Benefits of habit “Put yourself into monk-mode”

✓ Helps to stay focused
✓ Increases productivity
✓ Helps deal with huge workloads
✓ Helps manage time

First step:

Have 20 minutes of monk-mode session

Progress:

1. This week, dedicate 20 minutes for a full, undisturbed work session. Block all notifications and calls, turn off distracting websites and time yourself to work
2. Next week, increase the session to 40 minutes
3. Keep increasing these sessions until you have desired deep focus work schedule or you finished your project.

Helpful tips to make it a habit:

✓ Same time is key. To develop a habit, the action must be repeated at the same time. Have these monk mode sessions first thing in the morning, while your mind is fresh.
✓ Trigger your mind. Have a physical trigger that signals it’s time for the monk session. Make yourself a cup of coffee and start working. Nothing like the smell of beans to signal start of work.
✓ Let the app help. Not only can you put yourself a reminder, but also use a timer to track hours you spend deeply focusing
✓ Reward yourself. After you’ve gone a month of daily monk mode sessions or you’ve finished a significant milestone of the project, reward yourself with a small break and go out for a long walk or do an activity to energize you. Spend some time being active. Nothing like rewarding your body and letting your mind rest
✓ Celebrate small victories. Every time you perform this habit, congratulate yourself! Say “I’m awesome” or “I’m so cool” out loud and with a smile on your face

Tips for beginners:

✓ Start by blocking out all distractions. If you have a hard time focusing, make sure you block all your calls and notifications. Choose a piece of music that lets you focus, preferably without lyrics, and have water at the ready and belly full so you wouldn’t be distracted by hunger or thirst. If you need, sit still and in silence for a few seconds or meditate before you start. Have a clear mind and no distractions. You can do this.
✓ Segment your work. Set some milestones for each monk mode sessions. Divide your work in small pieces and try reaching them every session. If the project is large, calculate how much you can do each session and set yourself weekly goals.
✓ Take breaks. Deep focus is tiring for your mind, so make sure you have a 5-minute break after every hour. If you have tasks that will require longer periods of work, take a longer break every 2 hours and do something completely unrelated to let your mind rest.
✓ Don’t overdo it. Monk-mode sessions take a lot out of you, so make sure to use them only when you really need them. If your work is always very busy and intense, make sure you schedule appropriate breaks to avoid burnout.