Hey, beautiful human -
I spent 48 hours at the SheBuilds Lovable Buildathon last week and it was challenging, confronting, and completely amazing.
Did I win anything? Not a single prize.
But here's what I did get: I built more in 48 hours than I thought possible. I connected with women from all over the world who are creating things for women and by women. And I walked away knowing I'd absolutely do it again. Here’s my project that I’d like to use as the basis for a Toodle app that would help ADHD folx identify their values and plan their days.
Oh, and I finally - FINALLY - finished my website. The one I've been "working on" since February. Not perfect. Not polished. Just... done. Live. Out there.
Then Thursday rolled around and I realized why I'd been dragging ass all week. 🐉🫏
As an introvert with ADHD and executive function challenges, I'd been peopling non-stop for two solid weeks. My social energy tank wasn't just low - it was flashing red and making concerning beeping noises.
So Saturday? I hunkered down in my cave. Slept when I felt like it. Cooked a lovely Heggie’s pizza. Watched shows with my husband. Didn't touch work until past midnight.
And you know what? That's exactly what my brain needed.
We talk a lot about momentum and showing up, but sometimes the bravest thing you can do is absolutely nothing. Rest isn't the opposite of productivity - it's what makes the next round possible.
Last week’s shenanigans
I sat down with Mark Hoffman for a conversation that honestly surprised me with where it went. We talked about resilience, building fractional businesses, and why midlife is actually the perfect time to reinvent yourself. He said it would be posted on Monday… Today!
My friend Nicole posted this absolute fire video tearing apart the nonsense term "quiet cracking." If you're not following her on TikTok at @stoplyingtoyouremployees, fix that immediately. She's calling out HR BS with receipts and I'm here for every second of it.
Yes, I've shared this TikTok account before. Yes, I'm sharing it again. Because @yodogwalker explaining his business philosophy based on dogs' vibes brings me disproportionate joy and we all need more of that.
This week’s freebie
I made something new - and I need your help.
I've built a draft GPT to help you create better prompts using the ROCO structure (Role, Objective, Context, Output). The catch? I haven't had time to properly test it yet.
Try it. Break it. Tell me what works and what makes you mutter creative profanities at your screen. Your feedback will make it better for everyone who comes after you.
ROCO Prompt Builder GPT
Quick ROCO reminder:
R - Role: Who should AI be?
O - Objective: What outcome do you want?
C - Context: Background info, tone, constraints
O - Output: What form should the answer take?
This GPT walks you through building prompts using this structure. Let me know how it goes.
ROCO Tip O’ the Week
Ship the Imperfect Thing (Before Your Brain Talks You Out of It)
You know that project sitting in your drafts? The thing that's "almost ready" but never quite good enough to share? This prompt helps you figure out what actually needs to happen to get it out the door.
Role
You are my pragmatic, no-nonsense coach who specializes in helping perfectionists ship things.
Objective
Help me figure out the absolute minimum viable version of this project so I can actually launch it instead of endlessly polishing.
Context
I'm working on [describe your project/thing]. I keep telling myself it needs to be better before I can share it. The truth is, I'm scared it's not good enough. I need help separating "actually needs fixing" from "perfectionism paralysis."
I'll paste what I have so far after "PROJECT:".
Output
First, tell me one thing that's working well that I should keep. Then give me three questions to help me decide what's truly essential versus what's just nice-to-have. Finally, suggest one small action I can take in the next 24 hours to move this closer to "done."
You are my pragmatic coach who helps perfectionists ship things. I'm working on [project description] and I keep thinking it needs to be better before I share it. Help me figure out the minimum viable version. Tell me: 1) One thing that's already working well, 2) Three questions to separate essential from nice-to-have, and 3) One action I can take in the next 24 hours to move closer to done.
PROJECT:
[paste your draft/outline/whatever you have]
✨ Try it in ChatGPT (free version works great):
What’s happening now
🎭 R Generation Remote Culture Playground
This week I'm debuting as a Creator for R Generation with my Remote Culture Playground. Thursday, October 16th - 11AM CT.
We're exploring what it actually takes to build connection when your team is scattered across time zones. Come play with us.
What’s coming up
🪩 Don’t Stop Me Now: A Free AI Confidential Session for the Curious + Overwhelmed
Thursday, October 23 | 6–7PM CDT
This isn’t a webinar. It’s a creative playground for the brilliantly overwhelmed.
We’ll cover:
✨ What AI is (and definitely isn’t)
🛍️ The “AI Shopping Mall” - how ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity each shine
🧭 The ROCO framework (your GPS for better prompts)
🪞 How to use AI as a thinking partner, not a threat
You’ll leave with:
💡 Prompts that actually work
⚡ Confidence choosing the right tool for the task
🧠 A fresh way to see AI as your creative ally
Pajamas welcome. Cameras optional. Curiosity required.
No tech background needed - just bring your human brain.
That’s it for this week.
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is ship something imperfect.
And sometimes the most productive thing you can do is recognize your tank is empty and give yourself permission to refill it.
Both are valid. Both are necessary. Both are part of building a life that actually works.
💜
Take care of yourself, take care of each other.
Deb
P.S. What's the thing you've been putting off that maybe - just maybe - doesn't need to be perfect before you start? Hit reply and tell me. I won't judge. I'll probably just cheer you on.
P.P.S. Forward this to a fellow introvert who needs permission to hunker down and recharge. We see you. Your cave time is valid.