Why I Chose Monk Mode – Part 2: Discovering the Power of Clarity

Written By Shakeel Ali

In Part 1, I shared why I chose Monk Mode—a focused period of discipline, intention, and deep reflection. The truth is, I was tired of being busy without real progress. Life had become noisy, and I needed clarity. I wanted to regain control of my time, reset my purpose, and commit to a new level of self-mastery. Now, in this second reflection, I want to share what I gained from my six-month journey—and why I would do it again.

Grounded by Intention

One of the biggest breakthroughs I experienced was a sense of groundedness. For six full months, I wasn’t just reacting to life—I was living with purpose. That sense of alignment gave me mental strength and nurtured a quiet confidence. I didn’t feel the need to announce it to the world, but internally, I knew I was building something meaningful.

I felt calm. Clear. Focused.

Professionally, that calm led me to concentrate on something I had always known I needed to do: productize my services. I asked myself daily, What can I create that will live beyond the session? By keeping that question close, I eventually connected with Kail from CoBreath in Korea. Now I’m building tools and resources that help youth and adults develop focus, calmness, and resilience through breathwork and structured support.

The Quiet Impact on Relationships

In full transparency, I didn’t tell many people that I was in Monk Mode. Looking back, I think that was a mistake. Some friends and family may have been confused or even a little irritated by my absence or delay in responding. Eventually, I had to let a few close people in, including my mother.

Ironically, right after I began Monk Mode, my mother had a health scare. I had to break out of my internal retreat to be there for her—and that wasn’t easy. It taught me that even in a season of personal commitment, life continues. I found a rhythm by scheduling weekly check-ins with her, and that routine became a grounding thread through an otherwise very introspective time.

Monk Mode helped me learn that solitude doesn’t mean isolation. But it does require communication and boundaries, something I’ll handle differently next time.

Rituals That Sustained Me

A structure of small daily habits kept me anchored throughout Monk Mode. These weren't just routines—they were rituals:

  • Listening to the Monk Mode audiobook every morning

  • Reciting and creating daily affirmations

  • Journaling to capture thoughts, intentions, and breakthroughs

  • Going to the gym regularly and walking in nature

  • Taking naps and honoring rest as part of the discipline

Each one contributed to a mindset of strength and intention. They gave me the clarity I was seeking and reminded me that progress doesn’t require pressure—it requires presence.

Coming Soon: The Hardest Part of Monk Mode

Part 3 will dive into what tested me most, because while Monk Mode brought me peace, it also forced me to confront the parts of myself I had been too busy to notice. The distractions may have been gone, but that meant the silence had something to say. I’ll be sharing the lessons that only solitude can teach.

Until then, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, off-track, or simply ready for more peace in your life, consider this:

You don’t need permission to reset.
You need intention—and the courage to follow through.

Shakeel Ali