Every writer talks about wanting success. But what does it actually mean, and how do you measure it? Is it even a worthy goal in the first place?

Those are all valid questions, but they’re not the questions we should be asking first. The great physicist Albert Einstein gives us some great guidance here. He said, “Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. He is considered successful in our day who gets more out of life than he puts in. But a man of value will give more than he receives.”

Here are three simple ways to add more value to the people around you.

1. Buy your friends’ books and give them away. Obviously, this adds value to your friends because you are supporting their writing. But it also adds value to those receiving the books. A double win!
2. Leave reviews for the books you read. Every author, no matter how famous or not, wants book reviews. This is a simple way to give people exactly what they want and feel good in the process.
3. Make introductions between people who should know each other. Many introverted writers don’t do this because they focus on the work and forget that their work is all about people. Make connections between friends and you will multiply your value.

Remember: success as a writer isn’t just about books. It’s also about relationships and the people you serve.

Today’s Challenge: Choose one of the three suggestions I’ve given you and put it into practice today.