The Cheat Code to Productivity | Monk Mode Explained

Summary

The video discusses the concept of Monk Mode, a focused period of immersion aimed at achieving personal goals. The speaker shares their Monk Mode protocol, which includes non-negotiables like no alcohol or weed, 30 minutes of daily exercise, and 10 minutes of meditation. Additional customizable variables can be added, such as adhering to a specific diet or limiting screen time. Monk Mode is recommended for at least 21 days and is suitable for anyone seeking to improve their life, with the speaker emphasizing its positive impact on their success and productivity.

Takeaways

• 🧘 Monk mode is a period of immersion focused on discipline, with non-negotiable activities like no alcohol or weed, 30 minutes of daily exercise, and 10 minutes of meditation.
• 📅 The recommended duration for monk mode is a minimum of 21 days, though longer periods, such as 60 or 90 days, are more impactful.
• 🔄 Monk mode is customizable; you can add one to three additional variables based on your personal goals, such as adhering to a diet, limiting screen time, or practicing public speaking.
• 🏆 Monk mode is ideal for individuals who are committed to achieving their goals, whether they are beginners or highly successful people seeking deeper focus.
• 🚬 Despite being on monk mode, the speaker still smokes cigars, finding no negative impact and viewing it as a way to bond during business meetings.
• ⏳ Timing monk mode depends on your life schedule; it’s best to engage in it when you have fewer distractions and more control over your environment.
• 🎵 Music choices during monk mode tend to become less stimulating, with a preference for classical music or instrumental tracks to maintain focus.
• 🤝 Relationships during monk mode are managed through clear communication, allowing others to understand your commitment and the boundaries it entails.
• 🚧 The most challenging aspect of monk mode is handling unexpected disruptions, such as last-minute travel or obligations that interfere with your routine.
• 💡 The true results of monk mode include heightened focus, greater accomplishment of goals, and an increased belief in one’s ability to achieve the unthinkable.

Q & A

What is Monk Mode?

Monk Mode is a period of immersion where you focus intensely on achieving specific goals by following a strict protocol. It involves setting non-negotiable rules like no alcohol or weed, daily exercise, and meditation, along with additional personalized variables.

How did the concept of Monk Mode evolve?

The concept of Monk Mode had been a rough term floating around for years, but the speaker started using it in early 2020. He formulated his own protocol during the lockdown and shared it with millions of people.

What are the three non-negotiable rules in Monk Mode?

The three non-negotiable rules in Monk Mode are: no alcohol or weed, 30 minutes of exercise daily, and 10 minutes of meditation daily.

Can you customize Monk Mode according to your needs?

Yes, you can customize Monk Mode by adding 1-3 additional variables based on your personal goals. These can include things like adhering to a diet, limiting phone screen time, or practicing a skill daily.

How long should a Monk Mode period last?

A Monk Mode period should last a minimum of 21 days. However, the speaker suggests that 21 days is just the start, and longer periods, like 60 or 90 days, can lead to more significant results.

Who can benefit from Monk Mode?

Monk Mode is beneficial for anyone who is serious about achieving their goals, from beginners to highly successful individuals. It’s particularly useful for those who struggle with consistency or feel they need an immersive period to make progress.

Does the speaker smoke cigars during Monk Mode?

Yes, the speaker still smokes cigars during Monk Mode. He has tried excluding them in the past but found no significant benefit. He views cigars as a way to relax and bond in high-level business meetings.

How do you decide when to go into Monk Mode?

You decide to go into Monk Mode based on your life’s schedule and needs. It’s best to start when you have a period with fewer distractions, such as minimal travel or social obligations, to maximize focus and results.

Does the speaker listen to music during Monk Mode?

Yes, the speaker listens to music during Monk Mode but tends to choose quieter, less stimulating genres like classical music. He finds that intense music is less appealing during this focused period.

What are the true results of Monk Mode according to the speaker?

The speaker believes Monk Mode has propelled his life to a different level, allowing him to take on bigger challenges and accomplish more. It has also helped his social circle better understand his commitment to his goals.

Outlines

00:00

💪 Achievements and Introduction to Monk Mode

The speaker reflects on using Monk Mode to achieve significant success, including making millions and accomplishing personal goals. Despite creating a widely recognized Monk Mode protocol and numerous related videos, people still have questions. The speaker intends to answer popular queries from Instagram about Monk Mode, including how to implement it, its benefits, and other related topics.

05:02

🧘 What is Monk Mode?

