The exercise of an extraordinary gift is the supremest pleasure in life.

There is a specific satisfaction in working at the top of your own capability, and it does not resemble ordinary enjoyment. It is absorbing rather than pleasant, and usually goes unnoticed until afterwards. The word extraordinary can put people off, but the experience is available at any level: what matters is being stretched to your own edge, not anyone else’s.

Think about when you last worked at that pitch. If it has been a while, the cause is often that everything you do sits comfortably within reach. Take on one thing slightly beyond what you are sure you can do, and protect enough time to do it properly.