😶‍🌫️ How to Grow Without Ghosting

Hey there! Welcome back to The Flow by Flocus. If you’re new around here, welcome! 👋  You can catch up on our previous editions right here.

This week: You’ve probably seen posts about “disappearing for 6 months” to smash your goals. We’re diving into why this is admirable, but not practical for most — plus, more constructive things you can do instead. Let’s get into it!

😶‍🌫️ Why People “Disappear” to Focus

There’s lots of talk in productivity spaces about “disappearing” for an extended period (typically between 6 weeks and 6 months) to focus solely on personal growth.

And sure, the idea sounds great: a clean slate, uninterrupted focus, and the chance to reset your life.

A big part of why this method resonates is because it borrows from proven productivity techniques like deep focus, minimizing distractions, and prioritizing personal goals.

But here’s the reality: disappearing entirely doesn’t work for everyone, and it can even come with real drawbacks.

That doesn’t mean the core concept is flawed — it just needs tweaking to fit most people’s lives. Let’s dive into why, and how to make it work for you!

🌿 Why You Don’t Need to Disappear

Humans are social beings. We don’t just thrive on interaction — we need it to survive.

If this reason isn’t enough to convince you, let’s take a closer look at 3 more:

• 🗣️ Opportunities come when you put yourself out there. Real progress comes from connecting, collaborating, and sharing fresh perspectives, insights, and experiences. This process also makes you “luckier” and helps you break out of your comfort zones.

• Life will still happen. Retreating from life’s obligations and disappearing to focus on one thing is a privilege very few can afford. Plus, any curveballs life throws during that isolation period can catch you off guard and set you back further.

• 👯‍♀️ Healthful habits are better done together. Many of the positive habits that people “disappear” to focus on — like exercising, learning a new skill, or building a business — are often more impactful when shared with others!

🛝 How to Get the Best of Both Worlds

If you love the idea of locking in but don’t want to sacrifice balance or connection, here are 3 simple but effective things you can do to adapt the concept without dropping off the map:

🤝 1. Prioritize IRL interactions

Online communities are absolutely valuable and beneficial. But interacting with other people in real life is like superfood for your brain and body.

Whether it’s studying or working at your favorite coffee shop and chatting with the barista, or catching up with a friend, even small, casual interactions can make a big difference in your energy and outlook.

If you’re emerging from a hibernation, take it as slow as you need to — but don’t let your fear stop you from putting yourself out there.

🛡️ 2. Practice making hard choices

Part of being a resilient, productive person means making (and sticking by) difficult decisions.

It means saying “no” to easy, effortless, instant gratification, and saying “yes” to hard, demanding, long-term work.

Honestly? It sucks sometimes.

Acknowledging and honoring that fact isn’t just okay — it’s necessary for learning to overcome internal resistance in the future. For more on this concept, check out our previous send in Flocus Picks below!

🏃‍♂️ 3. Build balanced momentum

Life will never stop completely, so you’ll have to get scrappy and learn how to replenish yourself when lots of things are still happening around you.

But you’ll also need to know how to get yourself out of a rut so you can stay on top of your most important responsibilities.

If you want to get better at doing both, experiment with these 3 time management techniques:

• 🙇 Deep Focus Sprints / Days: Dedicate a day or 2 each month entirely to deep work, self-care, and personal development. Shorter “sprints” can help you ease in and work up to longer days.

• 🏕️ Micro Retreats: Sometimes, shutting yourself away from the world is the best thing you can do for yourself. Take a day or two each month to fully disconnect (or disconnect as much as you can).

• 🏃‍♂️ Rest in Motion: Originally coined by Julia Cameron, “resting in motion” means seizing small pockets of rest or nourishment wherever you find them. Waiting for the bus and even going to the bathroom are just a couple examples of tiny moments where you can catch your breath.

🪅 Flocus Picks

A curated list of things worth sharing.

• Hard Choices, Easy Life (Post) — A previous send on making tough choices for an easier future, and the power of delayed gratification.

• Why Community Matters So Much & How to Find Yours (Article) — This Vox piece explores more of the research behind in-person interaction and offline communities.

• What Social Isolation Does to Your Brain (Video) — Isolating yourself for long periods is more harmful than you might think. Dr. Tracey Marks explains how!

🖥️ Flocus: Your Personal Productivity Dashboard

We’re here to help you focus on your goals without disappearing. With a customizable focus timer, task list, serene ambient worlds, soundscapes, and more, Flocus helps you stay productive at your pace.

TLDR: You don’t need to “disappear” for 6 weeks or months at a time to reach your goals. In fact, doing so can sabotage your efforts in all kinds of ways.

So the next time you’re tempted to shut yourself away, try these tips. You got this!

Until next Sunday,

Flocus Team