Monk Mode is described as a period of intense focus and immersion. It was initially an undefined concept until the speaker formalized their own protocol in early 2020. This protocol includes three non-negotiable practices: no alcohol or weed, 30 minutes of daily exercise, and 10 minutes of meditation. The speaker acknowledges that other versions of Monk Mode exist but emphasizes the flexibility of adding one to three personal variables on top of the core practices.

10:03

📅 Duration and Flexibility of Monk Mode

Monk Mode should last a minimum of 21 days to ensure commitment, though 21 days is considered a modest challenge. The speaker suggests that the longer the duration, the easier it becomes. While Monk Mode can range from 21 to 90 days, going beyond 90 days is not recommended to avoid burnout. The speaker explains how they adjust the length and intensity of Monk Mode based on their current life needs and circumstances.

👥 Who Should Practice Monk Mode?

Monk Mode is ideal for individuals who are determined to make significant changes in their lives but struggle to take consistent action. It is a commitment to oneself and others, signaling a period of intense focus. The speaker emphasizes that Monk Mode is suitable for both beginners and highly successful people, serving as a tool to achieve goals through immersion.

🚬 Monk Mode and Cigars

The speaker addresses the question of whether they smoke cigars during Monk Mode. While they sometimes exclude cigars as an additional variable, they generally continue to smoke them. The speaker rationalizes this choice by comparing it to other high-performing individuals who have similar vices, like Michael Jordan with cigars. They argue that cigars do not negatively impact their performance and serve as a means of bonding during business meetings.

🗓️ Timing Monk Mode Periods

The speaker discusses how they decide when to enter Monk Mode, often scheduling it around periods of minimal travel and social obligations. They describe their current situation in Europe, where frequent travel makes it challenging to adhere to the protocol. Monk Mode is recommended for anyone who isn't where they want to be in life, serving as a tool to fully commit and achieve significant progress.

🎶 Music Choices During Monk Mode

During Monk Mode, the speaker finds that their music preferences shift towards quieter and less stimulating genres, like classical music. This change is attributed to the way Monk Mode resets dopamine levels, making the listener more conscious and appreciative of subtle sounds. The speaker notes that they tend to avoid highly stimulating music during these periods, favoring music without lyrics or new releases.

💼 Managing Relationships and Challenges

The speaker highlights the ease of communicating Monk Mode to others, as it has become a widely understood concept. They discuss the challenges of maintaining Monk Mode during unexpected events like last-minute trips, which can disrupt the routine. Despite these difficulties, the speaker finds Monk Mode beneficial for maintaining focus and commitment.

🏆 The True Results of Monk Mode

The speaker shares their personal success story, attributing much of their recent achievements to Monk Mode. They describe how Monk Mode has enabled them to take on bigger challenges and accomplish significant goals. The speaker encourages others to try Monk Mode for themselves, starting with a 21-day period, to experience the benefits firsthand.

📢 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In the closing remarks, the speaker urges viewers to try Monk Mode and links to another video for more specific instructions on how to follow the protocol. They express their support for viewers, offering encouragement from afar as they embark on their own Monk Mode journeys.

Keywords

💡Monk Mode

Monk Mode is a focused period of immersion where individuals commit to specific non-negotiable practices to achieve personal goals. In the video, the speaker describes Monk Mode as a structured protocol with three core components: no alcohol or weed, 30 minutes of exercise daily, and 10 minutes of meditation. This concept is central to the video, as it represents a disciplined approach to personal development and success.

💡Non-Negotiables

Non-Negotiables are the core practices that must be adhered to during Monk Mode. In the video, these include abstaining from alcohol and weed, exercising for 30 minutes daily, and meditating for 10 minutes each day. These practices are foundational to the Monk Mode protocol and are described as essential for achieving the desired outcomes of focus and discipline.

💡Variables

Variables refer to the additional, customizable practices that can be added to the core non-negotiables during Monk Mode. The speaker mentions that individuals can choose one to three variables, such as adhering to a specific diet, limiting phone screen time, or engaging in daily journaling. These variables allow for personalization of Monk Mode to suit individual goals and needs.

💡Immersion

Immersion in the context of Monk Mode refers to a deep and focused commitment to personal development. The speaker explains that Monk Mode is a period of immersion where individuals signal to themselves and others that they are 'locked in' and focused on their goals. This concept emphasizes the importance of fully dedicating oneself to the practices and routines of Monk Mode to achieve significant progress.

💡21-Day Minimum

The 21-Day Minimum is the recommended duration for a Monk Mode period. The speaker emphasizes that Monk Mode must last at least 21 days to be effective, as anything shorter would not constitute a serious commitment. This duration is highlighted as the minimum time needed to establish the discipline and routines necessary for personal growth.

