If the idea of “working on yourself” makes you feel tired rather than hopeful, something important is happening — and it’s not laziness, weakness, or a lack of discipline. Many of the people I work with are capable, thoughtful, and deeply self-aware. They read the books. They journal. They try to regulate their nervous systems and optimize their routines. On the outside, they’re functioning. On the inside, they’re depleted. W hat they’re experiencing isn’t a failure of self-i