russia has launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. Donate to support Ukraine and protect the world’s peace.

Disappear for 3 Months: Your Step-by-Step Plan to Transform Your Life in Just 90 Days

Get helpful tips on how to take three months off for personal development, self-improvement, and a total life glow-up!


Disappear for 3 Months A magic hat with rabbit ears inside it and a magic wand with sparkles

What if you dedicated 90 days to becoming the best version of yourself? Here's your step-by-step guide on how to disappear for three months and keep it all private in the process. Use this short break to press pause on daily distractions and create your self-growth plan with a new microlearning habit.

Whether it's building new skills, improving your health, or focusing on self-reflection, a three-month break is enough to learn from self-help books like 'Get Out of Your Head' by Jennie Allen and 'Self-Discipline in Difficult Times' by Martin Meadows, available in Headway's library of summaries. Their bite-sized formats will help you get the main ideas quickly and apply them in real life.

Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance and personal growth only. Results may vary, and we recommend consulting with a professional before making significant lifestyle changes. 

Quick tips on how to disappear for three months with a purpose:

  • Set clear goals: Define your three-month objectives and use Headway's summaries for focused, actionable insights.

  • Disconnect from digital distractions: Limit screen time and take social media breaks to enhance focus and self-reflection.

  • Prioritize mental and emotional well-being: Practice mindfulness and journaling to reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.

  • Build new skills and knowledge: Engage in online learning or hands-on courses to develop skills that align with your goals.

  • Nurture meaningful relationships: Strengthen connections with family and friends to build a supportive, transformative community.

Keep reading for more actionable hacks on using your 90-day break for positive habit formation and goal setting!

Craft your three-month plan: A week-by-week guide

Famous lifestyle and business adviser Dan Koe once said, "A pattern I've noticed in successful people: they disappear from the world for months at a time to force pure focus on themselves and their vision."

Imagine stepping away from everything for three months to focus solely on yourself, then returning feeling refreshed and full of new ideas. Think of it as your "monk mode" that can lead to substantial life changes.

Crafting a detailed plan is essential to maximizing the benefits of your 90-day transformation. Follow this step-by-step guide to stay on track.

DAY 1

The sixth extinction

DAY 2

Year of magical thinking

DAY 3

Think again

DAY 4

Bad blood

DAY 5

Creativity inc

DAY 6

Ego is the enemy

Listen or read 20 books in 20 days

Join the community of 50M+ book summary readers

Get started

Weeks 1-2: Disconnect from social media for clarity and focus

Action step: Reduce screen time to two hours a day and take 15-minute reading breaks.

One of the most effective ways to enhance your focus and mental health during this period is to disconnect from all social media platforms, such as TikTok and LinkedIn. According to the Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking journal, even a one-week break from social media can improve your well-being and reduce anxiety. Now, imagine what a difference three months can make!

In 'Get Out of Your Head,' Jennie Allen discusses the impact of overthinking and mental clutter. Without the constant noise and dopamine-driven notifications, you can gain greater mental clarity and dedicate more time to self-improvement activities like reading or listening to audiobooks and podcasts. 

This form of digital detox can also facilitate significant personal growth and transformation. 

Weeks 3-4: Focus on physical health and build new habits

Action step: Exercise regularly, eat healthy food, and be mindful.

Taking three months to focus on your physical health gives you an excellent opportunity to build good habits. Doing regular workouts and eating balanced meals can help you see real improvements in just a short time.

Book with the quote of Marcus Aurelius social media

In 'Meditations,' Stoic philosopher and leader Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and maintaining balance in your life. He suggests viewing the body as an essential tool to achieve personal growth and philosophical understanding:

"The body and its parts are a river, the soul a dream and mist."

To enhance your physical health, use Aurelius's teachings of incorporating daily physical activities that align with your goals. Try yoga, hiking, or strength training. Remember to track your progress with photos and be kind to yourself as you work towards your fitness goals.

Weeks 5-6: Prioritize mental and emotional well-being

Action step: Write down your feelings for self-reflection. 

Your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. Incorporating mindfulness techniques like meditation or Stoic practices can help you stay present and enhance your emotional regulation. 

Emily and Amelia Nagoski also suggest journaling as a way to track your emotional shifts and allow you to reflect on stress triggers. In their book 'Burnout,' they explain how to break the cycle of frustration and create a supportive network of loved ones and friends for validation and encouragement.

These self-care practices are essential for maintaining mental and emotional health throughout your three-month journey.

Weeks 7-8: Develop new skills for personal and career growth

Action step: Deepen your knowledge in an area that interests you. Take an online course, master public speaking, or get leadership training.

Three months is an ideal timeframe for self-development and new career opportunities. Many online platforms offer free courses to help you develop skills in various fields.

Rick Warren's 'The Purpose Driven Life' stresses the importance of living with purpose:

"Wonderful changes are going to happen in your life as you begin to live it on purpose."

