Throughout my life, I have been a ‘jack of all trades, master of none.’ My never-ending desire to explore many interests has been a significant cause of stress and has pushed me to do many things simultaneously, which has been the ever-present nemesis in my life.
Last week, I was sitting in front of my desk, trying to multitask as always, and for a moment, I felt as if I was in a digital jungle teeming with screens. My mailbox spills forth a relentless stream of unread emails, resembling Pandora’s box. My computer screen seems to gaze upon me with horror, probably wondering how I am still slacking off when I have so many pending deadlines to meet! Social media’s siren song kept pulling me away. Streaming services enchanted me, offering an escape from the constant chaos. As I tried to work through all these digital distractions, my productivity tumbled like a house of cards. Against this turbulent backdrop, I recall a recently watched video claiming it can increase our ability to focus. It spoke of a concept called “Monk Mode,” an approach to declutter one’s life, focusing on what truly matters.
What is Monk Mode?
In today’s fast-paced society, “Monk Mode” has been repurposed to help individuals rekindle their focus and mental clarity amidst the constant barrage of distractions and demands. After surfing the internet for a while, I learned that it is a productivity approach, initially coined by software engineer Ben Orenstein in 2002 as an alternative to multitasking. The term has been around for at least two decades and has recently gained popularity on TikTok.
Let me break it down for you:
“Monk mode” originates in the ascetic and disciplined lifestyle of monks known for their deep contemplation, meditation, and scholarly pursuits in tranquil monastic settings. The method involves committing solely to one task for a certain length without distractions or interruptions. At the heart of “Monk Mode” lies the notion that disconnecting from external disruptions and wholeheartedly concentrating on a single task or project can bring significant changes in your personal and professional life. This immersive approach demands unwavering focus, balanced with periodic breaks for revitalisation. Furthermore, it requires the establishment of precise goals and objectives, ensuring continuous progress towards fulfilment.
For those new to Monk Mode, the first step is to begin with short intervals, about 30 minutes to an hour. Gradually, one can extend these periods until they can commit to hours or days of uninterrupted, focused work. During these Monk Mode sessions, it is crucial to eliminate distractions by turning off notifications on your devices and creating a peaceful work environment, free from interruptions by family members, friends, or colleagues. Then, one should allocate specific time slots each day for deep work, whether an hour in the morning or an entire day once a week. These time blocks should be considered sacred, where no one can disrupt your focus. Meanwhile, taking breaks is a must. Even 5–10-minute intervals are vital to keep your mind sharp and ready for the next deep work session. Before beginning any task or project, one should clearly define their goals and objectives. This foresight will streamline the work and prevent surprises down the road. And lastly, after achieving a significant milestone through deep work, treat yourself to a well-deserved reward. This positive reinforcement will excite you for the next deep work session.
Why the Monk Mode?
As I contemplated the surge in popularity of this method across the internet, the profound advantages of embracing the monk mindset became unmistakably clear. J.R.R. Tolkien wrote in ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ – “It’s the job that’s never started that takes the longest to finish.”
In the realm of Monk Mode, we heed Tolkien’s advice to begin, for it is in the initiation of focused work that will lay the foundation for success, productivity, and a life well-lived. Monk Mode is the beacon that guides us to start what truly matters. By harnessing the power of the present moment, we unearth mindfulness and a treasure trove of deeper self-awareness, which steers us toward more insightful choices. A wholehearted commitment to a single task ushers us into a flow state where our concentration soars and efficiency blossoms. In this sanctuary of focus, distractions like emails, phone calls, and social media notifications gently fade away.
Rumi wrote, “I am both good and evil. I am the devil and the angel. I am the madness and the calm.” the Monk Mode also has a few drawbacks. The potential downsides of Monk Mode include social isolation, inflexibility, the risk of burnout, strained relationships, and its unsuitability for all tasks. Finding a balanced approach that suits individual needs is crucial for maximising the benefits while mitigating these drawbacks.
Lastly, in a world of constant distractions, Monk Mode provides a much-needed break to regain our focus and boost productivity. Following the monk’s path to deep concentration, we can regain control of our lives and establish better work habits. As each new day begins, we should remember that our time is valuable and that we should guard it fiercely and use the power of ‘Monk Mode’ to conquer the TikTok brain once and for all.
Author- Anika Tasnim Lodro
