We are drowning in advice that tells us to close the door, work in silence, and wait for greatness. I reject this. The smartest thing is to increase your luck by meeting people and moving forward quickly. This is how careers evolve and bank accounts grow.
After listening to a fierce takedown of “monk mode,” I’m convinced: isolation is a trap to begin with. The right game is simple: just show up in person, accumulate small victories, and build a network that moves you forward. This is not a self-help joke. It’s a system.
The arguments against concealment
Success tends to find easy-to-find people. This means taking more meetings, not fewer. This means replacing Zoom with face-to-face. This means asking for coffee like it’s your job.
“Monk Mode is literally the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard… If you actually want to succeed… it’s the opposite of that.”
The message is direct: stop optimizing your inbox and start optimizing your calendar. Replace a screen with a seat in front of the table. The advantage is enormous; the downside is half an hour and a latte.
“I think Zoom meetings are where dreams die.”
Investor Bill Gurley calls it discovering network effects: going where the action is and getting to the middle of it. It’s not poetry. It’s a tactic.
Make luck a math problem
You can intentionally increase your chances. Consider life as a “surface”: more peoplemore collisions, more shots on goal. A practical rule emerged: schedule three meetings per day. Coffee, lunch, dinner. Ruthless? Yes. Effective? Even more.
For those who want to get started easier, try this weekly cadence. He creates a dynamic without exhausting yourself.
- Text three people today for coffee or lunch this week.
- Convert a permanent call to a direct call.
- Attend an event where your “Tuesday” heroes come together.
- Post one thing you learned each day on a single topic.
The goal is consistency, not heroism. Small daily victories release dopamine and keep you moving. Coach Colin calls this stacking “cheap wins.” He is right; the streaks reinforce the belief.
Target people, not CVs
Do you want real mentors? Stop asking for them and start creating them. I like the “5F” lens used on top executives such as Bob Kendall. This works because it focuses on what interests them, not what you want.
- Future: What do they want next?
- Family: who matters most to them?
- Fun: What hobbies or trips do they enjoy?
- Fascination: ideas or offers that enlighten them?
- Friction: what’s blocking them and how can you help?
Use it to attract people. You create connections around value, curiosity and help; Don’t ask.
Say yes, move your feet, raise the bar
Speed beats pedigree. Compress work into short sprints. Try three-day campaigns to ship, showcase, or learn. Comfort is the enemy. Growth seems annoying before it pays off.
Make meetings a walk. People say yes more often and the fresh air changes the tone. Steve Jobs did this. Maya Angelou reminded us that people remember how you made them feel, not what you talked about.
And choose the depth. David S. advocates for mastering one thing and sharing it daily. A year of publishing what you learn can make you the go-to voice in a niche you barely know about today. It’s not magic; it’s a growing curiosity.
Turn off the ventilation, rewire the loop
There is real science here. A large meta-study found no support for the idea that expressing anger reduces anger. In fact, it can make things worse. Swap the rant for a “10-second reset.” Notice the negative, breathe, then add a positive truth. Over time, your brain takes this path first.
“Stop complaining, stop talking, do the work and try to be nice.”
My opinion
Isolation is a dead end for most fighters. The smartest bet is to increase your surface area: more rooms, more representatives, more requests. Meet people who are living your dream day like their Tuesday. Learn something in depth and send it daily. Say yes more than no. You will look up in six months and feel the change in terrain.
So here’s my request: text three people now. Book a walk and a chat. Choose a topic and post what you learned today. In a year you will no longer recognize your life. And you won’t miss monk mode for a second.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the problem with “monk mode” for beginners?
It isolates you before you know what matters. From the start, you need visibility, feedback and presentations. In-person conversations accelerate learning and open doors.
Q: How many meetings should I aim for each week?
Start with three. Keep them in person when possible. A coffee or a walk is enough. The goal is to build a steady cadence, not perfect planning.
Q: How can I approach someone I admire without feeling embarrassed?
Use the 5F lens. Lead with what matters to them and come up with something useful. Share an idea, a lead or a solution to a blocker. Assess first, ask later.
Q: Can I really become an expert by posting daily?
Yes. If you choose a topic, learn in public and stay consistent. A year of daily notes provides clarity, credibility and real opportunities.
