Hello Reader,

Starting something new always feels exciting. A new project. A fresh habit. A commitment to change. You’re energized, focused, and convinced this time will be different.

And then? The enthusiasm... fades.

This is where most people quit—not because their goal was impossible, but because they expected motivation to carry them the whole way. And when it doesn’t? It feels like failure.

But here’s the truth: This moment—right here—is where real success begins.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in that middle phase—where the initial excitement is gone, and the work feels heavier—you’re not alone. But this is also the moment that separates those who give up from those who figure it out.

So, let me ask you: What do you need to adjust? What’s one small shift that could keep you moving forward?

Because this isn’t failure. This is where the real work begins.

Look

Alvin Toffler may have been credited as the author of Future Shock, but it was his wife, Heidi, who helped make the book more readable—a silent partner in shaping its impact. In it, Toffler coined the term overchoice, a concept I’ve explored before, as he warned of a world drowning in decisions and accelerating change. This documentary, based on their work, is a fascinating look at how their predictions hold up today. Watch it here.​

Listen

Music has a way of anchoring us to moments in time, weaving memory and emotion into a single, familiar note. I wrote about this in my piece on Music, Memory, and Playlists—how certain songs serve as timestamps in our lives, shaping our focus, creativity, and even productivity. This curated playlist pulls from that idea, offering a mix that sparks both nostalgia and momentum. Listen here.​

Learn

Writing a book is a lot like starting any big project—it’s exciting at first, but the real challenge comes when that initial energy fades. The Productivity Diet has been a long time in the making, shaped by both the successes and struggles of refining my approach to time, focus, and effectiveness. Now, the ebook is available, with the paperback and audiobook coming soon. Get your copy here.​

Kickstarter backers have already been notified about their rewards. If you have any questions, just reply to this email—I’ll be more than happy to help.

The Final Flicker

Momentum fades. The excitement wears off. Now what?

This is the part no one talks about—the moment when motivation dips and the work gets real. It’s easy to think you’ve failed when the spark disappears. But in reality? This is when the real work begins.

What’s one small step you can take to keep going—even if it’s just a flicker?

See you later,
Mike

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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