How to Get Ahead of 99% of People (Monk Mode)

Summary

This video explores the concept of 'monk mode' as a path to personal growth, emphasizing intense focus and productivity by eliminating distractions. It challenges the idea of a 90-day seclusion for self-improvement, advocating for a sustainable routine that includes work, leisure, exercise, and social time. The speaker shares personal strategies for maintaining discipline, such as daily walks, morning work sessions, regular exercise, and daily reading, while promoting a customizable backpack for everyday carry. The video concludes by stressing the importance of a simple and consistent approach to life, similar to the monks' way of life.

Takeaways

• 🧘 Monk mode is a state of intense focus and productivity dedicated to achieving personal goals, inspired by the disciplined and simple life of monks.
• 🕰 Life is short, with around 4,000 weeks, emphasizing the importance of not wasting time and being productive.
• 🎯 With a 90-day focus on one thing, significant progress can be made, but it's crucial to maintain balance to avoid burnout.
• 🤔 The idea of seclusion for productivity is a misconception; monks have structured routines similar to those of ordinary people.
• 🔄 Productivity techniques can be a trap; the pursuit of an optimized life can lead to a never-ending cycle of trying to do more.
• 🏞 The speaker suggests that retreating to a secluded location for productivity didn't work for them, indicating that such methods aren't universally effective.
• 🎒 Tom Talk's Lean Back is introduced as a functional and stylish backpack for everyday carry, promoting organization and convenience.
• 🚶 Taking walks is recommended for creativity and starting the day, with the added benefit of physical activity.
• ⏰ Establishing a daily routine that includes work, leisure, exercise, and social time is essential for a balanced life.
• 💪 Consistency in daily activities such as work, exercise, and reading is key to personal growth and maintaining discipline.
• 📚 Reading in the morning can spark creativity and is a non-negotiable part of the speaker's daily routine for self-improvement.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'monk mode' as described in the video?

Monk mode is a state of intense focus and productivity where one dedicates themselves entirely to achieving their goals by eliminating all non-essential activities and distractions from their life, inspired by the discipline and commitment of monks.

What is the significance of the number '4,000 weeks' in the context of the video?

The number '4,000 weeks' is used to emphasize the brevity of life, suggesting that one should not waste it and should focus on achieving goals within a limited time frame.

Why might someone consider going into monk mode for 90 days?

Going into monk mode for 90 days allows a person to laser focus on one thing and forget about everything else, potentially leading to significant progress or achievement in a specific area of life.

How does the video describe the daily routine of monks?

The video describes the monks' daily routine as simple and consistent, involving waking up, taking a walk, performing monastery duties, having lunch, working for a few more hours, having dinner, and socializing.

What misconception about monks does the video address?

The video addresses the misconception that monks meditate for 15 hours a day, clarifying that their life is actually quite simple and involves a balance of work, leisure, exercise, social time, and play.

What is the video's stance on productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique?

The video suggests that while productivity techniques can lead to getting more done, they may not lead to a day when everything is under control, as trying to clear the deck can make it fill up again faster.

What is the video's advice on taking time off to focus on personal growth?

The video advises that it's okay to take time off to focus on personal growth, but it's important not to go too far and ensure that the routine is sustainable and enjoyable.

What is the role of the Tom Talk's Lean Back in the video?

The Tom Talk's Lean Back is featured as a functional and stylish backpack that is recommended for everyday carry, especially for those who dislike having things in their pockets while walking or working out.

What are the customizable features of the Tom Talk's Lean Back mentioned in the video?

The customizable features of the Tom Talk's Lean Back include 25 colors, two types of fabrics, four types of buckles, and the option for custom text, offering over 23 million possibilities.

What are the 'non-negotiable activities' mentioned in the video that help the speaker stay disciplined and focused?

The non-negotiable activities mentioned are taking walks, working for at least two hours every day, working out at least four times a week, and reading every morning with a cup of coffee for half an hour.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of simplicity in building self-discipline?

