PASSION OVER FEAR.
Lately it was harder than usual to be creative, focused and full of drive.
It’s quite demotivating if your work doesn’t get appreciated as much as you think is should. I’m really good in not having any expectations in mostly everything in life.
But with this project, this extension of my world, these stories, I really put in a lot of love, thoughts and it shows how I truly see the world. And it makes me really happy to know, that the ones closest to me love what I do and fully support it.
On the other hand there is something in me. A really strong, unique feeling within that I have 100% confidence that my work should reach thousands and thousands of people.
I believe that my photographs are next level. I believe that my stories are next level. I believe that my editing is next level. I believe that my camera is next level.
What I truly want to stress with this is that I and you reading this have to believe in our abilities! A 1000%, at anytime, no matter what.
If just Sam appreciates my stories, I keep going. If 10 Million people read my stories, I keep going. Doesn’t matter. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t do it to generate reach or have more viewers, I share these photographs and stories to show how I see and live the world.
But if we truly believe we are crafting value, creating something special, magic, something that should reach a lot of people, it can get very demotivating if you get stuck at the audience you’ve had since some weeks or even months.
And it also has to be that way. Especially nowadays where every social media application is full of trash and reels without any substance. 99% of what I see lacks depth, meaning or value.
It just is about catching the next viral trend.
On the other hand I see and know a people that create real value, that maybe only do it for a couple of viewers or users - for now.
So why even put in all the effort and love into something, when you can share something you worked on for 10 minutes and everyone loves it?
Because it’s your purpose. Because it’s the real you.
Actually, if you have found your purpose, it doesn’t matter anymore who believes in you, who sees what you are doing or who appreciates it. Yeah it’s nice sure, but deep down you know you found your existing purpose, your craft and what you can give back to the world and our society.
Then all of a sudden appreciation from outside becomes secondary. What truly matters is that I and you just keep going, no matter what.
It’s like with a relationship. If you want a real connection with a partner, something that lasts, you have to stick to it. No matter what.
But if you are always on the lookout for the next best, it maybe attracts a lot of people, is fun at times but in the long run you are going to be miserable.
Same with the things we share online. The more depth, substance and value we give, no matter who sees it, the longer it will last and also attracts the right people in the long run.
So whenever I feel demotivated, because I thought something deserves more appreciation, I try to turn the tables.
I start to think about my unique skill, about how I can share some real value, real interesting stories, real aesthetic photographs. And it fills me with so much confidence in my path, so much joy and so much appreciation I could never get from the outside.
What I really want to you understand is, that no matter where you are in life, no matter how high or low you might feel at this very moment. As long as you stick to what aligns with your purpose, even if you don’t see it for now, will lead you to where you have to be. The opportunities will be presented to the ones with courage, determination and discipline.
If the universe tests you, just stay strong. Show that you believe in yourself and it will reward you for going all the way even when no one is watching. You are doing it for yourself. You have to be your biggest fan.
And never forget the ones that have been there from the beginning, supporting, understanding and loving you for who you truly are.
I believe in me, and I believe in you.
