There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open.

An extreme form of self-improvement is what some call having a “chip on your shoulder”. I suffer from this. I have a very self-critical mental monologue. I ran the New York Marathon. As I crossed the finish line, my first thought was: “I should have run faster”. I always thinking that I should have done that thing better.

This is a dangerous propellant. It pushes me. But left unchecked, it means I’m rarely happy. If you suffer from this trait as well, please force yourself to celebrate success. You’re likely underinvesting in creating memories that will bring you joy to look back on. When something good happens, take a moment to celebrate. Do something weird and fun, so that you’ll remember it. Add a room in your memory palace.