We all half-arse things - some of us more than others, but we all do so at least sometimes. This is understandable, it take a lot of energy to dedicate ourselves to a task. Actually, it quite literally takes all of our energy we have in that current moment. However half-arsing a task rarely pays off. We either are not satisfied ourselves with the work we have done, or if it is a task we are completely uninspired by and in care of, someone else is not satisfied with the work we have done – a la the disgruntled customer coming back through the KFC drive thru, because 16 year old stoner, weekend worker got their order wrong.
99% of the time we would be better off if we either gave a task our all, or did not do it at all. This is difficult to replicate day after day, task after task. But there is only one philosophical line you need to employ to ensure you are able to do this at any give moment: do it as though it is your last.
Approach each task before you, as though it is the last task you will ever do in your life. Imagine that upon the moment of completion you are to pass away, and that this task is your ultimate endeavour in this existence. How do you want to pass? Satisfied and fulfilled? That you gave it your all, proud of your work and dignified in your character. Or with partially digested morsels of regret? Ashamed and morose at your lack of commitment and care.
Now you may say: well, if I was going to die shortly thereafter, then I would not waste my time on any task expect one which truly ignites the furnaces of passion in my very being. I would not even bother attempting a task I could not give my all to. This is besides the point, but also raises a good point.
If we were to go through life only doing things each day that we would in our final, mortal moments, then we would likely spend each day watching the Sun arch through the sky with our loved ones in our arms. This is beautiful and fulfilling, and should be done, however if practised eternally, would quickly lead to our demise – life goes on, and we have sh*t to do. You cannot apply this principle to every task you do not particularly care for, otherwise you would not end up doing many tasks you indeed need to.
On the other hand, keep it in your back pocket. Because there are times when you will be faced with a task, where you will take stock of it and the circumstances you are in, and go: you know what? Sod it. I do not want to do this. And all things considered, I should not do this unless I actually want to. So rather than waste my time, I am going to watch the Sun shine.
Discard that which is unnecessary, and dedicate yourself wholly to that which remains.
Have a blessed week.