Hello Reader,

As summer begins its slow fade, it’s tempting to do the same. We coast. We keep the heat on low. We simmer.

But simmering is passive. It’s a waiting game—letting time slip while ideas, ambitions, and opportunities just bubble quietly beneath the surface.

Seeking, though… seeking is intentional.

It’s looking ahead, moving toward what matters, and taking deliberate steps—even small ones—toward a future we want to forge, not just drift into.

The change of season is the perfect time to shift from simmer to seek.
Because while the year still has months left, the window for making meaningful progress this year is getting smaller.

So... what’s one thing you can start seeking today?

Not someday. Not “when things settle down.” Today.

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Look

In the documentary Finding Joe, which I actually own on DVD, the life and work of mythologist Joseph Campbell come alive through the lens of the “hero’s journey.” It’s a reminder that the call to adventure often comes when we least expect it—and that answering it requires us to move from the comfort of simmering into the uncertainty (and opportunity) of seeking.

If you’ve ever felt the nudge to step into something bigger, this film offers both inspiration and permission to start. Watch it here.​

Listen

In this episode of On Being, social psychologist Mahzarin Banaji explores the mind as a “difference-seeking machine.” Our brains are wired to notice patterns and fill in gaps—but this same gift can create blind spots that keep us simmering in what we already know, rather than seeking what we don’t.

By understanding the science of implicit bias, we can move beyond guilt and into the kind of curiosity that sparks real, lasting change—both in ourselves and in the world around us. Listen to the episode here.​

Learn

The Greek philosopher Isocrates (notably not Socrates) taught that each of us faces a unique set of circumstances and opportunities—and that true effectiveness comes from shaping your own approach, not following someone else’s formula. In The History of the Missing “I”, Roberto Rosso connects this ancient insight to the modern challenge of finding your personal path forward. If you’ve been simmering, this might be the nudge you need to start seeking. Read the post here.​

The Final Flicker

Seeking doesn’t require a perfect plan. It begins with noticing the pull toward something different... then choosing to follow it. Step by step, moment by moment.

The right moment to begin rarely arrives gift-wrapped. Start seeking now, and the path will reveal itself as you move.

See you later,
Mike

P.S. If you haven’t yet signed up for The Forge Your Future Challenge, now’s the time. It’s happening September 3–5, with two hours per day over three days. It’s virtual, it’s free, and it’s your opportunity to stop simmering and start seeking. Click here to get started.​

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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