night for four weeks.
- Professional Skills: Attend one in-person industry event each month for the next three months and connect with at least three new people.
4. Plan the Tasks That Need to Be Done
Create a clear schedule of tasks that you need
to perform to move toward your goal.
Use a calendar or planner to help you visualize what needs to be done
and how close you are to achieving your objective.
All your schedules must have a deadline,
or you will fall back into your old habits.
You will need discipline, which is hard, but it will change your life.
5. Develop Healthier Habits
Get rid of as many bad habits as you can,
even those that you engage in during your off-hours.
You should try to remain focused
and mindful of your goal during your time away from work.
Your goals and a few real bonds
are the most important things in your life.
To achieve that, avoid unnecessary television viewing, gaming,
and social activities while committing to Monk Mode.
Replace them with a new emphasis on healthier eating,
exercise, meditation, reading, and other positive activities.
6. Make It Official
Put everything in writing.
If it helps, create a contract with yourself that provides clear terms
for your goals, the elimination of distractions,
and self-imposed consequences for failure.
Try to keep it positive by including a reward
that you can give yourself.
Even better, open a new social media account
and document everything there.
You will find people who are on the same mission as you.
It will also help you develop courage and good public speaking skills.
7. Find a Partner (Optional)
While Monk Mode is a solitary goal, you can get external help.
Create accountability by letting at least one other person know
what you’re trying to achieve.
This will make it easier to motivate yourself,
especially if it is a person whose opinion you value.
However, your main goal should never be to find a partner.
If you find them on this journey, that’s a blessing.
If not, just continue.
Your main focus is you, not finding a partner.
Accept the loneliness.
8. Start Journaling
Keep a journal.
You can write about your feelings, thoughts,
and ideas during your time in Monk Mode to help you better process
your experiences and reflect on what you’re learning about yourself.
Document everything. Your journal is for your eyes only!
9. Prep Your Work Environment
Ensure that your work environment is conducive
to success in Monk Mode.
Shut down any unnecessary tabs on your computer,
including news sites, social media, and similar distractions.
Just focus.
