Not holding on to any specific external expectations on your creative existence might be good for you.

As creative individuals, regardless of the medium, we all encounter external expectations that influence our work. These influences can come from industry trends, friends and peers, audiences, or even milestones on social media. However, in my experience, we can’t truly love what we create unless it aligns with our intentions and comes from our authentic selves. We can’t let external expectations—whether they are about achieving something or meeting others’ demands—dictate what we make. Nor should arbitrary rules define our creative output.

When I first started making YouTube videos, I faced a similar challenge. I began with a passion for creating art. I didn’t necessarily know exactly what I wanted to create, but I had a love for art and a desire to make something I would be proud of. Yet, instead of focusing on creating art that truly resonated with me, I found myself more concerned with numbers. At that time, I had a few hundred to a couple of thousand subscribers, and I kept drawing what my subscribers or friends asked me to draw, as well as whatever was trending. While I was happy to be drawing, I wasn’t fully satisfied with my creations. They held little value for my creativity or passion for art.

Looking back, I realize that I made many of the mistakes I’ve mentioned, and perhaps I still do in various aspects of my life. However, I believe it’s important to minimize external expectations on your creative existence as much as possible. If something from outside sparks your interest or inspires you, by all means, explore it. But if you feel stuck and pressured, it’s better to stop and reflect on why you started creating in the first place.

Do not follow what others say, but follow the truth you have realized - Miyamoto Mushashi.

The creative spirit cannot be contained. We can’t confine creativity to a small box and expect it to reflect everything about us. And that small box should never be defined by external factors such as rules or others’ expectations.