The speaker believes that simplicity is key in building self-discipline and suggests that as long as one does the four non-negotiable activities every day, they are moving forward in a healthy way.

Outlines

00:00

🧘 Embracing Monk Mode for Personal Growth

The video script introduces the concept of 'monk mode' as a lifestyle focused on intense productivity and goal achievement, inspired by the disciplined life of monks. It emphasizes eliminating distractions such as social media, entertainment, and drugs to create an environment conducive to self-improvement. The speaker shares a personal perspective on life's brevity, suggesting that 90 days of focused effort can lead to significant progress. However, the script also warns against the potential downsides of extreme productivity, such as the risk of burnout and the importance of maintaining a sustainable routine. The speaker reflects on the simplicity of monks' routines and the misconceptions about their lifestyle, advocating for a balanced approach that includes work, leisure, exercise, social time, and play.

05:00

🏋️‍♂️ Building Discipline and Consistency in Daily Life

In the second paragraph, the script discusses the speaker's personal routine and habits that contribute to a disciplined and focused life, akin to that of monks. The speaker admits to working at least two hours daily and finding satisfaction in this practice, which often leads to longer work sessions. Despite self-acknowledged inconsistency in video production due to occasional laziness, the speaker is committed to becoming a full-time YouTube creator and asks for viewer support. The importance of regular exercise is highlighted as a non-negotiable part of the speaker's week, serving as a form of meditation and a means to stay centered. Reading is also a daily ritual that fosters creativity. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of simplicity and consistency in building self-discipline, offering a previous video for further guidance on this topic.

Keywords

💡Monk Mode

Monk Mode refers to a lifestyle of intense focus and productivity, inspired by the disciplined and simple lives of monks. In the context of the video, it is about dedicating oneself to achieving personal goals by eliminating distractions and non-essential activities. The script mentions Monk Mode as a way to create an environment for maximum productivity and self-improvement, illustrating the concept with the example of monks who live a regimented life devoted to their spiritual pursuits.

💡Productivity

Productivity in the video is discussed as a state of being highly efficient and making the most of one's time. It is associated with the idea of 'Monk Mode,' where distractions are removed to achieve goals. The script points out the potential pitfalls of an obsession with productivity, suggesting that it can be a trap if it leads to an unsustainable lifestyle, as the day when everything is under control may never arrive.

💡Lifespan

The concept of 'Lifespan' is introduced to emphasize the brevity of life, suggesting we have around 4,000 weeks to live. This is used to argue for the importance of focusing on what truly matters and not wasting time. The script uses the concept to motivate the viewer to take action and make the most of their limited time on earth.

💡Goals

Goals are central to the video's message, representing the objectives one aims to achieve in life. The script encourages viewers to prioritize their goals and create an environment that supports their pursuit, likening this focused approach to the dedication of monks to their spiritual goals.

💡Distractions

Distractions are portrayed as activities or things that take one's attention away from achieving their goals. The video suggests eliminating distractions such as social media, TV, drinking, gaming, and drugs to enter 'Monk Mode' and enhance productivity and self-improvement.

💡Routine

Routine is depicted as a set of regular activities that structure one's day and contribute to consistency and productivity. The script describes the routine of monks as an example and suggests that having a simple routine with designated times for work, leisure, exercise, and social activities can be beneficial for personal growth.

💡Sustainability

Sustainability in the context of the video refers to the ability to maintain a practice or lifestyle over the long term. The script warns against routines or practices that are not sustainable, using the analogy of a diet that, if not maintained, can lead to regaining weight and potentially worse outcomes.

💡Self-Improvement

Self-improvement is a key theme in the video, highlighting the pursuit of personal growth and development. It is closely tied to the concept of 'Monk Mode,' where the elimination of distractions allows for an environment conducive to enhancing one's skills, knowledge, and well-being.

💡Consistency

Consistency is presented as a crucial element for achieving goals and maintaining productivity. The script uses the example of monks to illustrate the power of a consistent routine and suggests that even a small amount of daily work can lead to significant results over time.

