Over the process of compiling and jotting down reflections on the contents of this semester's portfolio, I believe I've been reminded of the importance of performing one's favorite tasks according to nature - if it hurts (and if it stresses, it hurts), then you are doing it wrong. If you are not feeling a project, you are taking the wrong approach. If you feel compelled to actively scramble for top-quality, recalibrate in your plans before you fluster yourself and falter; if you feel no need to put your mind into a task, then your mind indeed isn't in it.
Nicely reflective of Jane McGonigal's writing this is - "work is more fun than fun"! A task that you're doing and are capable of doing well does not discourage but nevertheless demands your skill and your will. It ought to challenge, wring your mind just well enough to get the sweeter juice free, and it's best a consensual challenge although the nature of the prompts we were given more often than not accounted for the consensual aspect. The two essays I was least proud of were one that I overdid just enough to make a mess of and not enough to make a coherent mess of, and one that I needed to remind myself I could make into more than a rehash of another project - yet felt compelled to deviate from the prompt to do so. Alternatively, I coasted along and merrily connected dots in the formulation of Essay 2, and a silly essay about zombies, under different limitations, I could have chased to shape up into a pride and joy. And I do suppose writing things has always been enough of a "game" for me for it to really apply.
The final lesson, then, is a reminder that the key in an enjoyable task that you're of any supposed skill in is nature and then refinement. If it feels good, then continue to do it, and then tidy up afterward.
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