Reasons to create that aren't about other people

Late last week I sat down to write out the reasons that I wanted to create - write, draw, code, make physical things - and a lot of the things I came up with revolved around other people: "I want to tell stories that other people enjoy", "I want to be able to show other people the scenes and characters in my head", "I want to make games that people like", etc.

As I was writing it, I was unhappy that so many of my reasons relied on external feedback. After all, I can't (e.g.) write for myself if all of my reasons for writing are about how other people feel about what I make.

So this morning I sat down and made a (non-comprehensive, of course) list of – well, like the title says.

• It helps me remember what I wanted to say/the image that was in my head.
• I get to come back later and revisit what I made without having to recall everything I was thinking in the moment.
• It helps my self-identity as "a creative person" feel more legitimate to me.
• It's what I want to do. (Why? Who cares?)
• Seeing improvement over time helps me feel better about myself.
• I am treating myself like a friend, and I would encourage my friends.
• It's the whole reason I got my laptop and tablet.
• I enjoy the process of creating, and seeing something come together from the parts I'm assembling.
• Having something tangible (you know what I mean) that I made will help my self-esteem.
• I'll finally have something to do with all the websites I have.

That seems like a good start.