💡Cigars

Cigars are mentioned as a personal choice that the speaker sometimes includes in his Monk Mode protocol. While he abstains from alcohol, the speaker allows himself to smoke cigars, citing them as a way to bond in business meetings and as a personal relaxation tool. This illustrates the flexibility of Monk Mode, where individuals can tailor the protocol to fit their needs and preferences.

💡Resetting Dopamine Levels

Resetting Dopamine Levels refers to the process of recalibrating one's response to stimuli by engaging in Monk Mode. The speaker suggests that the disciplined practices of Monk Mode, such as abstaining from certain pleasures, can reset the brain's dopamine levels, leading to a greater appreciation of simple pleasures like healthy food or calming music. This concept underscores the psychological benefits of Monk Mode.

💡Mini Immersion

Mini Immersion is a term used to describe shorter, focused periods of Monk Mode that can be integrated into one's life as needed. The speaker explains that Monk Mode can be adapted to different periods in life, depending on one's goals and circumstances. This flexibility allows individuals to enter Monk Mode during times when they need to achieve specific objectives, such as completing a project or improving personal discipline.

💡High Performers

High Performers are individuals who seek to achieve significant success in their personal and professional lives. The speaker positions Monk Mode as particularly beneficial for high performers who need to focus intensely on their goals. He references Michael Jordan as an example of a high performer who used specific routines (like smoking cigars) to maintain his peak performance, illustrating that Monk Mode can be tailored to support the unique needs of high achievers.

💡Social Understanding

Social Understanding refers to the way others perceive and support an individual's commitment to Monk Mode. The speaker discusses how friends and colleagues come to understand and respect his Monk Mode periods, adjusting their expectations accordingly. This concept highlights the social aspect of Monk Mode, where clear communication and boundaries help others support the individual's focus and discipline.

Highlights

Monk mode is a period of immersion where you lock in and focus on achieving specific goals.

The speaker formulated the Monk Mode protocol with three non-negotiable elements: no alcohol or weed, 30 minutes of exercise daily, and 10 minutes of meditation daily.

Monk Mode allows flexibility by adding one to three optional variables, such as adhering to a diet, limiting phone screen time, or practicing a specific skill.

Monk Mode should last a minimum of 21 days, with the optimal duration ranging from 21 to 90 days.

Monk Mode is ideal for anyone who wants to accomplish their goals and needs a period of immersion to focus intensely.

Even highly successful people, like Michael Jordan, have personal habits (e.g., smoking cigars) that they maintain even during intense focus periods.

The timing of Monk Mode can be adjusted based on life circumstances, such as travel or busy social periods, to maximize effectiveness.

Monk Mode helps reset dopamine levels, making you more mindful and present, even in daily habits like listening to music or eating.

The speaker finds that during Monk Mode, music choices tend to be quieter and less stimulating, like classical music or instrumental tracks.

One of the challenges of Monk Mode is dealing with unexpected events, like last-minute trips, which can disrupt the routine.

Monk Mode is a commitment to oneself and a way to signal to others that you're in a focused period.

The speaker notes that Monk Mode has significantly impacted their life, allowing them to take on bigger challenges and accomplish more.

Monk Mode can serve as a powerful tool for anyone not satisfied with their current life situation and looking to make a change.

The speaker encourages people to try Monk Mode for themselves, starting with a 21-day period to experience its benefits.

Monk Mode has been instrumental in the speaker's life since 2020, leading to greater success and the achievement of unthinkable goals.

