I Built Monk Mode for Mac Because Willpower Alone Wasn't Cutting It

I kept lying to myself about focus.

I'd sit down to work with "good intentions" and within 20 minutes I'd be on YouTube, checking X, or browsing something completely unrelated. Every day. For months.

So I built Monk Mode for Mac.

What it does

Monk Mode is a native macOS app that enforces deep focus sessions with real teeth:

• Focus Sessions — timed blocks where distracting sites and apps are locked out
• Website Limits — daily caps on time-wasting sites with automatic enforcement
• Feed-Level Blocking — blocks YouTube Home, Shorts, and X's For You feed without killing the entire domain
• Focus Profiles — save different blocking configs for different types of work
• Menu Bar Tasks — quick task capture from the notch so you stay in flow

Why this exists

I tried every productivity app out there. The problem was always the same: I could turn them off whenever I wanted.

Monk Mode doesn't ask if you're sure. It blocks the site and shows you a message: "Work on success, not youtube.com."

That friction is the whole point.

What it costs

$15 one-time. No subscription. No monthly fee. Native Apple Silicon.

Try it

👉 mac.monk-mode.lifestyle

If you struggle with distraction during deep work on Mac, I built this for you. Would love honest feedback.