Episode 29

29. What if I break the chain?

Break free from the tyranny of the unbroken streak—what if focus meant something deeper than chasing another checkmark? This episode of Rhythms of Focus invites wandering minds and adults with ADHD to let go of the pressure to “never miss a day,” discovering a kinder, rhythm-based approach to meaningful growth.

In this episode, explore:

- Why the “Don’t Break the Chain” habit method can create more anxiety and shame than mastery.

- How shifting from scorekeeping to presence transforms habit-building from a rigid tally into a playful, mindful journey.

- Practical strategies to reframe loss and missed days as part of life’s natural ebb and flow—fostering agency rather than guilt

Key takeaways:

- Learn why focusing on experience rather than streaks fosters real mastery and self-compassion.

- Discover the three-part Daily Invite: decide, be, and act—without the weight of perfection.

- Begin to view your habits as musical rhythms, not broken chains—open to improvisation, pauses, and creative renewal.

This episode features an original piano composition, “Ascend,” reflecting the dance between struggle and growth. Subscribe for more gentle, empowering strategies, and visit rhythmsoffocus.com for resources tailored to creative, neurodivergent thinkers.

### Hashtags:

#ADHD #WanderingMinds #FocusRhythms #MindfulProductivity #GentleHabits #SelfCompassion #DailyInvite #CreativeGrowth #Agency #Neurodiversity

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Rhythms of Focus
for Wandering Minds, ADHD, and Beyond

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About your host

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Kourosh Dini

Kourosh Dini, MD is a clinical psychiatrist and psychoanalyst practicing in downtown Chicago, IL.

He is an author of several productivity suite of books and courses, the latest of which is a community-based course for those with, what he calls, "wandering minds". Having a wandering mind himself, he has learned and taught thousands of others how to manage their attention.

As a musician, Kourosh stresses the vital importance of creativity and a *meaningful* productivity.

His long-standing meditation practice also weaves a vital sense of mindfulness and the grounding in a meaningful sense of productivity, rather than one of constantly getting more done for the sake of efficiency.

Education includes:
- Northwestern University - Integrated Science Program, BA
- Northwestern University - Neuroscience
- University of Illinois at Chicago Medical school
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Adult Psychiatry Residency
- University of Chicago - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship
- Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute - Psychoanalytic Training