I’m Mike Vardy, and I help people build a better relationship with time — not by controlling it, but by working with it. Through my writing, courses, and community, I explore how intention and attention shape a more meaningful life — one rooted in the original idea of productiveness over productivity.
What's Your Procrastination Persona?
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Hello Reader, Did you know that we’re smack dab in the middle of National Procrastination Week as I send you this? Indeed, this week serves as a timely reminder that none of us are immune to the allure of procrastination. Interestingly, the term ‘procrastination’ originates from the Latin ‘procrastinare’, which literally means ‘to defer until tomorrow’. Historically, this wasn’t always seen in a negative light; it was simply part of planning and prudent delay. However, over time, the concept of procrastination changed. Maybe ‘tomorrow’ became too vague, too undefined, leading procrastination to morph into the often negative connotation it holds today? No one really knows how this shift in procrastination’s reputation happened. But it’s crucial to remember, not all procrastination is detrimental. In fact, understanding your unique approach to procrastination can unveil powerful insights into how you work best. This is why I’ve crafted a short quiz to help you discover "Your Procrastination Persona." It’s free, quick, and not only illuminates your procrastination style but also offers a fun peek into your productivity character. As we make our way through a week that explores procrastination further, here’s to embracing and understanding our procrastination – turning what may seem like a flaw into our superpower. See you later, P.S. Listen to Nir Eyal's insights into the misunderstood world of distractions complement our exploration of procrastination on this recent episode of A Productive Conversation. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, my YouTube channel, or visit the episode page here. |
The Practice of Productiveness
I’m Mike Vardy, and I help people build a better relationship with time — not by controlling it, but by working with it. Through my writing, courses, and community, I explore how intention and attention shape a more meaningful life — one rooted in the original idea of productiveness over productivity.
Hello Reader, I discovered Chris Dalla Riva the same way I discover a surprising number of meaningful things these days: by scrolling through TikTok. Not doom-scrolling, not distraction for distraction’s sake—just wandering through that unpredictable digital bazaar where brilliance and absurdity sit shoulder to shoulder. Depending on the hour, my feed swings between thoughtful essays, clever creators, and Sora-generated fever dreams of cats caterwauling at customers from behind fast-food...
Hello Reader, A quick note to share a few things I’m part of this week that you might enjoy. Tuesday November 18th: I’m hosting a live conversation with Stacey Harmon about where Evernote is headed—new ownership, new tools, and what all of this actually means for the way we take and use notes. Join in on LinkedIn or on YouTube. Wednesday November 19th: Erik Fisher and I are back with our Productivity A to Z (Volume 2) livestream. It’s open, unscripted, and you can learn more about the...
The Lantern by Mike Vardy Vol. 1, Issue 38| November 15, 2025 Hello Reader, Lately I’ve been noticing how haste hides well. It doesn’t always look like rushing—it often looks like helping. Like wanting to get the next idea into someone’s hands before it’s ready. Like tightening the prose just a little too much so it “lands.” Like turning a living concept into a system before it’s had the chance to breathe. In my work, I’ve learned that haste makes waste isn’t about losing time—it’s about...