Transcripts

so over the last few years I have used

monk mode to make tens of millions of

dollars accomplished some of my wildest

goals and dreams and formulated a

protocol that millions of people have

watched here on YouTube but even after

making the monk mode protocol and making

countless videos about it people still

have questions and I haven't made a monk

mode video in around a year so in

today's video I thought that I would go

on Instagram get some questions from you

guys and answer the most popular topics

on your mind as to how to actually do

monk mode the benefits and everything

else that comes with it what is monk

mode monk mode is a period of immersion

it's a period in which you say to

yourself and you signal to the people

around you that listen I'm locked in I'm

focused now from my understanding monk

mode was floating around as a rough term

for many years but when I started monk

mode back in early 2020 just right

before lockdown there was no real

formula or way to do it so I can only

tell you my monk mode protocol maybe

some other people have some other ideas

but my monk mode protocol consists of no

alcohol or wheat 30 minutes a day of

exercising even if that's just a brisk

walk in the park and 10 minutes a day of

meditation those three are your

non-negotiables now there's a bunch of

other protocols out there for example

like 75 Hardware it's five or six

different variables but they're just

fixed and I totally respect that

protocol but I wanted to create

something where people would have the

ones which for me are just a

non-negotiable full stop and then you

can add your own variables so you can

add anywhere from one to three variables

on top some variables that I've done in

the past include praying once a day

doing 45 minutes of phone screen time

per day I've done stuff like adhering to

a diet so I did a strict carnivore diet

and you can really do whatever you want

whether that be 30 minutes a day of

practicing public speaking or 15 minutes

a day of journaling whatever you want

that's the really amazing thing about

monk mode is that you got those three

non-negotiables but then you've got

anywhere from one to three additional

variables that you get to pick and

choose in each monk mode period that I

do is different it shifts it changes

depending on my needs in that season of

life and that brings us on to our second

question which is how long should monk

mode last now monk mode needs to be at

least 21 days anything less than that

and it's simply not a commitment enough

and to be entirely honest with you even

21 days really isn't that much of a

commitment it's just I understand for

some of you guys even three days the

idea of meditating for 10 minutes and

doing 30 minutes a day of exercise and

no alcohol no weed even three days is

difficult and I will say the more days

you do it the easier it gets so for

those of you guys who are really

struggling and have never done something

like this before do 21 days do 21 days

and then maybe take a couple day break

enjoy your life and then go back into

maybe a 30-day window after that and you

can really chop and change the duration

that's the once again the beautiful

thing about monk mode is it has its set

basis its core and then you can shift

things around it so minimum 21 days up

to 90 days I don't recommend doing any

more than 90 days because at the day I

think that you need to let your hair

down I think you need to have some fun

break routine and then get back into it

monkey mode is a way of life me

personally which is I know there's

periods of my life which are very hectic

and there's lots of traveling sometimes

those late nights there's all of these

things involved but then there's periods

where I know listen for the next 60 days

I am at home I am in my city I'm not

going to do editing traveling and for me

that means that in that 60 days I want

to make the most of it I want to

maximize the results from that time so

that's when I go okay let me do a 60-day

monk mode period here are the set

non-negotiables and then let me add some

extra variables on top of that the next

question is for which group of people is

monk mode the best monk mode is the best

for the people that just are sick and

tired of saying they're gonna do

something but they don't actually do it

and monk mode is a commitment to

yourself and it's a commitment to the

people around you the beautiful thing I

love about monk load as well is ever

since I started saying it like three

years ago hey I'm doing monk mode it's a

very easy term for my friends to

understand so much so to the point that

my friends will be like oh are you doing

monk mode right now and if they know

that I'm in a monk mode period then

they're a lot more understanding and

they understand okay he's not drinking

right now okay it won't be a late night

oh okay he probably won't be able to and

this thing so really monk mode is for

anyone who's just a beginner and

starting out all the way to super

successful people anyone who wants to

accomplish their goals and understands

that they need to go into a period of

mini immersion in order to achieve that

and they need to go into a phase of Monk

mode the next question is very commonly

asked for me personally because people

know I enjoy cigars and that is do smoke

cigars in monk mode the answer to that

question is yes I still do smoke cigars

I've done monk modes in the past where

that's one of my extra variables just

because I want to see okay for the next

60 days can I not smoke cigars so I've

done that in the past but for me I've

found no benefit to Percy and especially

because I'm in a lot of very important

business meetings I'm in a lot of very

important dinners stuff like that I will

be honest when you're playing at a very

high level alcohol is just always sort

of a part of meetings and dinners like

it's almost that thing that people can

Bond over you know a bottle of wine or a

glass of wine so because I don't have

that if I'm doing monk mode cigars is a

way to also have that bonding experience

a lot of the people that I do business

with they also smoke cigars or if they

don't smoked cigars they're always very

interested for me to kind of educate

them a little bit about it and you know

help them smoke their first cigar

properly so yeah for me personally I

still do smoke a lot of cigars I know

that that is a point of contention for a

lot of people and all I will say to that

is I believe that every High performer

we just need our thing that's for us

like we just need our thing that's our

alone time or a time to relax and if I'm

being very honest Michael Jordan he