💡Leisure

Leisure is mentioned as an essential part of a balanced life, even within the disciplined lifestyle of 'Monk Mode.' The script advises against the complete removal of leisure activities, emphasizing the importance of fun and relaxation alongside work and self-improvement.

💡Customization

Customization is discussed in the context of a product endorsement within the script, referring to the ability to personalize a backpack with various colors, fabrics, buckles, and text. This concept is used to illustrate the idea of personalization and individuality, which can also be applied to one's approach to productivity and self-improvement.

Highlights

Monk mode is a state of intense focus and productivity dedicated to achieving goals, inspired by the discipline of monks.

Life is short with around 4,000 weeks, emphasizing the importance of not wasting time.

A 90-day period of intense focus can lead to significant personal growth.

Monks' daily routine includes meditation, work, leisure, and social time, showing a balance similar to non-monastic life.

Productivity techniques like perfect morning routines or the Pomodoro Technique can lead to more tasks but not necessarily fulfillment.

The pursuit of productivity can be a trap, as it may never lead to a sense of having everything under control.

Taking a break to focus on personal goals is beneficial but should be balanced with enjoyment.

A sustainable routine is crucial for long-term success, similar to a sustainable diet for weight loss.

The speaker shares personal strategies for maintaining discipline and focus, like daily walks and work sessions.

Tom Talk's Lean Back is introduced as a functional and stylish everyday carry backpack.

The backpack offers customization options, including colors, fabrics, buckles, and text.

A discount code 'rubber20' is provided for a 20% discount on the backpack.

The importance of daily exercise for health and mental well-being is discussed.

Reading daily in the morning is recommended for creativity and mental stimulation.

The speaker admits to inconsistency in video production due to other work commitments.

A call to action for viewers to like and subscribe to support the speaker's journey to become a full-time YouTube creator.

Building self-discipline is simplified by focusing on a few key daily activities.

The video concludes with gratitude for viewers' support and an invitation to the next video.

Transcripts

right you want to get in shape be the

most productive you've been in your life

read the books you never seem to have

time to read and basically become a

badass fast mock boat can be a powerful

tool for personal growth but not for the

reason you might think today's video is

brought to you by Tom talk I just got

this mightiest lean back for my everyday

carry I'll be telling you more about it

later in the video but first let's talk

about monk mode

[Music]

