Goal of the day: 986 words. Written: 368.
Let me share the questions I ask myself every time I start a new major paper, article or lecture.
Try to answer these questions honestly, without distractions (so hide your phone and the Facebook tab in your browser temporarily). If you answer in a hurry or don't answer at all, don't blame me. The fault for your rejection lies solely with you.
(I'm not accusing, just warning.)
Part 1. Your work.
1) What should you do? What is your job today? (If you've already taken out a piece of paper or a notebook, now is the time to answer. Just take this question and go from here through the others one by one.)
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2) Why should you do it? Don't go into details, we'll check, just what's the first reason that comes to mind? (Even "It's fun" or "Then I'll get attention" are good reasons, don't censor yourself.)
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3) How will this work make you a better person or help you in the future?
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4) How will this make the world around you a better place? (A broad answer, such as "All Lithuanians will be able to read my article", and a narrow answer, such as "My mother will be very happy when she sees this article".)
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5) Why do people want you to do this job? Why will people buy your product or even try it?
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(Do you notice how it becomes clearer why you work?)
Part 2. Your beliefs.
These answers will change less frequently than the first five. So you can only answer them once every, say, six months. I answer myself every so often.
1) What topics do you argue about? What convictions do you believe in and fight for? (Don't worry, even if your answers are along the lines of "Hitler did nothing wrong", I can't tell you what you should write. These answers are for your eyes only, don't be afraid.)
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2) What in the world angers you the most?
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3) What scares you most in the future? What are the phenomena, movements, attitudes, environmental changes?
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4) What makes you happiest? What helps you melt like a plombyro ice-cream ball on a hot summer day?
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(Do you see your soul better now?)
Part Three. The lazy man's questions.
1) So are you doing the best you can? Is your goal worthwhile? (Or are there more valuable ones?)
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2) If NO, what is the smallest thing you could do to get started? (For example, if your job is to write an article, why not use the Cold Turkey Writer app?)
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3) If YES, did you remember to breathe? (Enjoy, you're doing meaningful work. And I respect you for that - you're just awesome! You can just draw a smile here.)
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I repeat these questions out loud in the morning shower or in writing before planning the new week's work at Sunday lunch.
Ask yourself. Listen to yourself.