Sep '24 • SecretsOfSuccess.com
Monk Mode is SHIT! do this instead…
I’ve been reflecting on the dark side of Monk Mode.
Monk Mode has gained immense popularity in recent years as a self-improvement strategy, especially among men.
It involves retreating from the world to focus on the three I’s: Introspection, Isolation, and Improvement.
Despite its recent rise, this concept isn’t new; Illimitable Man wrote about it back in 2014.
He described Monk Mode as a temporary form of MGTOW, where cutting yourself off from the world allows for fine-tuning focus and confronting oneself.
You acknowledge your weaknesses and create a plan to address them.
The idea is to minimize time spent on social obligations and unproductive activities that yield little increase in your social market value.
Monk Mode is a serious commitment; you’re either fully engaged, or you’re not.
The beginning can be challenging, but once fully committed, it can become a productive and even addictive lifestyle.
I’ve gone full Monk Mode several times in my life with great success.
In 2021, 2023, and now in 2024, I cut out porn for over 367 days, abstained from caffeine for 200 days, and completed over 1,500 meditation sessions.
I’ve filled five-plus years of daily journals, practiced yin yoga over 300 times, and dedicated probably 500+ hours to Stu McGill’s Big 3 exercises.
Most of my significant progress has come from these concentrated periods.
However, Monk Mode's reliable effectiveness brings about a problem.
The dark side lies in the final two words from Illimitable Man’s breakdown: “addictive lifestyle.”
The issue is that Monk Mode can justify retreating from life, risk-taking, and adventure as self-development.
It can make isolation feel noble.
This can create difficulties in reintegrating into the outside world.
If you’re already inclined to live a sheltered and unsocial life, Monk Mode may encourage you to withdraw even further.
I witnessed this in a friend over a decade ago during his fitness journey.
He was introverted and socially shy, and his upcoming fitness competition justified strict routines and rejecting social invites.
Once the competition passed, his routine didn’t change.
It took him years to return to a sense of normalcy.
This reflection is personal as well.
The allure of constant self-improvement is strong.
Improvement feels rewarding.
But if you’re not careful, you might find yourself focused on the three I’s at the expense of the very reason you entered Monk Mode: to show up better in the world.
Bill Perkins stated, “delayed gratification in the extreme results in no gratification.”
With Monk Mode, you practice in private to perform in public.
However, excessive private practice can lead to no public performance.
TLDR: Don’t obsess too long in solitude for personal growth, or you’ll struggle to reintegrate.
The solution is to periodize your efforts.
Set a deadline for your Monk Mode to end; 3-6 months tends to be a sweet spot based on my experience.
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Monk Mode is SHIT! do this instead…
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