The definition of creation is “the act of causing something new to happen or exist.”
Whether it’s a painting, a song, a video, or even a single post, creation demands your time, energy, and direct effort.
Naturally, when you pour yourself into something, the least you expect is recognition. But when that recognition doesn’t come, the journey can feel like a never-ending spiral.
Think about it: in a job, the loop is closed. You do the work, you get paid, you continue working, and you continue getting paid. Your effort translates into an immediate and tangible result — money — which is why, whether you like your job or not, you stick with it. The system validates your contribution every month.
But when you’re building something of your own — a business, a social media presence, a new skill, or even your body at the gym — the loop isn’t closed yet. You put in the hours, but there’s no guaranteed recognition or reward. Five hours spent creating something can vanish into silence.
No comments.
No applause.
No reassurance.
And that silence makes you doubt yourself: Am I good enough? Is this worth it? Should I give up?
Here’s the distinction: at your job, you’re recognized because the company needs you (or someone like you) for the work to get done.
You are a vital point in their ecosystem. Replaceable? Maybe. Important? Definitely — otherwise, why would they pay you?
But when you put your own work into the world, nobody is required to recognize it. There’s no built-in system to reward you. Recognition isn’t guaranteed. And this is where most people quit.
To make things harder, psychology shows us a phenomenon called the proximity effect. People are more likely to connect with and support those they are exposed to more frequently. But paradoxically, when it comes to creative pursuits, those closest to you may be the quietest. Friends and family might scroll past while complete strangers engage with enthusiasm. It feels unfair, but it’s human. Often, the people who will resonate with your work the most are not in your immediate circle — they’re out there, waiting to stumble across your words, your art, your music, your story.
So here’s the truth: your work matters. Your consistency matters. And while the loop may feel open right now, the only way it ever closes is if you keep creating, keep posting, and keep showing up.
Because creation, by definition, is to bring something new into existence — not for applause, but because it deserves to exist. Recognition will come later. But first, you have to do the work even when nobody is watching.
So I’ll leave you with this: what is stopping you from sharing your voice today?
