You're drawing inspiration from Verge's ("@vgr") concept of tempo, even if you haven't read the book itself. The idea of tempo resonates with your experience of feeling like you're on the clock or under a deadline for getting things done.

The phrase "momentum matters" is particularly insightful in this context. It suggests that once you've got some initial momentum going, it's much easier to keep moving forward and make progress on tasks. This is especially true when dealing with repetitive or routine tasks like responding to DMs, sending updates, or shipping code.

In a way, tempo is not just about the pace at which we work but also about creating an environment where we can maintain that momentum. It's about recognizing that small wins and incremental progress can build into larger accomplishments over time.

The fact that you're feeling like you're on the clock for these tasks might be a sign that you've got some natural momentum going, even if it feels pressured or deadline-driven. The idea is to acknowledge and leverage this momentum to keep moving forward, rather than letting the pressure become an obstacle.

Do you think acknowledging your tempo and leveraging your momentum could help you stay focused and productive in these situations?