What Is Required of Me Now?

For many years, I have used a motivational question that I cannot recall ever failing me: "What is required of me now?" I do not know where I learned this saying, or if it originated in Buddhism or other religious and spiritual traditions. It may be a commonplace secular motivational tool as well.

So far, since I was diagnosed with cancer 15 months ago, this motivator has continued to work for me. For example, if I awaken in the morning in a comfortable position and dread the pain involved in getting out of bed, asking myself this question and then answering it (i.e., "I have to inject myself with Fragmin") prods me into action. When I cease to respond to this motivational question, I will know that the spirit is going out of me.