It has made me think about a problem, though: how to select that huge task in which to pour your energy. For him, it was his novels; but being in a 9 to 5 office job like I am, I'm wondering what are my options.
How to select your “whatever it is”. Don’t start small. Think about it every day. I think this will prime your brain to help you find it. Keep a journal focused on this. It probably won’t take too long. If you are still hit by analysis paralysis some times you just have to flip a coin and force a decision. This catalyst will often make the right choice clear (e.g if the coin flip lands on a thing you aren’t as excited about).
Final thought, practice deep work at your job. Prime your colleagues for when you will be in deep work. 2-3 hour stretches are a minimum IMO. Really entire days are ideal, but 2-3 hour stretches are good enough if they are truly distraction free.
Several years ago I took up jazz drumming and purchased a DVD by the jazz drummer John Riley. Amidst all the technical lessons that comprise 99% of the disc he inserted a brief, 1 minute long sidebar on the idea of being "gifted" at drumming.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ist7xECbDh0
Of course it applies to anything, not simply playing the drums.
It caused me to think differently about what kinds of things I'm willing to spend my time on, simply because doing that thing was most rewarding.
My advice? Start with something you get enjoyment out of and take it as far as you can, even if it isn't exactly practical
Even making miniature art in the eye of a needle can be an admirable dedication! https://youtu.be/d0ALUjoyMJI
Just the quote from this week's Hacker Newsletter