Create from Within: The Power of Purpose over External Validation
In pursuing creativity, we often find ourselves tempted by the allure of external validation—whether it’s the approval of peers, accolades, or the desire to fit in with current trends. In a world dominated by social media likes, trending hashtags, and instant recognition, it’s easy to lose sight of the true motivation behind our creative pursuits. In the past, creativity was often driven by personal passion and values, with artists and thinkers focusing on their unique visions rather than public approval. But as Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic Roman Emperor, urged, the path to a meaningful life lies in living according to our principles and purpose rather than seeking the approval of others. For creative thinkers, this wisdom holds profound implications. The most impactful and original work often comes from a place of authenticity, grounded in personal values and true purpose, rather than a desire to cater to external demands.
Prioritising purpose over external validation can be transformative for creatives. It is the difference between fleeting popularity and enduring influence, shallow achievements and meaningful contributions. By centring our purpose, we align ourselves with the essence of who we are, allowing us to produce work that resonates on a deeper level and stands the test of time. This shift in focus—from what others think of us to what truly matters to us—is a powerful key to unlocking our fullest creative potential. When we create from a place of purpose, our work has a sense of integrity and depth that is hard to replicate. It speaks to the core of who we are, and in doing so, it also speaks to the hearts of others.
External validation is a potent motivator. As social creatures, we are hardwired to seek approval and belonging. There’s a certain satisfaction in receiving praise, recognition, and applause for our work. It feels good when others acknowledge our efforts and can even motivate us to keep going. However, when the desire for validation becomes the primary driver behind our creative pursuits, we risk losing our authenticity and, ultimately, the power of our work.
Creative thinkers are particularly susceptible to this temptation. When we see certain trends gaining traction or witness the success of others who have seemingly cracked the code to popularity, it can be tempting to follow in their footsteps. However, this often comes at the cost of compromising our values or creative vision. We might alter our work to fit a trend, adopt a style that’s currently popular, or tailor our message to appeal to the masses. While this might lead to short-term recognition, it often results in work that lacks depth, originality, and long-lasting impact.
The danger of seeking external validation is that it can make us reactive rather than proactive. Instead of creating from a place of authenticity, we chase after what we think others want from us. Our creative energy becomes scattered, and our work loses its unique voice. We become followers rather than pioneers, and our creative potential becomes limited by the shifting tides of external approval. In the long run, this can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction, as our work no longer reflects who we are or what we truly care about.
Marcus Aurelius, one of the most revered Stoic philosophers, emphasised the importance of living in alignment with our principles and purpose. His teachings are still relevant today because they remind us to focus on inner fulfilment and authenticity rather than being swayed by the opinions of others, especially in a world driven by external validation. In his ‘Meditations,’ he wrote, “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” This sentiment speaks directly to living authentically, without concern for how others perceive us. For Aurelius, living a virtuous life was not about seeking validation from others but about staying true to one’s values and doing what is right, regardless of external opinions.
This Stoic principle is highly relevant to the creative process. When we prioritise our purpose, we create from within because it aligns with who we are, what we believe, and what we want to express. Our work becomes a reflection of our inner selves rather than a response to external demands. It becomes meaningful, not because it garners praise or recognition, but because it honestly represents our values and beliefs.
Creative work that comes from a place of purpose is inherently more powerful. It is work that resonates with others not because it was designed to please them but because it is genuine and heartfelt. When we stay true to our purpose, we produce work that has the potential to move people, challenge norms, and inspire change. This kind of work stands the test of time, leaving a lasting impact long after trends have faded. By aligning our creative output with our core beliefs, we create something timeless that can speak to future generations as profoundly as it speaks to the present.
Catering to trends and external approval may bring temporary rewards, but it often comes at the cost of our creative integrity. Trends are, by nature, fleeting. What is popular today may be forgotten tomorrow. For example, fidget spinners were all the rage a few years ago, but their popularity quickly waned, and they are now largely forgotten. When we chase trends, we place our creative destiny in forces beyond our control. We become beholden to the tastes and preferences of others, which are constantly changing and often inconsistent.
The problem with trend-chasing is that it keeps us in a perpetual reaction. Instead of setting the direction for our creative journey, we allow the external world to dictate it. This approach can be exhausting, as we constantly shift our focus to keep up with what’s popular. More importantly, it can leave us feeling unfulfilled as our work becomes disconnected from our true passions and values. We may end up with a technically impressive portfolio lacking the soul and authenticity that genuinely make creative work resonate.
In contrast, when prioritising our purpose, we remain anchored to something stable and enduring. Our vision, our own beliefs, and our own goals guide our work. This doesn’t mean that we ignore feedback or are oblivious to what’s happening in the world around us, but rather that we use our purpose as a compass to guide us. We remain open to new ideas and influences but filter them through our values' lens, ensuring that our creative output remains authentic. This sense of inner direction gives us the strength to persevere even when others do not immediately recognise or celebrate our work.
