Deep Work vs. the Agent Badge

Here's something I'm struggling with: often the most productive use of my time involves shutting out codex and claude code, putting the agents on do not disturb, and using my brain to think through a problem or crank through an actual draft of my thoughts.

But that red 20 badge is calling me... an agent needs quick input to keep going on some task. I'm the blocker! I hate being the blocker.

Also, it's a nice little dopamine hit. What did the agent slot machine pay out this time? Another pr could be shipped! Another task could be getting completed!

I just want to feel confident the agents are making progress while I'm working on where I add unique value. But is it really that important if they're stuck for an hour?

I am working on delegation. Either through a better orchestrator, hiring human contract help (DMs are open) or both.

I believe deep work still has leverage. I just have to wire my brain to bet on that belief more often.

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