Monk mode comes up a lot but the details are always hazy. Here's a simple system for identifying / targeting what's important: you won't find it elsewhere because this post is my first time sharing it on the internet: I call it "THREE".

On Day 1, take a piece of paper and write down the following:

  • 3 Targets (Life Goals) - one word each.
  • 3 Hazards (Vices) - one word each.
  • 3 Recreation (Hobbies) - one word each.
  • 3 Employment (Career Goals) - one word each.
  • 3 Essentials (Daily Routine) - one word each.

Now take that piece of paper, put it away and forget about it. Do the same 3 days later and one more time 3 days after that for a total of three. Now open all of them up and cross out anything that you didn't write down on all 3.

Keep the ones you had in common and keep repeating this until you end up with fifteen items in those categories.

Don't rush this, you need to take days in between writing them so your mind to resets and forgets what you wrote - this way you get a sample of what's important to you over a reasonable period of time & it will be more accurate.

When you have your fifteen one-word items, convert them to open-ended goals. Examples are:

  • Lifting -> Push my physical boundaries.
  • Meditating -> Increase mental clarity
  • Reading -> Learn new things.

Next, add purpose. If you don't know why, re-evaluate. These should be "is" and not "is not". Examples:

  • Push my physical boundaries ...to become healthier and more powerful.
  • Increase mental clarity ...to gain self-awareness and quality of life.
  • Learn new things ...to be more adaptable and resourceful.

Your purpose isn't "to avoid" or "to maintain" - it must be "to gain". This is critical. Once you have purpose, link the ideals you strive for to living or historical archetype which came closest to achieving / embodying them. Examples:

  • Physical discipline of Arnold
  • Mental clarity of Aurelius
  • Mental brilliance of Elon Musk

These will be your role models, which we also add to your goals with purpose, as such:

  • Push my physical boundaries (1) to become healthier and more powerful (2) ...like Arnold(3).
  • Increase mental clarity (1) to gain self-awareness and quality of life (2) ...like Aurelius(3).
  • Learn new things (1) to be more adaptable and resourceful (2) ...like Elon Musk(3).

You now know exactly how to succeed - the what, the why and how to visualize what it looks like.

When you catch yourself doing something suboptimal, visualize where it leads. "What if I keep drinking?" Asking this summons willpower you didn't know you had by activating desirable parts of your brain. If alcohol is one of your vices, ask where the that bottle leads when you sip. You'll become disgusted, put it in the trash along with the rest of the case and do what you should be doing instead. Likewise, asking "What happens if I keep lifting?" while visualizing a desirable physique will give you motivation and a powerful "pulling" [towards your goals] force.

The next time you want to reach for a beer or feel unmotivated to read, meditate or train, recall your complete open-ended goal and visualize where your decisions lead: your brain will help get you back on the right track.

If at any point you feel unsure of what to do or lost, let this consume you and become your directive in life:

Daily Routine with more Life Goals and less Vices while striving for Career Goals & unwinding with Hobbies.

Having 15 clear goals / activities lets you keep progressing towards your goals in the long run by having variety.