Aspirations are great. Dreaming and striving for more is what keeps us going and motivated. But there is a shadow side to aspirations that we need to be aware of and ensure we balance. If we are always dreaming and pushing forward, we can diminish the value of the moment and the work we are doing right now.

Focusing too much on the future can be as detrimental to our present as ruminating over regrets and past mistakes.

Many of the tasks we do fall into the category of demands foisted on us by our jobs and other obligations that constitute our lives. We can view them as unwelcome impositions or trivial and beneath our image of ourselves, and the grand work we should really be doing if people just understood our true value.

This trap takes us away from doing the best job we can on the task in front of us. Our integrity is built on how well we do each and every task no matter how seemingly inconsequential or trivial. We are the sum of our actions. Our thoughts and our words are important, but our actions speak loudest. We need to let our work speak for itself.

This attitude of mindfulness and focus is important in any job. If you are an entrepreneur or solopreneur its crucial. In all cases it is the basis of your reputation. Do what you say, and do it as well as you can.

Own any task like a craft person with care and attention to detail.

What is the meaning of life?

Viktor Frankl provided us with a profound response to this question. He reframed it. Instead of us asking the question, he suggested that the World asks that question of each of us, and we respond with our actions. We create the meaning by what we do and how well we do it. And how well we do things is directly related to how present we are while doing them.

Buddhists call it Right Action and it is the fourth step on the Noble Eightfold Path.

So keep your eye on the ball. Be here now. Enjoy the journey. There is no destination.

Commit to putting your best effort into everything you do. And do it with a smile. This is how we grow.

All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.

— Calvin Coolidge

Practice focused and enthusiastic Right Action the next time you wash the dishes or cook a meal. It works.