We all want to have successful books. As artists and storytellers, we want to write a great American novel that is a New York Times bestseller. We want to build a successful business. Or we have some other kind of dream that’s important to us.

That work is important, yes. But it’s not the most important work that you do. Not even close.

The most important work you do is on yourself. The best energy you can put into your writing is not the energy that goes into your book, but the energy that goes into your mental and emotional health.

Are you taking care of yourself physically? Are you exercising and eating a decent diet? Do you have friends you can call in times of trouble? Are you involved in some kind of community where you live?

Do you read every day and take a few moments for gratitude or meditation? Are you getting enough rest and hydration? Do you have a hobby or take some time to relax so you don’t spend all your time working?

Those are fundamental questions, but they are important. If you focus on your creative work all the time but neglect working on yourself, you will eventually crash and burn. I’ve been there, and it’s no fun!

I want you to be successful and healthy over the long haul, not just for the immediate term when you’re working on something that you perceive to be so important.

Does your work matter? Yes. But the most important thing you will ever work on is yourself.

Today’s Challenge: Are you spending time each day working on yourself? In what ways specifically?