Text of the meditation
Perfection should be aimed at, even in the smallest task. By not dividing the mind, but giving the whole attention to each separate task as it presents itself, singleness of purpose and intense concentration of mind are gradually gained: two mental powers that give weight and worth of character, and bring repose and joy to their possessor.
Doing vigorously, and at once, whatever has to be done is equally important. Idleness and a strong will cannot go together, and procrastination is a total barrier to the acquisition of purposeful action. Nothing should be "put off" until another time, not even for a few minutes.
What ought to be done now should be done now. This seems a little thing, but it is of far-reaching importance. It leads to strength, success and peace. Live according to principle, and not according to passion.
James Allen (1864–1912), Book of Meditations for Every Day in the Year (1913) – public-domain text, gently modernised.
The original 1913 text is in the public domain.