Hello Reader,

We talk a lot about “spring cleaning,” but not nearly enough about what needs clearing inside. Not the stuff in the garage or the inbox—but the clutter we carry in our heads.

I’ve been guilty of saying yes to too much. Of keeping too many tabs open—literally and mentally. Of holding onto ideas or projects just because they once seemed important. But I’ve learned something the hard way: clutter is expensive.

Not in dollars, but in attention.

Every open loop costs something. Every “maybe someday” that lingers too long takes up space where something more valuable could grow.

There’s a reason we prune trees. It’s not because we hate the branches—it’s so the rest can thrive.

So this week, I’m asking: What are you still holding onto that might be getting in the way?

Not everything that once mattered still deserves your minutes.

Look

Last week’s video version of The Gap hit hard. This week, here’s the written version—a visual essay that’s quieter but no less impactful.

It’s a reminder that the creative process (and honestly, any process) comes with tension. The gap between what you want to make and what you’re able to make. The clutter of unfinished drafts. The pressure to keep going even when it feels like your best work is still out of reach. Let this one linger. See it here.​

Listen

To mark Record Store Day – which is today – George Harrison’s Be Here Now is being released as a double A-side single—featuring a new 2024 mix and a Beck cover. But you don’t need a turntable to take it in.

This song is about making space—not just physically, but mentally. It’s a quiet reminder to be here. Not later. Not elsewhere. Now. Listen here.​

Learn

When it comes to cutting clutter, it’s tempting to start with the physical stuff. But sometimes, what we really need is to clear space in how we think and how we choose.

Julie Morgenstern gets it—and in this piece, she offers a reminder that decluttering isn’t about throwing everything out… it’s about making room for what matters most. Read it here.​

The Final Flicker

Letting go isn’t quitting—it’s clearing space for what actually fits the life you're building.

The truth is, clutter—physical or mental—creates drag. It slows us down, clouds our focus, and weighs on the decisions we haven’t made yet. When we clear even a little bit of space, we create room for clarity, for momentum, and for what we truly want to grow.

So as the season shifts, ask yourself: What are you pruning to make way for what matters most?

See you later,
Mike

P.S. I ran a Horizontal Theming workshop earlier this year and now it’s grown into something much bigger. I’ve turned it into a full self-paced course called The Rhythm of Your Day—designed to help you build a more intentional, flexible structure for your time. It’s now available for purchase for non-Premium members of TimeCrafting Trust right here. (Interested in Canadian pricing? Just reply to this email.)

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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