Hello Reader,

Sometimes the fix isn’t finesse—it’s force.

Not reckless. Not violent. Just… assertive. Immediate. Intentional.

There’s a term for this in the physical world: percussive maintenance. You’ve likely done it. A smack on the side of an old TV to fix the reception. A gentle nudge to a stuck printer. That calculated tap to get something—anything—working again.

It’s not precision engineering. But it works.

The most famous example? The Fonz.

He didn’t read the jukebox manual or call in backup. He just gave it a confident tap and the music played. Coolness wasn’t just his aura—it was his method. And somehow, it always worked.

I saw it again recently while watching an old Transformers cartoon. Perceptor—the meticulous Autobot scientist—was analyzing a problem alongside another Autobot. Nothing was working. Systems were jammed. And then? He just hit the console. Hard. And it sparked back to life.

Even the scientist knew. Sometimes the theory has to give way to action.

That’s the spirit of percussive repair, and I think it has a place in our productivity practices too.

Not every stall needs deep reflection. Not every hesitation requires a redesigned system. Sometimes we’re just… stuck. And a nudge, a tap, a jolt—metaphorical or physical—is enough to get things moving again.

It might look like:

• A sharp “Let’s go” said out loud.
• Setting a 5-minute timer and diving in.
• Flipping over a daily theme card as a reset ritual.
• Writing the next task on a sticky note and slapping it where you’ll see it.

These aren’t elegant moves. But productivity isn’t always elegant.

Sometimes the path forward is less about calibration and more about contact.

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Look

In an episode of A Philosopher Reacts, the Ship of Theseus debate gets the spotlight. The host explores a pivotal scene that becomes a quiet study in identity, memory, and motion.

One moment in particular caught my attention—a simple gesture that shifted everything. Not dramatic. Not loud. But just enough to get something stuck… unstuck. Watch here.​

Listen

Sometimes the jolt we need doesn’t come from a breakthrough—it comes from a beep.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I talk with performance coach Eric Partaker about a simple but powerful idea from his book The 3 Alarms. By setting just three alarms a day—each tied to a key area of life—you can create intentional nudges that act like percussive resets. Listen here.​

Learn

We often think of naps as luxury or laziness. But what if they’re actually precision tools? Strategic smacks to your cognitive system?

This piece from Fast Company explores what naps do to the brain—and why they can restore focus, boost memory, and help you course-correct when you’re flagging. Think of it this way: A nap isn’t a break from the day—it’s a reboot for what’s next. Read the article here.​

The Final Flicker

There are moments when your system stalls. You’ve checked the inputs, tweaked the process, questioned your tools—and still, nothing’s moving. That’s when a little percussive repair can help.

A sharp tap to your routine. A nudge to your attention. A no-nonsense move that says: we’re not waiting for the perfect moment anymore. We’re going.

Because while patience is a virtue... progress sometimes needs a push.

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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