In my younger and more foolish days, and inspired by Steve Jobs, I tried to literally live life as if every day were my last in an effort to be productive. I discovered that if it were my last day on earth, I would much rather spend the time joking around with friends or family rather than working, and I fell into the same funk you describe.
If anything, I discovered what my priorities in life were. But I could have done without the moodiness, procrastination, and cognitive dissonance.
While I've never tried to live like that, I know that I'd act much the same... Without the thought that I'm preparing for a better future, my choice would be to have a better present. Every time.
If anything, I discovered what my priorities in life were. But I could have done without the moodiness, procrastination, and cognitive dissonance.