So, when taking a 90-day break, align your new skills with your life's purpose. Online learning can deepen your knowledge and resonate with your long-term goals. 

Weeks 9-10: Implement financial growth strategies for stability

Action step: Take simple and practical steps to improve your money situation by trying a side hustle, investing a little, or doing freelance work.

Focusing for three months can help you learn a lot about money and even help your business grow. In 'Self-Discipline in Difficult Times,' Martin Meadows highlights the importance of consistent effort and self-discipline in achieving financial freedom

Start by setting clear and easy-to-understand money goals for the next few months. These small efforts will build up over time, whether you're making extra cash through freelancing or starting a small online business.

Weeks 11-12: Strengthen supportive relationships

Action step: Nurture meaningful relationships that support your personal growth. Spend more time with family and friends, avoid toxic people, and remember to set and respect your boundaries.

According to Jordan Peterson's '12 Rules for Life,' you need to surround yourself with people who encourage and support you:

"If you surround yourself with people who support your upward aim, they will not tolerate your cynicism and destructiveness. They will instead encourage you when you do good for yourself and others and punish you carefully when you do not." 

Building good relationships is very important during your time of change. Here are some helpful steps:

  • Get rid of toxic people who bring you down.

  • Lean on friends or groups who support and help you through tough times.

  • Find people who share your goals to keep you motivated and accountable.

Taking a break from the internet and social media can also help you connect better with the people around you and spend more meaningful time with your friends and family.

Benefits of disappearing for 3 months: The science behind the timeline

According to the European Journal of Social Psychology, forming a new habit generally takes around 66 days. That means three months is the ideal amount of time to change how you act.

During these three months, you can break your big goals into smaller, more manageable steps. This way, you can gradually take on tougher challenges while staying motivated as you build new habits.

Following the Fogg Behavior Model, your motivation to stick to your new routine fluctuates over time, emphasizing the need for sustained effort and energy. 

personal growth An opened person's head with brain in it and a magnifier with sparkles in it

When you keep going for about three months, you'll often notice your motivation fluctuating like waves. But sticking with it through these ups and downs is important to learn new skills and make changes that last.

Remember, taking a break for 90 days is not running away from reality. It's about avoiding bad habits and toxic people that might have previously held you back. 

This lifestyle change will help you gain greater focus through deep work and breaking free from a dopamine-driven hustle culture.

How to get back to daily life after your 3-month break

As your three-month transformation comes to an end, here are some steps to reintegrate into reality:

  • Acknowledge any regressive patterns.

  • Be mindful of the habits and routines you've established during this period.

  • Reveal the new version of yourself at a social gathering, where you should feel stunning and confident.

Take a good photo to use as your new profile image after your transformation. This will serve as a visual reminder to watch your journey and the progress you've made.

Embrace the new you and continue to build on the foundation you've created during these 90 days.

Get the best life advice through Headway's book summaries 

As you can see, disappearing for three months can lead to profound personal growth. You can make significant positive changes by making a clear plan that includes caring for your body and mind, learning new things, and surrounding yourself with good people.

And with the right self-growth tools, such as Headway's library of summaries, you can navigate change through your learning experience. From bestselling self-discovery books to thought-provoking books like 'The Alchemist,' you can access over 1700+ book summaries in one place!

Download the Headway app and start your transformation today; the best version of yourself is waiting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the power of disappearing?

Disappearing means taking time just for yourself to think, grow, and recharge. It helps you build better habits, understand yourself more, and come back feeling stronger and clearer about what you really want. Taking a break like this can change how you think and improve your life.

How can taking a three-month break help me achieve my goals?

Taking three months off allows you to focus solely on what matters to you, without distractions.

This focused time can speed up your progress and help you turn your dreams into reality. Give yourself this chance to grow and see the difference it makes!

How can I stay motivated during my three-month transformation?

To stay motivated during your three-month transformation, break your goals into smaller, manageable steps and set deadlines to track your progress. These steps will keep you focused and give you a sense of achievement along the way!

What resources can help me develop new skills during this period?

During your three-month break, Headway offers bite-sized summaries of the best personal development, productivity, and career-enhancing books, which can help you develop skills without overwhelming you. 

You can also tap into online courses on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy, which offer professional and personal growth training in areas such as leadership, coding, and creative development.

How do I transform myself in 90 days?

To truly transform in 90 days, focus on gradual, consistent progress rather than expecting overnight change. Start by identifying key areas for self-improvement, such as building new habits, improving physical health, or acquiring a new skill. 

Break down each goal into manageable steps and dedicate time each day to working on them. Use books, courses, and journals to guide your journey, and remember that transformation is about progress, not perfection.


black logo
4.7
+80k reviews
Empower yourself with the best insights and ideas!
Get the #1 most downloaded book summary app.
big block cta