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.
You need more of THIS in your "productivity diet"
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Hello Reader, I hope this message finds you well. Today, I want to explore a concept that goes beyond traditional ideas of productivity. It’s about reaching the quintessence in our tasks, projects, and overall approach to being productive. Quintessence, a term rich in history and meaning, originated from the medieval Latin ‘quintessentia’, which itself descends from the Latin ‘quinta essentia’, meaning “fifth essence”. Historically, this concept was pivotal in ancient and medieval philosophy, representing the purest, most essential substance that transcends the four classical elements of air, earth, fire, and water. In modern usage, quintessence refers to the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. It embodies the utmost purity and concentration of essence in any substance or idea. The evolution and philosophical implications of this term are fascinating. Why Quintessence Matters That's where quintessence comes in. Embracing quintessence in our work is like discovering an essential element in our productivity diet—it enriches and fulfills beyond ordinary measures. I invite you to reflect on this concept of quintessence in your daily routines. Where can you see quintessence in your work? Perhaps it’s in the careful crafting of a client proposal, the innovative approach to a routine task, or the way you structure your day to align with your peak energy levels. So... how do you believe you can elevate your tasks to embody this richer, more fulfilling form of productivity? Feel free to reply to this email and let me know – especially if it will hold you accountable to adding this important element to your "productivity diet." I'd love to hear from you. See you later, P.S. Quintessence not only enhances our productivity but also brings us closer to achieving true quality and fulfillment in everything we do. For more insights on integrating such profound elements into your daily routine, I highly recommend Scott H. Young’s new book, “Get Better at Anything.” It’s packed with strategies to help you elevate your approach to work and life, aligning perfectly with our quest for quintessential productivity. |
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.
The Lantern by Mike Vardy Vol. 1, Issue 35 | October 25, 2025 Hello Reader, Kenny Loggins sings, “I’m free — heaven helps the man who fights his fear.” It’s a lyric from Footloose (yes, this is a callback to Issue 33) but it could easily be a mantra for anyone standing on the edge of change. We tend to treat fear as the opposite of freedom — something to overcome or eliminate. But fear isn’t a barrier; it’s a mirror. It reflects what matters most. The trick isn’t to silence it but to learn...
The Lantern by Mike Vardy Vol. 1, Issue 34 | October 18, 2025 Hello Reader, Canadian Thanksgiving always comes early — the leaves still turning, the evenings not quite cold enough to demand a coat. By the time Americans celebrate theirs, we’ve already returned to our routines. The pumpkins have softened, the lights of Halloween have dimmed, and November feels like a long exhale before the rush of December. That distance between our two Thanksgivings has always fascinated me. It’s like we...
Hello Reader, I’ve noticed something lately: the more tools I have to see the big picture, the less clear that picture becomes. I’ve got systems that map projects, tasks, themes, priorities—all the things. But there’s a point where visibility becomes noise: you see too much, and nothing stands out. That tension is exactly why I built TimeCrafting — to narrow the field, to choose themes, to define pathways of attention. Time theming, attention paths, and even the Spheres of Attention aren’t...