Why Chasing Numbers Will Kill Your Creativity (And What to Do Instead)

When Numbers Take Over

Ever feel like you’re just chasing numbers?

That follower count, those likes, that engagement stat—it’s easy to let them run the show.

I’ve been there. I spent weeks obsessed with growth on X, refreshing my stats, tweaking my posts, and trying to figure out the secret sauce.

It worked…kind of. My numbers climbed, but I wasn’t happy.

Creating felt like a second job.

What used to be fun—writing, connecting—became stressful and forced.

And the worst part? The finish line kept moving.

100, 200, 300… It was never enough.

The Cost of the Chase

Here’s the truth: chasing numbers comes with a cost.

You lose the joy of creating. You stop writing for yourself and start writing for an algorithm. You turn something meaningful into just another hustle.

For me, it wasn’t sustainable.

I started questioning why I was even doing this. Did I want to spend my time staring at stats? Or did I want to create something real?

That’s when it hit me: growth wasn’t the problem. My mindset was.

A Mindset Shift

I stumbled upon something Rick Rubin said in The Creative Act.

He discusses the importance of keeping creative work pure, untainted by external pressures like income or validation.

His advice? Have a stable source of income so your creative expression doesn’t have to compromise.

Create because you love it—not because you need it to pay the bills.

That hit me hard.

I decided to stop chasing numbers and focus on creating for myself.

Instead of trying to force growth, I focused on what mattered to me:

• Writing content I enjoy.

• Connecting with people in meaningful ways.

• Sharing ideas that excite me.

And you know what happened?

Creating felt fun again.

The pressure lifted.

And ironically, the growth didn’t stop—it got better.

Because when you create for yourself first, people notice.

What Changed for Me

Letting go of follower targets and embracing Rubin’s mindset was a game-changer.

Now, I write with more clarity, focus, and energy.

I’m more relaxed, more creative, and more consistent.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Growth isn’t the goal; it’s the byproduct.

• When you enjoy the process, the results follow.

• Your work matters more than the numbers.

Having a stable foundation outside my creative work, I could focus on making it pure, personal, and enjoyable.

What About You?

Take a step back if you’re stuck or stressed chasing stats.

Ask yourself:

• What do you love writing about?

• Who do you want to connect with?

• What would make this process enjoyable again?

You don’t need to quit caring about growth.

You need to care more about the work itself.

What’s Your Next Move?

This is your moment to release the pressure and reconnect with why you started.

Stop chasing. Start creating.

When you focus on what matters—your voice, ideas, and passion—the numbers care for themselves.

What’s one thing you’ll do differently this week? Let me know—I’d love to hear it.