Hello Reader, Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is… let go. That became crystal clear last week during a capstone presentation in the Maximize Your Minutes program. One participant shared that their biggest breakthrough wasn’t about doing more—it was about releasing what no longer served them. That idea has surfaced in a few ways for me recently: The Podcast: I’ve let go of the traditional podcast model—no more sponsor breaks or ad reads. Just open, focused conversations. The...
7 days ago • 1 min read
The Lantern by Mike Vardy Vol. 1, Issue 11 | May 10, 2025 Hello Reader, Time seems fixed—calendar days, business hours, deadlines—but moments like this remind us it’s a man-made construct. Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives redefined what counts as a “legislative day,” stretching one day across many to serve a specific agenda. It’s less about manipulating time itself, and more about manipulating our relationship with time—and with that, everything time touches: power,...
9 days ago • 2 min read
The Lantern by Mike Vardy Vol. 1, Issue 10 | May 3, 2025 Hello Reader, Tomorrow is May the 4th. A day when memes and marketing collide to turn Jedi wisdom into digestible pop culture bites. But some of that wisdom is worth lingering on. Like this: "Your focus determines your reality." — Qui-Gon Jinn Qui-Gon didn’t chase the seat at the table. He didn’t care about the Jedi Council’s absolutes. He cared about what the Force was saying — not what the system insisted. He listened. He waited. He...
16 days ago • 2 min read
The Lantern by Mike Vardy Vol. 1, Issue 9 | April 26, 2025 Hello Reader, There’s this tricky space between “not yet” and “done.” It’s called almost—and it can feel like purgatory. You’ve made progress. You’re closer than you were. But you’re still not where you want to be. That can mess with your head. I’ve been there. Staring at something nearly finished and wondering if it’s even worth pushing through. Comparing where I am to where I think I should be. But here’s the thing: almost is still...
23 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, I’m in the process of sending out print copies of The Productivity Diet to the backers who supported the original Kickstarter campaign. If you didn’t back the project but still want a copy... good news! You can get the ebook or paperback now: The best way to grab the ebook is directly from me here. Prefer Amazon? No problem. Click here for either the ebook or paperback version. Want to find it through other retailers? Click here. Thanks for your support — and for making The...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, If you’re anywhere near Victoria, BC—or you’re up for a short trip—I’d love to invite you to a special evening I’ve been quietly planning for a while. On Tuesday May 13th, I’m hosting a launch party for The Productivity Diet at one of my favourite local spots: Koffi on Haultain. This won’t be a stuffy book event. It’ll be a cozy gathering with coffee, conversation, and a few fun (and irreverent) surprises. I’ll do a short talk, maybe a little reading, and we’ll hang out, sign...
26 days ago • 1 min read
The Lantern by Mike Vardy Vol. 1, Issue 8 | April 19, 2025 Hello Reader, There’s something beautifully honest about wrestling. Yes, it’s choreographed. Yes, the outcomes are scripted. But the effort? The timing? The trust between performers? That’s real. Wrestling isn’t just about conflict—it’s about tension. Between who you are and who you’re becoming. Between doing the work and working the crowd. Between staying down and standing up. I’ve found myself wrestling with a lot lately. With my...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
The Lantern by Mike Vardy Vol. 1, Issue 7 | April 12, 2025 Hello Reader, We talk a lot about “spring cleaning,” but not nearly enough about what needs clearing inside. Not the stuff in the garage or the inbox—but the clutter we carry in our heads. I’ve been guilty of saying yes to too much. Of keeping too many tabs open—literally and mentally. Of holding onto ideas or projects just because they once seemed important. But I’ve learned something the hard way: clutter is expensive. Not in...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
The Lantern by Mike Vardy Vol. 1, Issue 6 | April 5, 2025 Hello Reader, Walking home from a Victoria Royals' WHL playoff win last week, my son looked up at me and asked, “Were you ever scared to do what you do now?” I didn’t hesitate. “Yeah,” I said. “I still am.” Fear’s played a role in everything I’ve done—even the things I’m proud of. And for a long time, I let it keep me stuck. From the outside, things looked fine. I was showing up, getting things done, moving forward. But fear has a way...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read