Rhythms of Focus
Kourosh Dini
Join psychiatrist, musician, and productivity strategist Dr. Kourosh Dini on a journey to transform your relationship with work, creativity, and focus. "Rhythms of Focus: for Wandering Minds, ADHD, and Beyond" explores the intersection of meaningful work and the art of engaging creativity and responsibility without force, particularly for wandering minds, ADHD, and beyond.
Each week, Dr. Dini weaves together insights from psychiatry, mindfulness practices, and creative experiences to help you develop your own path beyond productivity, and to mastery and meaningful work. Whether you're neurodivergent or simply seeking a more authentic approach to engaging the world, you'll discover practical strategies for:
- Building supportive environments that honor your unique way of thinking
- Transforming resistance into creative momentum
- Developing personalized workflows that actually stick
- Understanding and working with your mind's natural rhythms
Drawing from his experience as both a practicing psychiatrist and creative artist, Dr. Dini offers a compassionate perspective on productivity that goes beyond traditional time management techniques. You'll learn why typical productivity advice often falls short and how to craft approaches that genuinely resonate with your mind's natural tendencies.
Each week, Dr. Dini weaves together insights from psychiatry, mindfulness practices, and creative experiences to help you develop your own path beyond productivity, and to mastery and meaningful work. Whether you're neurodivergent or simply seeking a more authentic approach to engaging the world, you'll discover practical strategies for:
- Building supportive environments that honor your unique way of thinking
- Transforming resistance into creative momentum
- Developing personalized workflows that actually stick
- Understanding and working with your mind's natural rhythms
Drawing from his experience as both a practicing psychiatrist and creative artist, Dr. Dini offers a compassionate perspective on productivity that goes beyond traditional time management techniques. You'll learn why typical productivity advice often falls short and how to craft approaches that genuinely resonate with your mind's natural tendencies.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 20, 2025 • 16min
30. The 4 Limits of Productivity
Explore the intriguing notion that popular productivity tools often miss the mark. Discover how the four essential limits—time, agency, working memory, and trust—can guide more meaningful work. Learn to turn self-compassion into a tool for creativity, replacing frustration with playful mastery. Unpack the balance between structure and flexibility to foster a resilient productivity environment. Finally, enjoy a soothing original piano piece that enhances focus and calm.
Nov 13, 2025 • 11min
29. What if I break the chain?
Explore the pressure of habit streaks and why chasing them can create anxiety rather than mastery. Discover a playful approach to habit-building, prioritizing presence over performance. Learn the powerful three-part practice of deciding, being, and acting while letting go of perfection. See habits as musical rhythms that allow for improvisation and creativity. Enjoy an original piano composition that embodies the journey between struggle and growth, offering a refreshing perspective on meaningful progress.
5 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 14min
28. Clock Time vs Self Time
Dive into a poetic exploration of time as Dr. Kourosh Dini contrasts the rigid ticks of the clock with the fluidity of experiential flow. Discover how our lived moments shape our perception of time, rather than the strict measurement of hours. The podcast includes a captivating performance of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, highlighting the emotional depth of music. It invites listeners to engage and share their favorite piano pieces, fostering a sense of community in a world governed by time.
5 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 19min
27. The Principles of the Waves of Focus
Explore a transformative method for managing ADHD and wandering thoughts. Learn about the 'Waves of Focus' and shift from forceful to trustful productivity. Discover practical tools like the anchor and visit guide. Dive into a boat metaphor that illustrates how emotions influence attention. Find out how to create meaningful rhythms in your life, enhancing agency and mindfulness. Gradually build skills to engage with tasks without stress or overwhelm. This approach invites a more balanced and rhythm-oriented life.
12 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 15min
26. The Trouble Isn't Interest, It's Force
Ever feel stuck at the starting line? Discover how trust, rather than mere interest or deadlines, is the key to productivity. The podcast delves into the notion that self-trust can heal procrastination and overwhelm. Learn to embrace agency as a compass in emotional storms and replace forceful tactics with playful rituals. Plus, enjoy a soothing original piano composition that reflects the episode's themes. It's a gentle guide to nurturing your creative growth and finding meaning in the rhythms of daily life.
Oct 16, 2025 • 9min
25. Overwhelm of the Infinite
Feeling overwhelmed? Discover how to navigate the chaos of new projects with self-compassion. Dive into the importance of recognizing emotional waves beneath anxiety and learn to treat imperfect notes as guiding markers rather than burdens. Explore the playful side of creativity; it’s about embracing uncertainty, rather than forcing focus. The episode features a beautiful original piano composition that echoes these themes, bringing a musical touch to the journey of finding rhythm and enjoyment in the present.
10 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 20min
24. The Daily Invite
Discover the power of agency and trust in navigating a wandering mind. Learn why acknowledging the urge to procrastinate can heal productivity issues. The idea of transforming tasks into gentle invitations fosters growth and creativity. Kourosh introduces the practice of 'visits' to reconnect with tasks, building trust between your past, present, and future selves. Plus, practical tools like one-thing lists can support daily engagement while embracing self-compassion and playful mastery.
Oct 2, 2025 • 20min
23. ADHD and the Nature of Time
Time struggles for wandering minds are often misinterpreted as personal flaws. Instead, it's about the clash between rigid clock time and our natural rhythms. Discover why the traditional second feels hostile and how connecting with nature's cycles can enhance harmony. Explore the Lighthouse Technique, a new way to ease transitions and foster agency without the pressure of alarms. Plus, learn how music influences our perception of time through varying rhythms. It's a fresh perspective on aligning personal time with the world's demands.
16 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 14min
22. A Major To Do List Mistake
Explore why to-do lists often fail, as emotions like frustration can sabotage our progress. Learn to treat lists as living tools that evolve with us. Discover how tuning into the present can invigorate decision-making, likened to adjusting a guitar. Embrace the idea of sharpening the ax—making solid decisions now to pave the way for impactful actions later. Plus, enjoy an original piano piece that captures the magic of creative beginnings!
13 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 56min
21. Dr. Fuschia Sirois and the Vital Importance of Emotion in Procrastination
Dr. Fuschia Sirois is a renowned professor of social and health psychology at Durham University, specializing in procrastination and emotional management. She discusses how self-compassion can counteract procrastination and the societal norms that fuel self-criticism. The conversation delves into her innovative TEMPO toolkit, designed to tackle the emotional roots of avoidance and provide strategies for better motivation and planning. Fuschia also touches on the generational differences in procrastination and the effects of financial procrastination.
