Hello Reader,

This is my last email for the year—my year.

Two days from now, on September 1, I’ll step into a new one. It’s not because the calendar says so, but because I’ve decided that’s when my year begins. I’m not alone in that. People like Gretchen Rubin and Martin Short also start their year in September, aligning it with the rhythm of schooling—their own in the past, their kids’ in the present.

I’ve still got a few more years of that rhythm myself. After that, I might shift to starting my year on my birthday. Or I might keep September as my reset point, letting the summer months act as my winding down period, a natural conclusion before I launch into something new. I’ve even thought about starting in July, using the summer as a tone-setting season for the rest of the year.

The point is this: January 1 doesn’t have to be the start of your year. You can pick a time that makes sense for your life, your work, and your energy. When you choose the moment, you’re more invested in the momentum that follows.

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Look

Jeff Buckley’s life was tragically short, but the mark he left on music was indelible. A new documentary revisits his story, reminding us how fleeting years can be, and how much impact can be made within them. Watch the trailer here.

It brings to mind Gretchen Rubin’s observation: “The days are long, but the years are short.” Buckley’s legacy is proof that even a short span can echo for decades.

Listen

Speaking again of Gretchen Rubin, her words are a reminder that the passing of time isn’t just about length, but about meaning—something worth reflecting on as I close out my year and prepare to step into the next.

Want to go deeper on Rubin’s idea? She explores it beautifully in her own words on her podcast. Listen here.​

Learn

The Times of India recently covered the rise of task-masking—the practice of looking busy rather than being genuinely productive. It’s the latest example of what I’ve been calling “fake productivity” for years: filling time with tasks that create the illusion of progress but rarely deliver real results. Read it here.

A tip of the cap to Wendy, one of our TimeCrafting Trust Premium members, for bringing me back to this practice. I’ve been aware of this phenomenon for some time, but her prompt reminded me how important it is to keep naming it—and countering it—so we can focus on what really matters.

The Final Flicker

Remember: A calendar year measures the passage of time. Your year measures the passage of your priorities.

See you later,
Mike

P.S.Speaking of fresh starts, The Forge Your Future Challenge begins this coming week – starting September 3rd and running through September 5th. It’s free, it’s virtual, and it’s designed to help you chart the course for your year—whenever it starts. I'd love for you to be part of it by clicking here.​

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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