The New York Times op ed columnist, David Brooks, recently posted some interesting comments about children and learning that rang true and ended with a bit of advice:

“Liberate yourself from the self-censoring labels you began to tell yourself over the course of your mis-education… The only way to stay fully alive is to dive down to your obsessions six fathoms deep. Down there it’s possible to make progress toward fulfilling your terrifying longing which is the experience that produces the joy.”

As one who has done just this, I can testify to this truth.  Even as I struggle with daunting or tedious tasks, there is a fierce joy and delicious excitement in my obsession that keeps me afloat and moving.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/opinion/brooks-the-art-of-focus.html?src=me&_r=0