One of the most influential books I've read in recent times has been Creativity: the Psychology of Discovery & Invention by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

The book represents over 30 years of research into the nature of creativity and it gave credibility to some ideas about work that I had been considering for many years.

What stood out for me in this book was the constant reference to doing work for its own sake. The value in the detail of the work and its contribution towards happiness seemed immeasurable, and in fact, imperative in the achievement of success.

Success appeared to be a by-product for the people he interviewed. They never set out to be successful, they just enjoyed the challenge of the work.

Perhaps the most important quality, the one that is most consistently present in all creative individuals, is the ability to enjoy the process of creation for its own sake.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

Many years ago, as I pursued business success, I knew this.

But I ignored it.

I hope you don't ignore it.