Angst is often experienced during our teen years, sometimes at times of crisis, in mid-life or as we are nearing the end of life. There may be confusion and questions about who we are, what we are here for, what it’s all about. Can anxiety about not getting done the things we want to get done, provide motivation to act?
Life is Short
We all know someone who died way too young. None of us know how much time we will have. As this video tribute to Robin Williams says, “None of us have very long on this earth, life is fleeting.” Watch The Time You Have (in jellybeans) video for a visual illustration of this. Live your life to the fullest in order to avoid the top regrets of the dying that palliative care nurse Bronnie Ware has seen when many people experience when facing the end. To realize we all face the ultimate deadline, is to realize the time to use our time well and Make Today Count is now.

TED Talks:
- Steve Jobs on “How to Live Before You Die”
- Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” Shorter reprise on Oprah
- Matthew O’Reilly: “Am I dying?” The honest answer
- Ryan Holiday: “Memento Mori”
The Top 10 Regrets of the Dying point the way to what we should spend our time doing.
Quotes
“If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” -Steve Jobs
“What will I do today that’s worth talking about tomorrow?” -Montel Williams
“Do your best” -Don Miguel Ruiz (one of The Four Agreements)
Movies
- The Fault in Our Stars
- If I Stay
- The Bucket List
- 50/50
- Funny People
Angst Music Playlist at the Daily PlanIt Youtube channel:
- Bon Jovi “It’s My Life”
- RENT “No Day But Today”
- John Mayer “Say What you Need to Say”
- New Radicals “You Get What You Give”
- Chumbawamba “Tubthumping…(and more)
Life Can Be Hard…But We Can Overcome
Fear Can Hold Us Back…Be Brave – Conquer Your Fears and Get Stuff Done at the Daily PlanIt, Overcoming Fear at Psychology Today. More about procrastination, priorities, and purpose.
State of Confusion
Start here: Figure out What You Are Passionate About. Set Some Goals. And Get Busy.
Our life would be what we made of it. Nothing more, nothing less. – The Pigman by Paul Zindel
See also The Empty Box
[…] See also The Angst Guide to Motivation […]
[…] The Angst Guide to Motivation […]
[…] Take action. What actions can you take today to move you closer to your goals? Remind Yourself by keeping your goals visual and visible with a goal master list of the top priority goal in each life area. Understand the Economy of Goals, and focus on the benefits of accomplishing your goal. Remember that time is valuable, and it is short! […]
[…] When we say yes to one thing, we are saying no to other things. Our time and energy are limited resources, and we simply can’t do it all. Choose wisely to say yes to what matters most. A TED article by author Ryan Holiday reminds us that every “yes” to one thing is a “no” to something else. Watch his TED talk (20:37) and read more about the angst guide to motivation. […]
[…] Got inspiration? Watch the inspiring movie Rudy about a determined young man pursuing his dream in spite of many obstacles and set-backs. See 40 inspirational speeches in two minutes at the Angst Guide to Motivation. […]