"Even better than outward motivations, it is better still to have a fixed purpose of our own, which our conscience approves of, and it demands and taxes our powers, something we put all our energies into. It will diminish our doubts and help us have victory over our temptations. Whether it be to write history, to solve a problem, or to remedy an abuse, whoever has clearly before him such an end in view, sails with his compass alight through the wildest night, and bearing onward, is heedless of the pelting rain and not bewildered by the gloom. If it's a worthwhile project, the distractions which weaken life naturally, fall away; and even its grief's strike upon them with a gentler touch, and even when facing very difficult obstacles, they continue on quietly persistent."  James Martineau.