I've been in Monk mode for 5 years now. Going 4 to 5 times a week to the gym and keep myself active and busy with things I like to do. Great video as usual.

What I love the most about getting up 5am. It's so peaceful. I think, a lot of the world is still asleep. It feels like stolen time because so many miss that time of day. 💓

Love to see this type of video Evan! It really speaks to me now recently working as a full-time photographer but wanting to bring more balance to my life again, so thank you for sharing.

so inspiring man. i really need to get my shit together. going to bed between 1 and 2 am has become normal, i used to be an early bird (somewhat) in my youth, loved sunrises and being up before everybody else, especially on weekends. at least i feel bad about wasting the nights and i always try to get my 8 hours of solid sleep anyway. i'll be on a road trip from july till september which will help me reconnect with myself, nature and the essentials of life. i can't wait. keep up those vids, very enjoyable.

Great message, Evan. Of all the photography-based channels that I follow, yours truly sets itself apart. Not only are you a masterful photographer and creative, with a super affable and relatable personality, but you're the only creator, that I know of anyway, who has the courage and wherewithal to tackle the storm of issues we all face as creatives-- namely, the work-life balance, overcoming creator's block, maintaining healthy habits, and the existential quest for meaning and fulfillment. I've been following you for a few years now, and during this time it's been anything but an easy journey for me. Addiction, toxic relationships, narcissism, and the like have stilted me, both creatively and professionally. I went from trying to balance Freelance work with my day job at a portrait studio-- all while trying to build a social media presence-- to having my entire kit stolen (Sony A7rIII, A7III, A6000, about 7 Sony lenses, speedlites, strobes, gimbal....everything!), which sent me into anabysmal depression, which led to me being unemployed and eventually living in my car, to finally relapsing on heroin after four years clean. (I'm not looking for sympathy or trying to skirt responsibility or justify anything; I'm just trying to vent. It's funny, anytime I take out my journal, I'm suddenly quiet.) I don't know what I'm trying to say. Its just refreshing to know that someone else who's like me isn't perfect either. That someone else is seeking and not always finding. That someone else understand that life is not a linear line from A to Z. I'm four months clean and I wish I could report that life is great. I wish that I could report that I'm feeling hopeful-- brimming with enthusiasm. But I can't. I'm disillusioned, if not despondent. I'm still very much the same person I was this time last year. Still trying to make sense of it all; still sitting on the brink of my life changing transformation. I don't know if or when I'll ever take that leap... but I must admit I'm feeling more inspired and sure of myself now, than I have in a long time... so thank you.

Thanks for this feedback! Essentially we all go into monk mode and we don’t realize it. I just built a bus into a camper to travel and work remote out of it as find my self and grow in the process. Watching this video reminded me the reason I am taking this journey and it’s to detach my self from my old bad habits and find that person who is truly inside me and give that person the time to shine.

This is the REALEST and most TRANSPARENT monk mode I’ve seen! Thank you for your honesty and realistic viewpoint of your Monk Mode experience. Some of these videos are a bit extreme but this shows balance but still accomplishing your mission. Shows that you’re learning and reflecting as you go! Thank you for sharing!

Evan, you nailed it here. “What I wanted was to have more freedom during the times of day I enjoy.” I’ve been doing the work and exercise daily grind for a while now and during that time I realized the same thing. I’m already super productive but I wanted freedom in my day to do what I want.

I’m so grateful to have your channel in my life! Thank you Evan!

Evan you and I are scary similar, I have had all of the same awakenings this year. Trying to become a better photographer and businessman while also balancing my personal life and health. Great video as always man, keep it up.

I really enjoy videos on these topics from you Evan. Thank you!

great video Evan! I'm gonna try this also and see how far "Monk Mode" will take me.

Excellent insights.

Great video, I definitely want to grow, not only as a photographer but as a human. This definitely inspired me! Thank you

This was a really cool and inspiring video!

Love the concept of the monk mode!

I'm definitely going to have to give this a shot!

Started a new job last month with a new schedule where I clock in at 9 so I decided to change up my workout routine by going to the gym at 6 in the morning. Its significantly better since the gyms aren’t as packed and I can still come home in the afternoon to work on my own photography. Monk mode can do wonders for some people lol

Love your content brother! Keep inspiring others 🙏🏽

Great one! I love how you described arriving at conclusions 👌

Love this type of videos 🤝🔥

Love it! I'm working on getting into the 5am Club myself.

Let's start bro

Excellent video!

Excellent Video

Thank you for this mate 💯

Awesome video! I've always wondered how content creators organize their files. It would be interesting to see how you do it.

Great advice

Best video ever Evan. I have even revisited it. Thx mate..

I love this video!

Great video! This was something I needed to hear! Thank you for making it! Also, what pen is that? It looks super dope.

This might’ve just helped me in a huge way 🔥 gonna give it a go

I do like your videos in general but this one really speaks to me. Thanks 🙏🏼

Hello Evan, the Monk Mode is actually really great, especially when it comes to achieving your own goals. I have set a few goals for myself, achieved all of them and even surpassed some. Kind of like not having to work anymore, just doing what I enjoy. I gave up some things and concentrated on the essentials. I've been able to do whatever I want for 4 years, but I've currently run out of goals. I wanted to set up a KZfaq channel about photography for fun, so I watched a lot of your videos and many others and implemented your tips. I did, but it wasn't that successful. In the meantime I'm looking for my own drive, I've run out of adventures. Long story short, choose your goals carefully and think about what you will do when you have achieved them all. My english is not so good, the text is from google translator. :-)

I wake up at 6 everyday. 5 is a completely different world though. Being out when everyone is still down is free of distractions. Plus, your brain is still making those creative chemicals for dreams. I spent a few months motorcycling Indonesia, waking up at three, and napping over lunch. I swear with a day that compartmentalised, you use it better. I squeezed 2 out of every 1.

