At some point, I just accepted that my mind is scattered. My focus flutters around like so many butterflies. Like right now, one minute I was triaging a bunch of emails for work, next I'm here commenting on this post I still had sitting open from yesterday. Do I get shit done? Yes, yes I do. Do I sometimes wish for a longer attention span? Oh wait, I just remembered there's washing in the machine. Finish this later 👋
Shoni, I totally get that! Having a scattered mind can be challenging, but it sounds like you’ve found a way to make it work for you. Sometimes, our minds just need to wander. It's part of being human. Don’t be too hard on yourself, yeah? :)
I know such people with a lot of courage, who live their lives and will not be tired by their work, but this makes them more relaxed, a lot of charm and joy for life and for everything. I spent 12 hours writing my modest newsletter and I felt it seemed like wings in my mind, flight to imagination.
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult” Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Oh I definitely do when it comes to writing. Even with my kids running around me screaming and playing, I’m somehow able to zone out and ignore the distractions, sometimes even for a few hours at a time when I’m lucky. Sometimes I wake up at 4am and write while everyone else is sleeping. But the full on 2 week Nightmare-mode? Not possible for me. Not yet anyway
Sure Tim, I've tried nightmare mode. I was obsessed with natural sciences as early as high school and went into nightmare mode to enroll in a local university. The competition was cut-throat so getting accepted for free required serious dedication. Nightmare mode was the only way to get in. And I did.
Nightmare mode for writers like me is called a writing retreat! I have spent 30 days in a retreat in Finland (best time ever and I wrote 40,000 words plus a children's book), but I have also done 14 days in other retreats. 7 days is not enough. Long retreats are really productive times for me.
I'm looking forward to reading about your new addition. I'm stuck in a low paying job and need more money, as well as personal freedom. I doubt I will do full nightmare mode because I need to shower at least every other day, and I have someone who needs me for things throughout the day, but I love to write.
I've seen major goals achieved (and achieved some myself) with 8-12 hr daily focuses on the task(s) at hand. And if you have another person who needs you for certain things every day, modifications need to be made. But hyper-focused sessions towards a goal are good, and the closer you get to your goal, the more addicted you become to achieving it. The exception may be if you're desperate, facing losses: job, home, vehicle, food, etc. Those frequently cause us to come out of the gate at full speed, often more out of fear than determination.
Nightmare-mode works as long as you don’t ignore your primary relationships and your health. I hope you take a break from your cave when you return and go for a walk with your family. You’re an inspiration, Tim.
Your description of nightmare mode reinforced my confidence before a hearing I am attending tomorrow. I am an attorney representing myself and advocating for obtaining compensation for the losses I incurred through a government program that was supposed to involve little to no cost but involved $20,520 in unnecessary expenses. I feel emboldened thanks to your words describing focus. Steve Ludsin East Hampton NY
What a great idea. Reminds me of going on a fasting diet, meaning eating very little on the brink of starvation for two or three weeks. All you are interested in in NIGHTMARE MODE is to look at the places you decided to avoid altogether. As with the fasting diet, you usually invest in what you cannot eat. After a few days, you get used to the new reality you have imposed on yourself and live the change, albeit temporarily. I am going to adopt this excellent idea. https://kavenet.substack.com/
"When you build a business it’s self-improvement in disguise." -- Tim D.
I've had 2 separate weeks of "Nightmare Mode" during this first year of building my business. Then...chaos ensued in the following weeks.
So why am I doing it again anyway?
The chaos sucked! No doubt. AND highlighted areas of unhealthy over-dependence.
I waded through the chaos 2 x to come out improved. So now - I'll rinse and repeat with better clarity at what's going on. Not easy, but IMO it'd be worse if I'd remained the same.
Oh, and I'm married with kids. All has improved. Value alignment before you begin is VERY key.
Love it because I love the hyper focus. I may not do 2 weeks, but I may dip my toe into the water with a 3 day stint.
Good one Robert. I see it like a short-term fast. Fasting from distractions and anything that doesn't get you closer to your goals.
This is exactly what I needed to read at this time, and I found it.
It's a generational necessity
Spread the word.
Rancho, Yea. It is . I'm a fan of the American Conscription Army. Kids these days suck. (85% of em at least) .
Who else is doing a full 30 day nightmare mode??
