I have thought about it pretty thoroughly.
I could never play this game for 'fun' hence I had to think about why I really wanted to play this game (which is outlined above) before I really started playing the game, if you know what I mean.
I dont think I'd have carried on as i have if I hadnt set out those above goals.
So I agree with you, if you can figure out what you want to achieve and find a path to get you there, it becomes so much......i dunno - easier???.