36. Monk challenge

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Summary and measurement of success

Summary:
The Monk Challenge involves adopting a monk-like lifestyle for a set period, focusing on minimalism, mindfulness, self-discipline, and introspection.

What:
Live as a modern-day monk by simplifying life, reducing distractions, meditating daily, and practicing mindful living for 30 days.

Purpose:
To cultivate inner peace, mental clarity, and self-discipline while exploring spiritual growth and mindfulness practices.

Start Date:
2024-08-01

Target End Date:
2024-08-30

Actual End Date:
2024-10-05

Milestones:

1. Day 1: Commit to the challenge and create a structured daily routine.
2. Day 7: Successfully complete the first week of mindful living and document reflections.
3. Day 15: Assess progress and make adjustments to routine if necessary.
4. Day 30: Complete the challenge and conduct a comprehensive review.

Measurement of Success:

• Completion of the 30-day challenge.
• Improved ability to focus and reduce distractions.
• Regular meditation practice (at least 20 minutes daily).
• Documented reflections showing growth in mindfulness and self-discipline.

Steps to Achieve:

1. Define the scope of the monk challenge (e.g., no electronics, minimalist meals, daily meditation).
2. Create a daily schedule incorporating meditation, mindful activities, and minimal distractions.
3. Inform family/friends about the challenge to manage expectations.
4. Prepare a minimalist living space to align with the challenge.
5. Document reflections daily to track progress and challenges.

Resources Needed:

• Headspace
• A journal for daily reflections.
• Minimalist meal plans and basic living supplies.
• Books or podcasts on mindfulness and monastic living for inspiration.

Potential Challenges:

• Difficulty staying consistent with the routine.
• Temptation to break away from minimalist or mindful practices.
• Feeling isolated or frustrated due to lifestyle changes.

Solutions to Challenges:

• Use reminders or alarms to stay on schedule.
• Join online or local mindfulness communities for support.
• Break down the challenge into smaller, more manageable tasks.
• Reframe struggles as opportunities for growth and learning.

Review and Adjustments:

• Conduct weekly reviews to assess adherence and make necessary adjustments to the routine.
• Reflect on what worked well and what could be improved.
• After completion, analyze the impact on your mental and emotional well-being and consider incorporating elements into daily life permanently.

Cost to achieve: Estimated: $0Actual:$0

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Research

I’m starting to research what a meaningful monk challenge would mean for me. Things to consider are:

• Duration - 30 or 45 Days

• What to remove during that time?

  • No FAP
  • No Porn
  • No Massage with “extra” services 😆
  • Limited phone usage for work/family contact
    • Apps/distractions to remove
      • Dating
      • Social - Wechat, Reddit, Whatsapp
      • Instagram
      • LinkedIn

• Other fucketlist goals that could be incorporated during the monk challenge period:

  • 33. Extended silent retreat I can’t believe that this would be a good idea
  • 34. Stretching
  • 37. Ice bath
  • 38. Sleep consistency
  • 39. Water fast for 10 days Should be done separately

• Things to add to my daily routine:

  • read
  • yoga
  • run/walk
  • podcast
  • healthy eating
  • sleep
  • meditation
  • cold shower

Daily routine

Mornings

• Wake
• Water
• Meditation
• Yoga/Stretching
• Fruits
• podcast
• cold shower

Clean eating

Evening

• 5k run/boxing
• cold shower/cold therapy
• meditation
• journal
• read
• sleep