Prioritising purpose over external validation allows us to tap into a deeper level of creativity. When we create from a place of purpose, we are more likely to take risks, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of what is possible. We are not constrained by the fear of what others will think or whether our work will be well-received. Instead, we are motivated by a desire to express something meaningful, to share our unique perspective with the world.
Consider the work of artists like Vincent van Gogh or writers like Virginia Woolf. These creatives produced profoundly personal work, often in the face of indifference or even criticism from the outside world. Van Gogh faced immense challenges, including mental health struggles and a lack of commercial success during his lifetime, yet he continued to paint because it was his true calling. On the other hand, Woolf battled societal expectations and personal struggles but remained committed to exploring complex themes of identity and consciousness in her writing. Their unwavering dedication to their purpose made their work impactful and enduring. Van Gogh struggled throughout his life, never achieving commercial success while alive, yet he continued to paint because it was his calling, his purpose. Today, his works are celebrated for their emotional depth and originality precisely because they came from a place of authenticity.
Similarly, Virginia Woolf’s writing was groundbreaking not because it catered to popular tastes but because it was an honest exploration of the human condition. Woolf wrote with a distinct voice, unafraid to experiment with narrative forms and delve into complex psychological themes. Her commitment to her purpose resulted in work that has had a profound and lasting impact on literature. These examples remind us that the most powerful creative work often comes from those willing to stay true to their purpose, even when it means going against the grain.
When we create with purpose, we create work that is uniquely ours. It carries our voice, our vision, and our values. This kind of work has the power to connect with others on a deeper level because it is genuine. People are drawn to authenticity—they resonate with honest work, even if it challenges them or diverges from the mainstream. By prioritising purpose, we produce work that not only stands out but also stands the test of time. The work comes from a place of authenticity and has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and create meaningful change in the world.
Practical Strategies for Prioritising Purpose
1. Define Your Creative Purpose: Take the time to reflect on why you create. What motivates you? What message do you want to convey through your work? Understanding your purpose will help you stay grounded and focused, even when external pressures arise. Write down your purpose and revisit it regularly to keep it at the forefront of your creative process.
2. Establish Core Principles: Identify the core principles that guide your creative work. These might include values like authenticity, curiosity, or a commitment to innovation. Use these principles as a filter for your decisions, ensuring that your work remains aligned with what truly matters to you. Let these principles serve as a foundation that keeps your creative pursuits consistent and true to your beliefs.
3. Limit Exposure to External Noise: While staying informed is important, too much exposure to external opinions — whether through social media or other channels — can lead to comparison and self-doubt. Set boundaries around how much time you spend consuming others’ work or seeking validation online, and focus instead on your own creative journey. By reducing the noise, you can better hear your own voice and stay true to your creative path.
4. Embrace Rejection as Part of the Process: Not everyone will understand or appreciate your work, and that’s okay. Embrace rejection as a natural part of the creative process. Remember that the value of your work is not determined by how many people approve of it but by how true it is to your purpose. Rejection can be an opportunity to reassess and refine your work, but it should never lead you to compromise your core values.
5. Reconnect with Your “Why” Regularly: Periodically take time to reconnect with your purpose. This could be through journaling, meditation, or simply reflecting on your creative journey. Remind yourself why you started creating in the first place, and let that purpose guide your path forward. By staying connected to your “why,” you ensure that your creative work remains meaningful and fulfilling, even in the face of challenges.
6. Surround Yourself with Purpose-Driven People: The people we surround ourselves with can significantly impact our mindset and motivation. Seek out individuals who are also committed to living and creating with purpose. Their encouragement and example can help reinforce your commitment to prioritising purpose over external validation. Engage in discussions that challenge and inspire you, and collaborate with others who value authenticity.
In a world that often prioritises popularity over authenticity, it takes courage to prioritise purpose over external validation. But it is this courage that allows us to produce work that is truly meaningful and impactful. By staying true to our values, we create from a place of authenticity, and in doing so, we tap into a deeper level of creativity—one that is not swayed by trends or the fleeting approval of others.
The next time you find yourself tempted to cater to external validation, take a step back and ask yourself: What is my purpose? Why am I creating this? By focusing on your purpose, you can make work that resonates for years, not just in the moment. The most enduring and impactful creative contributions come from within—from a genuine alignment with who we are and what we stand for.
Create from within, and let your purpose be your guide. The world doesn’t need more people chasing trends—it needs more people creating authentically, boldly, and with a deep sense of purpose. By prioritising purpose, you can unlock your true creative potential and produce work that stands the test of time, making a lasting impact that transcends the fleeting allure of external validation.
When we prioritise purpose, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to create work that truly matters. Everyone may need help understanding this kind of work and may not always garner immediate recognition. But it will have depth, integrity, and the power to inspire those who encounter it. By focusing on what truly matters to us and creating from a place of authenticity, we enrich our creative lives and contribute something meaningful to the world. Let your purpose be the driving force behind your creativity, and watch as your work takes on a life of its own—resonating deeply, standing firm against the test of time, and inspiring others to do the same.
