What is the most important thing you could be working on in the world right now?
What is the most important thing you could be working on in the world right now?
And if you’re not working on that, why aren’t you?
“What is the most important thing you could be working on in the world right now?... And if you’re not working on that, why aren’t you?”
– Aaron Swartz (1986–2013)
Life moves fast. We’re all caught up in our day-to-day routines, and sometimes, we forget to ask ourselves the big questions. Questions like the one Aaron Swartz asked:
What is the most important thing you could be working on?
It’s a powerful reminder that time is limited, and the world needs us to focus on what matters.
Who Was Aaron Swartz?
For those who may not know, Aaron Swartz was a prodigy in the tech world, a gifted programmer, and a passionate advocate for open access to information. From a young age, Aaron was already making waves. He helped develop RSS, a web feed format that allows you to subscribe to online content and co-founded Reddit, a site that has become one of the internet's largest social platforms.
But Aaron’s contributions went beyond just technology. He believed deeply in the free flow of information. He saw knowledge as a public good that should be shared, not locked away behind paywalls.
In 2011, Aaron downloaded millions of academic articles from JSTOR, intending to make them publicly available. His actions, driven by his belief in free access to information, led to federal charges that carried potentially severe consequences. Overwhelmed by the legal battles and the weight of it all, Aaron tragically took his own life in 2013 at the age of 26.
He left behind a legacy that still resonates today—a legacy of pushing boundaries, questioning the status quo, and fighting for what he believed in.
What About You?
Aaron’s life and work were dedicated to something bigger than himself. He lived with purpose, driven by a deep conviction to make the world better in his own way.
Now, I’m not saying we all need to be out there rewriting the rules of the internet or challenging the legal system, but there’s a lesson here for everyone. Are you working on what truly matters to you?
We all have something—a passion, a project, a goal—that we know we should be focusing on. But for one reason or another, we push it aside. Maybe it’s fear of failure, maybe it’s the comfort of our routine, or perhaps we just don’t know how to start.
How to Take Action
Say YES, be OPEN: The first step is permitting yourself to say yes to what’s calling you. Be open to the possibilities. Often, the hardest part is accepting that you’re allowed to pursue something bigger and more meaningful, no matter how uncertain or scary it seems.
Identify what matters: Ask yourself, “What’s the most important thing I could be working on right now?” Be honest with yourself and write it down.
Acknowledge the barriers: What’s stopping you? Fear? Lack of time? Doubt? Recognize what’s holding you back so you can move past it.
Start small: You don’t have to have all the answers today. Just take one small step—send the email, make the call, and write the first paragraph. The key is to start.
What Would Your Future Self Advise You?
Think about this for a moment—do you believe there’s a possibility that by the choices you make right now, your future self is already working on that important thing? Imagine yourself five, or ten years down the road, already living the life that’s aligned with your true purpose. What advice would that version of you give?
Your future self might tell you to stop waiting for the perfect moment because it doesn’t exist. They’d remind you that everything starts with a single decision—a decision to stop doubting and start moving. They’d probably tell you to embrace the uncertainty because it's in those moments of discomfort that growth happens. Your future self knows that the choices you make today are the building blocks for the life you truly want, and they’d tell you that the work you're avoiding right now is exactly what will get you there.
So, what would you say if you could hear that future self’s advice today? Maybe it’s time to start listening.
Aaron Swartz’s quote challenges us to reflect on how we spend our time and energy. He lived by the principle of dedicating himself to something meaningful, and he left a lasting mark on the world because of it.
So, what about you? What’s the most important thing you could be working on right now? And if you’re not working on it, what’s stopping you?
Now’s the time to find out.
I loved reading this. I personally find it difficult to project myself in 5-10 years from now but oftentimes when I look back, I realize that I was already planting the seed of the now years ago without realizing it!