Why I split my day into monk and merchant mode

On a good day, I work in blocks of 90 minutes. I can usually fit three or four 90-minute slots into my working day. I hold the first two slots for Monk Mode work and the second two for Merchant Mode work.

Monk Mode is for creative projects, deep work, a flow state, and that type of thing. It means saying no to calls, Zoom meetings, social media, and toxic political news. I spend about 90 minutes writing, recording videos, or scripting workshops.

Lately, I’ve enjoyed spending some of this time vibe coding. After about 90 minutes, my energy and focus drop, and I break from the grid. If the going is good, I’ll repeat for another ninety minutes.

And then lunch.

I’m not a robot. I still get distracted by the rush of Dopamine notifications on LinkedIn and Substack. So, I use apps like Freedom or Rescue Time to block social media and the news while in Monk mode. I also set up my phone so that only a few people can get through and message or ring me.

It sounds fun, but spending all day writing or exploring creative projects is exhausting and unrealistic, and it won’t necessarily pay the bills.

So, after lunch, it’s time for Merchant Mode.

Usually, I ship an offer, work with a client, or host a workshop. I also review my Facebook ads campaigns and lead generation strategies while in Merchant MODE. These activities bring revenue into my business.

More than 2–3 hours in Merchant mode isn’t realistic either. Don’t believe all that nonsense on X or Insta about hustle culture and 12-hour grind sessions.

Monk Mode in the am.

Merchant Mode in the PM.

It’s a simple system, but I don’t always get this balance right.

Sometimes, like on Monday, I struggle to write for over 90 minutes. So, I’ll break those mammoth 90-minute deep work sessions into 25–30-minute blocks. Or on a Friday, I’ll skip Merchant Moe altogether and go for a run or a cycle.

I used to feel guilty about not grinding it out on bad days, but then I realized I can waste an entire day trying to be productive.

So, I hung a sign above my desk that reads “Reculer pour mieux sauté.” That’s
French for draw back to leap forward.

Ideally, a good online business has systems that work when you don’t. It frees you up to take a break and come back recharged.

I’ve shared my Monk and Merchant Mode routines because they can transform creative output and business revenue.

Next month…

I’m opening five 1:1 coaching spots within my Pro Creators Only program. I’ll help you design your perfect productivity split and hold you accountable through 2025.

If you want early access, reply ‘MONK’ and I’ll send you the details.