Thank you Evan

Good for you

Thank you!

Man the view from your window is fire!! I enjoyed the video!👏🏻

I almost screamed and jumped out of my chair when he said hes based in atlanta !!! good to see someone else from atlanta as well

Motivational as usual. There is another you tube channel I follow which is an artist who gives this same advice. I've tried most of it and stuck with some of it. It is the primary reason I picked my camera up again. Best thing I've learned is how to pivot when things don't go according to plan instead of getting mad or frustrated.

Enjoyed the video! Definitely going to start this for me as well! I definitely think that I can get more done this way. BTW How did you like Charleston? I know that bridge and that pink building anywhere lol.

i've been doing ''monk mode''(i didnt even know this existed) since december 2019 by waking up at 4:45 am monday to friday, but sadly it has NOT been consistent AT ALL because of VARIOUS reasons, quarantine is not the biggest between them, somehow. But ONE THING i got from this never ending trial, is the readjustment of my natural morning clock! What i mean is, now it's getting more and more normal to open my eyes before 5 am, and not feel tired at all. I of course gotta go to bed at a fair time, to colaborate with the body.

Great video Evan, really relatable! I've recently cut out alcohol and started getting up at 5am to hit the gym 4 days a week, I've never felt better, something about that early start just sets such a positive tone for the whole day

thank you

Time to plan a road trip. Get in the car, Big Bend National Park. Camping, stars, fresh air.

That you are clicking snooze heavily implies you aren’t getting sufficient sleep as well as having a less than optimum wake up strategy - ideally keep the alarm clock out of reach so you have to physically get up to turn it off. I’ve gone one further and have my water vibrate a minute before my actual alarm clock goes off, giving me an opportunity to get up and avoid the noise. It works wonders. Go straight into the bathroom to wash face or shower and you will wake up sufficiently to avoid going back to bed.

I love the fact that you also use an ink pen from the German brand Lamy :D

Related to this…if you need a break come shoot down here in Panama City Beach

super man.!!

doing this now !!

Awesome video Evan! I’m a new subscriber, only found your channel a couple days ago but I’ve been loving your content, old and new. I have an interest in photography and video myself and do it as a hobby outside my “9-5”. I decided last week to cut IG out of my life for a bit and I have to say, even though I’ve been off the app for only 6 days my mind has been so clear and the creative ideas are just flowing in. This video came at the right time for me!

Gotta get to the monk mode soon 😅

Awesome camera backpack Mann what’s the brand??!

I think getting up early is 🔑

Monk mode vital

Do you think it'd be beneficial to do the list the night before? I've found that that works better for me.

If I already wake up at 5 and in bed by 9 does that mean I need to wake up at 4 and bed by 8 to take on monk mode :). Nice vid.

I just watched a Warren Buffet interview. We'll all be in monk mode in not too long, was his message. No special study or philosophy needed either. For as long as I can, I'll enjoy comfort mode instead. Perhaps even a gain a few pounds extra so I can weather the storm a bit longer. Matter of fact, I'm on the horn right now with pizza delivery to make it happen.

Where did you learn about Monk Mode? Any other books are resources?

Hey, what pen do you use on this movie??

✨🔥🔥🔥🔥✨

Im watching this at 5 am before going to sleep lmao

Any examples of how this works having kids?

Great video. Waking up early doesn't necessarily make you more productive, it just gives you a head start on the day compared to others; if you take advantage of the time. While everyone is sleeping between 5-7am you could already have gotten in a work out, breakfast, shower/dress and replied to all your work emails for the start of the day as an example. YOU being the person reading, not Evan. Productivity is how you use your time, not the time you start your day - just remember that. Having routine will certainly increase your odds of productivity and good habits.

If you're still listening to audio books, I recommend "How to Change" by Katie Milkman. She's a leader on behavior change psychology, and this book covers the psychology behind behavior change in a very accessible way. -Uncle Joe

I love getting up at 5am but seriously hit a crash around lunchtime or early afternoon… any advice to get over that?

Is it for the cinematic vibe or is your setup so dark in reality?r

Great video!! CUT THE FAT OUT OF YOUR DAY

The lifestyle of a person without family obligations - such as a monk. :) Once you have a child, it's not that simple anymore.

I have a hard time following Evan. Not sure why, but I do.

What are your typical meals throughout the day?

LMAO

I did monk mode & made 10 trillion dollars in a month

5am? I never understood sleeping in like that; days half over.

cut the cream and don't eat till 11

sounds like a little rich white boy 😂😂😂

I’m not sure if monks do this🤔

rich white giy typical 😂😂😂

You cant drink liquid cocaine (caffiene) on monk mode my guy. Rule #1

No marijuana involved?? Fuuuuuukk😩😩😩

Do you have any friends? Real question here because with this lifestyle you have to be alone and in your own. It's too demanding to have a social life

Because your "personal growth" is directly tied to the business model of your channel and is done in the name of growing your social media presence, it's all just a bit phony and pretentious. You're selling a lifestyle, not helping people. And if people are incidentally helped by this business plan of yours, that doesn't make it any less phony and pretentious.

i wake up when i wake up and go to bed when im tired. Some days are longer than others but always get as much done as possible