Hello Reader, When it comes to habits, there’s one in particular that’s akin to a master key. A habit that not only enhances our life but also shines a light on our other habits, providing a deeper understanding of our actions and behaviours. That habit is journaling. Let’s face it... we all have small, nagging habits that we often overlook. Perhaps you’re prone to obsessing over trivial errors, falling into the trap of perfectionism at the expense of productivity. Or maybe you find yourself name-dropping more often than you’d like, or reaching for that sugary snack when stress levels rise. Similarly, we also possess beneficial habits we might undervalue - that quick, daily meditation session in the morning, the routine of tidying up your workspace at the end of the day, or reading a few pages of a book before sleep. Journaling, in its essence, holds up a mirror to these patterns. It is the habit that allows you to track other habits. It helps you celebrate the ones you want to nurture, like regular exercise or mindful eating, and confront those you wish to break, like procrastination or mindless social media scrolling. This act of recording and reflecting has the power to expose our unnoticed habits, bring clarity, and accelerate our personal growth. The beauty of journaling is in its recursive nature; it’s a habit that essentially tracks itself. See you later, P.S. Tomorrow (Thursday, October 16th), Module 3 of TimeCrafting and ADHD — Start with a Start Date — unlocks inside TimeCrafting Trust Premium. It’s designed for anyone who wants to work with their time, not against it. Much like journaling, shifting your focus from deadlines and due dates to start dates can be a powerful way to create momentum — especially when consistency feels hard to hold. You can access this course and more as a member for as little as $14/month. Just start here. |
The Lantern is a thoughtfully curated weekly email from Mike Vardy designed to help you craft a better relationship with time. Each edition brings you insights, inspiration, and practical tools through a simple yet powerful framework: Look (a thought-provoking video or visual), Listen (a compelling podcast or audio insight), and Learn (a deep dive into a key concept, article, or book). Designed to inform, inspire, and illuminate, The Lantern helps you navigate time with clarity and intention—without the overwhelm.
Hello Reader, Today is Thanksgiving here in Canada, a holiday that reminds us of the importance of gratitude. Not just in thought, but in practice. That’s why I wanted to share a book with you: Gratitude Tiger by Joel Zuckerman. It’s a book about a simple but profound idea—writing Letters of Gratitude. These aren’t your typical thank-you notes. They’re deeper, more personal acknowledgments of the people who’ve made an impact on your life. One of my favourite lines from the book is: “A Letter...
The Lantern by Mike Vardy Vol. 1, Issue 33 | October 11, 2025 Hello Reader, During a recent re-watch of the 1984 film Footloose, something Reverend Moore said about his daughter grabbed my attention. While having a conversation with his wife, he declared that his daughter had become “willful and obstinate.” He said it like a curse — as if conviction were rebellion. That moment always stood out to me. Maybe because I’ve heard those same words used to describe anyone who dares to hold their...
Hello Reader, We hear it all the time: “I’m just hustling hard right now.” Hustle has become a badge of honour — a signal that you’re making moves, pushing through, getting it done. But at what cost? What if hustle isn’t a measure of progress, but a mask for something else? In past seasons of my work, I’ve explored that question beneath the surface, recognizing how hustle often masks something deeper. Hustle can feel productive because it’s active. It’s motion. It’s doing. But not all motion...