Hello Reader,

There’s this tricky space between “not yet” and “done.” It’s called almost—and it can feel like purgatory.

You’ve made progress. You’re closer than you were. But you’re still not where you want to be.

That can mess with your head.

I’ve been there. Staring at something nearly finished and wondering if it’s even worth pushing through. Comparing where I am to where I think I should be.

But here’s the thing: almost is still moving. It’s still momentum. It’s not nowhere—it’s nearly there.

And sometimes that last stretch is where the real growth happens.

So if you’re feeling like you’ve been stuck in neutral, ask yourself: are you really stuck… or just closer than you realize?

Look

We’ve all had that moment: The idea shows up, the itch to create hits… and then it fades. Ethan Hawke lays it out beautifully here—how art, creativity, and self-expression are often sitting just on the other side of fear or hesitation. "Almost" doesn’t cut it.

Give yourself permission. Watch this TED talk here.​

Listen

If you know Paul Scheer from How Did This Get Made?, you’ve seen his ability to dive into the absurd with humor and heart. But in his conversation with Neal Brennan on Blocks, Paul goes deeper—talking about the blocks that almost held him back: childhood trauma, anger, ADHD, and the long road to clarity. It’s honest, insightful, and still funny in places… which makes it a great companion to this week’s theme of being stuck in the space between not yet and done. Listen to the episode here.​

Note: The episode contains discussions on sensitive topics, including childhood trauma and mental health challenges.

Learn

I’ve been on a bit of a Ben Folds kick lately—and with good reason. In his memoir A Dream About Lightning Bugs, he opens up about the creative struggle not just to begin, but to finish. That final stretch—the “almost done” part—can be the hardest.

That line hit. Because we’ve all been there: the project 90% done, the idea almost ready, the task that keeps getting pushed to tomorrow. Finishing is a decision. A choice to close the loop. Find the book here.​

The Final Flicker

Almost there means you’re still on the path. Keep going. That last step counts just as much as the first.

That “almost” feeling? It’s not failure. It’s the friction before breakthrough. The blur before something comes into focus. It’s the part where it’s hardest to keep going… which usually means you’re about to turn a corner.

Don’t talk yourself out of progress just because you can’t see the finish line yet. You’re still in motion. And motion matters.

See you later,
Mike

P.S. If “almost” has been your default setting lately, I’m hosting a free session next Wednesday that might help. It’s called Create Your Clarity Day—a short pause to reset your direction and reclaim your focus. Click here to learn more... and to save your spot!​
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Thanks for reading. Your time is valuable, and I don’t take it for granted. In a world pulling us in all directions, thanks for choosing The Lantern.

Productivityist Productivity Services Inc. | 1411 Haultain Street, Victoria, BC V8R 2J6
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