This may sound controversial, but isn't it true that it is somehow easier to devote your life to something meaningful when you are facing death? Purely anecdotal evidence, but it's easy for me to spend entire day on reddit when I think that I have 50 years of life left to do some cool things, but when something reminding me of inevitable death (which may come in fact any moment) happens I instantly get to do something I consider 'useful'.
(I don't want to dimnish this story - I just think that while my opinion is quite unpopular, it is worth expressing here.)
Time is a non-renewable resource that most people take for granted.
"... almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
Your thought reminded me of one of my favorite PostSecret Postcards. This website actually allows you to order them, so I bought one and have it hanging in my cube at work. Sort of reminds me not to stray.
(I don't want to dimnish this story - I just think that while my opinion is quite unpopular, it is worth expressing here.)