HN user
I think it would be better written as:
As long as you have the power to change it, don't spend a single moment in life doing something you don't want to do.
I think it's a call to action and relates to mustering the will to do what really matters.
agreed
I'm from rural Missouri as well, about 3 hours away from St Louis though.
I signed up just to post this reply.
This is also solid advice. Paul G said in one of his essays about doing something you love doesn't mean doing what makes you happy THIS second, it's something that makes you happy over a longer period (week, month, year).
There are very few people when asked if exercising right now would make them happy yet these same people would tell you they would be delighted to be 10-15 pounds lighter and have more energy in 6-12 months.