a state of intense focus and

productivity dedicated entirely to

achieving your goals

it is a way of life inspired by the

discipline and commitment of monks who

live a simple and regimented life

devoted to their spiritual Pursuits in

the context of personal growth monk mode

refers to a period of time where you

prioritize your goals eliminating all

non-essential activities and

distractions from your life social media

TV drinking gaming drugs all gone the

goal is to create an environment for

maximum productivity concentration and

self-improvement now why do people want

to live like that here is one way of

putting things in perspective we have

around 4 000 weeks in life when we talk

about life in weeks it doesn't sound

that long because it isn't life is

actually very short don't waste it with

that said you can actually get a lot

done in 90 days if you laser focus on

one thing and forget about everything

else the problem is you may be at risk

of going insane now I had the

opportunity to see firsthand how monks

live do they meditate for 15 hours a day

I'm sure they can do it but they don't

that's what we see in the movies their

life is actually pretty simple that's

the reason they are extremely consistent

and prolific easy routines wake up take

a walk Monastery duties for two hours or

so lunch break then another two hours of

work dinner time and social that's it

the point I'm trying to make is they

have similar routines to ass Mortals

work Leisure exercise Social time and

they make room for play so the idea of

seclusion and hassle originated here in

the west from a few people with

influence that have no idea what they're

talking about

we are obsessed with productivity and

the guilty feeling that we should be

getting more done and the problem is now

that these techniques like devising the

perfect morning routine or the Pomodoro

Technique don't work they do work in the

sense that you'll get more done more

meetings more calls more emails more

profit a fully optimized person but

there is a catch the day when you

finally have everything under control

will never arrive trying to clear the

deck simply makes them fill up again

faster so in a sense productivity is a

trap don't bind to that culture you know

how they say the best way to write a

book is to retreat to the countryside

Cabin in the Woods no distractions well

it didn't work for me I'm not writing a

book when I write I write the scripts

for these videos

it's writing anyways so the question is

do you need to disappear for 90 days to

do what you're trying to do I guess it's

okay to take time off from everything to

focus on yourself if you want to read

more get in shape get worked on you can

structure your days by prioritizing

these areas of your life but you can

have fun at the same time don't take it

too far I've done it myself it can get

dark whatever routine you implement in

your life has to be sustainable if it

isn't you'll quit eventually like a diet

you can lose weight fast but if your

diet is not sustainable you're likely to

get the weight back and get even fatter

that's not a good idea here's how not to

go totally insane while trying to make

progress in life in my days there are no

negotiable activities that help me stay

disciplined and focused like monks I try

to do them every day but I'd be lying if

I said I have the great they do because

I don't but I'm working on it take walks

morning meet Day Afternoon night time as

many as you can somehow I'm more

creative when I walk I have no idea why

they just help me get going if you are

like me you like to take walks but hate

bringing things in your pockets you

should check out Tom Talk's latest Lean

Back functional and stylish it is a

small but spacious back lightweight and

sturdy

it has enough room for my everyday carry

I usually have a little notebook ready

for action sometimes my iPad if I'm

gonna do some reading or work it has a

quick access front pocket for my keys

and airpods and a hidden Pocket in the

back for my cell phone and the coolest

you can customize it you have up to 25

colors two types of fabrics four types

of buckles and a custom text over 23

million possibilities fully customizable

I ordered one for myself all black

because I'm a boring guy with custom

text to create how cool is that and one

is a gift for a friend who likes

different colors this one has a special

Buckle magnets pretty impressed I'll use

this bag mainly for walks in the gym

because I hate having things in my

pockets while I work out but also for my

trips sometimes I do photography work so

it's great for my camera and well lens

if you're interested in getting this

link back you can use my code rubber20

for a 20 discount I'll leave all the

information in the video description

down below moving on I work every day

for at least two hours in the morning if

I do a two hour work session every day

I'm happy with that what's interesting

after a short work session I usually

want to work a little bit more and more

often than not I end up working longer

that's how I am somewhat productive you

may be thinking but dude

you barely post videos here

you are not productive at all I'm not

consistent with my videos I'm sorry guys

I love making them but for some reason

the lazy bastard in me sometimes takes

over he's like listen up this week

you're gonna forget about your videos

you're gonna forget about life you're

just gonna Netflix get fat and do

nothing got it okay cool

I'm kidding I wouldn't be making this

video if that were true actually when

I'm not making these videos I'm working

for other people I need to pay the bills

guys true I use that as an excuse to not

make more videos for myself because I do

experience resistance but lately I've

been rejecting a lot of freelance work

because I want to become a full-time

YouTube Creator so please give this

video a like And subscribe if you

haven't already that actually helps

I work out at least four times a week it

is a non-negotiable because I actually

enjoy going to the gym not that I look

like it but I do it for health not

Aesthetics

that's a lie Jokes Aside the gym is

essential because it keeps me centered

it's like a meditation session for me I

needed to navigate my days

I read every day in the morning with a

cup of coffee for half an hour I'm not

the most Avid Reader I usually read two

books per month but that's okay I'm not

competing with my friends on Goodreads

the reason I do it especially in the

morning is that I get creative when I

read no input no output and that's it I

keep it simple four checks then I'm done

as long as I do these four things every

day I know I'm moving forward in a

healthy way like a monk Simplicity is

the key if you're having a hard time

building self-discipline I just made a

video that I'll leave here for you to

watch next thank you so much for

watching I appreciate the support I'll

see you in the next one goodbye

you know it's me me