It seems like nowadays a lot of people do things without putting any effort into it. Sometimes it's because we are lazy, other times it's because we are busy, and then there are times we do this because we just sort of have to. Our supervisors or mentors might make us do something to keep up with a quota even if we have other things going on or aren't feeling so inspired. Assigning papers for the sake of assigning papers, eating food for the sake of eating food, hanging out with people for the sake of hanging out with people, or writing an article for the sake of writing an article.
I'm here to tell you to do something because you want to do something! If you're in a position where you feel as though you're doing something to cover your ass or maintain a quota, don't! Only say or do things if you have a purpose or if you truly feel creative and inspired. Yes, I understand that you can't just refuse to do something that your boss might tell you to do, but find an angle. Find a way to make a repetitive task new and interesting not only for you, but for whomever your work will affect. The same thing can be said for basic things. Eat only when you're hungry. Go to that party if you're in the mood to. Take that job because you love it.
Essentially, we should all do things with purpose. If you're only doing something to keep up appearances or maintain a job, then you're not really enjoying yourself nor are you contributing anything worthy. When you challenge yourself and your tasks, you might find that you're enjoying what you're doing because you somehow found a way to make it about you. You might not always be able to make something boring or routine tailored to you, but you'd be surprised just how easy it can be! I've made dry papers regarding communications and media so fun for myself because I found a way to make it about movies and television. When I had to do a vague 12-minute communications presentation last semester, I incorporated "The Daily Show" and "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" clips into it, and it worked. I even did a whole speech on the creation of Disney World because I could.
Don't do something to maintain a status; do something because you mean it.