I will be
At some point, I just accepted that my mind is scattered. My focus flutters around like so many butterflies. Like right now, one minute I was triaging a bunch of emails for work, next I'm here commenting on this post I still had sitting open from yesterday. Do I get shit done? Yes, yes I do. Do I sometimes wish for a longer attention span? Oh wait, I just remembered there's washing in the machine. Finish this later 👋
Shoni, I totally get that! Having a scattered mind can be challenging, but it sounds like you’ve found a way to make it work for you. Sometimes, our minds just need to wander. It's part of being human. Don’t be too hard on yourself, yeah? :)
Thanks Sol, I'm fine. I like having lots of different things on the go, keeps life interesting. Life is not 'one size fits all', hey?
I know such people with a lot of courage, who live their lives and will not be tired by their work, but this makes them more relaxed, a lot of charm and joy for life and for everything. I spent 12 hours writing my modest newsletter and I felt it seemed like wings in my mind, flight to imagination.
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult” Lucius Annaeus Seneca
I’d love the opportunity to do this. One day I will. Unfortunately, with 3 kids to care for it’s not possible right now..
I think the idea is to do what you can while still supporting your children. Just remove the distractions and be clear on the one goal you have
Oh I definitely do when it comes to writing. Even with my kids running around me screaming and playing, I’m somehow able to zone out and ignore the distractions, sometimes even for a few hours at a time when I’m lucky. Sometimes I wake up at 4am and write while everyone else is sleeping. But the full on 2 week Nightmare-mode? Not possible for me. Not yet anyway
Sure Tim, I've tried nightmare mode. I was obsessed with natural sciences as early as high school and went into nightmare mode to enroll in a local university. The competition was cut-throat so getting accepted for free required serious dedication. Nightmare mode was the only way to get in. And I did.
Nightmare mode for writers like me is called a writing retreat! I have spent 30 days in a retreat in Finland (best time ever and I wrote 40,000 words plus a children's book), but I have also done 14 days in other retreats. 7 days is not enough. Long retreats are really productive times for me.
I'm looking forward to reading about your new addition. I'm stuck in a low paying job and need more money, as well as personal freedom. I doubt I will do full nightmare mode because I need to shower at least every other day, and I have someone who needs me for things throughout the day, but I love to write.
I've seen major goals achieved (and achieved some myself) with 8-12 hr daily focuses on the task(s) at hand. And if you have another person who needs you for certain things every day, modifications need to be made. But hyper-focused sessions towards a goal are good, and the closer you get to your goal, the more addicted you become to achieving it. The exception may be if you're desperate, facing losses: job, home, vehicle, food, etc. Those frequently cause us to come out of the gate at full speed, often more out of fear than determination.
Have a wonderful vacation.
Nightmare-mode works as long as you don’t ignore your primary relationships and your health. I hope you take a break from your cave when you return and go for a walk with your family. You’re an inspiration, Tim.
That's why he said to only do it for a few days to a month max. Short-term imbalance.
This is insanity.
And I want to do this so bad!!! 🔥🔥🔥
Fascinating thoughts on getting the right direction and perspective in life.
Your description of nightmare mode reinforced my confidence before a hearing I am attending tomorrow. I am an attorney representing myself and advocating for obtaining compensation for the losses I incurred through a government program that was supposed to involve little to no cost but involved $20,520 in unnecessary expenses. I feel emboldened thanks to your words describing focus. Steve Ludsin East Hampton NY
However you do it… GO GET’EM!
(and good luck)
What a great idea. Reminds me of going on a fasting diet, meaning eating very little on the brink of starvation for two or three weeks. All you are interested in in NIGHTMARE MODE is to look at the places you decided to avoid altogether. As with the fasting diet, you usually invest in what you cannot eat. After a few days, you get used to the new reality you have imposed on yourself and live the change, albeit temporarily. I am going to adopt this excellent idea. https://kavenet.substack.com/
"When you build a business it’s self-improvement in disguise." -- Tim D.
I've had 2 separate weeks of "Nightmare Mode" during this first year of building my business. Then...chaos ensued in the following weeks.
So why am I doing it again anyway?
The chaos sucked! No doubt. AND highlighted areas of unhealthy over-dependence.
I waded through the chaos 2 x to come out improved. So now - I'll rinse and repeat with better clarity at what's going on. Not easy, but IMO it'd be worse if I'd remained the same.
Oh, and I'm married with kids. All has improved. Value alignment before you begin is VERY key.
Buckle up!