In Defense of the Deep Dive and Binge Brain

Naming the real rhythm under our work

I’m right in the middle of Jason Feifer’s 21-day challenge. A challenge that I started on September 9, and it’s currently November 24th. So you can do the math on how long a 21-day challenge is taking me.

Another thing I started and apparently abandoned. Except I didn’t quit, I just moved in the way I always move. I went into binge mode. Meaning I’m not doing it in the small daily doses, I’m blocking out half a day to do several days’ worth.

And what is actually wrong with that? The only thing wrong was the story I was telling myself about how I was supposed to work. This is not an unconventional approach. It is the most consistent pattern in my life.

I don’t do slow drips. I do deep dives. I go all in when the clarity hits.

This is how I produce, sell, write, and most importantly, how I show up for people.

The deeper lesson for me is acceptance. Not trying to turn myself into the type of person who thrives on incremental steps.

Participating in this 21-day challenge is awesome (more on that soon), but it’s reminding me that our process is rarely the problem. The problem is the pressure to work like someone else.

And if you’ve been fighting your own rhythm, consider this a gentle nudge: maybe the rhythm you keep apologizing for is the one you were supposed to be using all along.