openly admitted that he smoked a cigar

on the way to the stadium before any

home game so if Michael Jordan who is

one of the best athletes in history

smoked cigars and was able to do what he

did for me personally I haven't noticed

any negatives in my life and it's only

brought positives which I definitely by

the way cannot say about alcohol or any

other vices so next question is when do

you decide on when to go into monk mode

the way that I do it is I know in my

year there's certain periods that are

more busy in terms of travel in terms of

events that are more social and less

business oriented like I know right now

I'm currently in Como in Italy then

after this I need to go to Geneva for

some business and then after that I'm

going to London so I know that within

this sort of European travel it's very

difficult for me to stick to my monkey

more protocol I can if it's called for

but for me I'd rather go through this

period and then I go back to Dubai where

I live I go back to my home and I know

that I don't really have any travel

plans for a couple months and I

specifically made it that way because I

wanted to get a lot of work done over

the summer and pretty much just stay at

home do monk mode and get ahead because

there's a lot of very important work

stuff on at the moment so monk mode for

me as anyone who is not where they want

to be in life wants to build a business

wants to achieve something for me it's a

non-negotiable like you just do monk

mode because what else are you going to

do there's there should be no excuses

and by the way I lived a sort of

variation or almost did a monkey without

even realizing it for pretty much three

four years while I first got my business

off the ground and made my first few

million dollars a year so how do you

decide on when to go into monk mode it's

really just a matter of if you are not

where you want to be in life you do it

full stop if you are where you want to

be in life and you're making great

progress then monk mode is simply a tool

of immersion where you go okay I have

this little pocket of space and that

little pocket of space where I know that

I don't have too much going on why why

don't I make a full dedication and a

full commitment to this and make this a

monk mode period the next question is do

you listen to music if so the same music

as usual or do you switch it up now one

of the things that you're going to find

and one of the benefits of Monk mode is

it kind of resets your dopamine level

listening to music is almost like the

foods that you eat you need to be very

present to the moment and you need to be

very sort of aware to eat something like

a salad and truly appreciate it or even

eat eggs and avocado every single day

and still appreciate it that's why you

notice when you're in the worst space

mentally that's when you crave the fast

food and stuff like that I almost look

at music that way listen I love rap

music and I think there's a time and

place for it but you'll notice probably

in your least conscious and probably

when you're most distracted and erratic

and sort of all over the place that's

probably when you listen to the most

stimulating music so I still listen to

music during monk mode what I notice is

during monk mode my music choices get

sort of quieter I listen to a lot more

classical music I listen to a lot more

old school music and I still listen to

this stuff no matter what usually that's

my preference my preference isn't so

much of you know the latest music in

terms of my favorite artists and rappers

and this and that I usually find in

those periods that I listen to very

little new music actually I find it too

intense for me and I listen to a lot of

classical stuff or just stuff without

lyrics as well stuff that's not super

stimulating the next question is which

part of Monk mode is the most difficult

for you and how do you deal with your

relationships during it dealing with

relationships as I said that's why I

love monk mode because people understand

it's crazy once I start telling people

this three years ago they're like oh

he's doing monk motor even one of my

friends will be like oh no he's not

drinking he's doing monk mode and it's

the people around you just seem to

understand funnily enough because it's a

very easy term to sort of grasp and for

me the most difficult part of Monk mode

I'd say is when I commit to a for

example let's say I commit to a 60-day

monk mode and then there's a last minute

trip that happens in there or sort of a

last minute curve balls obviously if you

are in your home for the next 60 90 days

21 days whatever that's the best way to

do it unfortunately life doesn't always

go to plan so maybe three weeks into a

monk mode I may have a trip which makes

it very difficult to kind of tick off on

the list of things that I need to do so

I I say that's for me personally the

most difficult thing is when curveballs

get thrown into the mix and last minute

trips or last minute obligations come up

and the last question is what are the

true results of Monk mode I mean listen

I can only speak to my results and ever

since I started doing dedicated monk

mode in the beginning of 2020 that's

really where my life kind of just

propelled to a different level I mean at

the age of 18 I made my first million

dollars so I was always doing well but I

found that I was doing well and I was

still comfortable ever since I started

implementing monk mode I don't know why

but since then I've just taken on bigger

and bigger challenges in my life and

felt like I could take on bigger

challenges maybe that's what it was

before is that I felt like I had strong

abilities but I didn't feel like I could

accomplish the unthinkable whereas now I

genuinely feel like you give me a 90-day

monk mode window and as long as I don't

have too much travel or too much

business stuff that's pulling me in

different directions where I need to

leave my house I feel like I could

accomplish anything quite frankly so not

only just accomplishing more I'd say the

big thing as well is just having my

circle understand more because it's as I

said it's a very easy thing for everyone

around you to understand that you're

going through and you're experiencing

but I'd say really if you want to find

out the true results and the true

benefits of Monk mode go try it for

yourself go try for 21 days and I'm

Gonna Leave a link below this video to

one of my other monk mode videos where

I'm kind of speak more specifically and

a little bit more quickly on what the

protocol actually is how you do it how

you execute on it and listen as always

I'm watching you from afar and I'm

rooting for you