Why I Create: Finding Purpose, Learning by Doing, and Building Something That Matters

Have you ever paused and asked yourself why you do what you do? I ask myself this all the time—especially when I’m knee-deep in writing LinkedIn posts, building online courses, or creating newsletters. The big question is always there: Why create? Why be online? Don’t I have something better to do?

Honestly? I can’t think of anything better.

Creating Feels Like a Video Game

For me, creating is learning in its purest form. It’s like playing a video game where every level presents a new challenge. The only difference? These challenges come with real-world rewards—knowledge, growth, and fulfillment. Building my first newsletter, SustainaTrend, was one of those “levels.” I had no idea where it would lead me, but I loved figuring it out step by step.

Then came my online course. It took months to make the content as concise and clear as possible. But what surprised me wasn’t the content—it was the technicalities. Building a website, connecting payment methods, registering for taxes, creating landing pages, and automating email sequences? None of it was as simple as I thought. And yet, every step was a thrill.

In 2024 alone, I learned more than I had in years of working in corporate sustainability. From lighting my home office for videos to editing content in tight spaces, from writing newsletters to designing systems for growth, I’ve developed skills I never imagined I’d need—or enjoy.

Why Do I Share?

If creating is the game, sharing is the prize. Nothing beats receiving your emails, comments, and shares. They remind me that what I’m doing is valuable. And isn’t that what we’re all looking for? To feel like what we do matters?

Sharing my journey isn’t just about giving; it’s about connecting. It’s about building something bigger than myself—a space where others can learn, grow, and create alongside me. That’s where the real magic happens.

The Truth About Monetization

Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room: money. Is making money online real? Absolutely. But is it a get-rich-quick scheme? Absolutely not.

Here’s the truth: After a full year of consistent online creation, I’ve made less than €500. Yes, you read that right—less than €500.

But here’s the thing: that small sum taught me something far more valuable. I now understand how monetization works. It’s not about overnight success; it’s about building systems, providing value, and thinking about your audience first. The question isn’t “What do I want to say?” but rather “What does my audience need to hear?”

Monetization isn’t magic—it’s the result of passion, patience, and a genuine desire to provide value. If you approach it with anything less, you’ll find yourself burned out long before you see results. The promise of getting rich fast? That’s a scam. But creating systems that work and focusing on delivering value? That’s where the real opportunity lies.

Why I’m Launching SustainaEarn

If you know me, you know I love ESG. It’s where I’m most fluent, and it’s what I’ll continue to write about through SustainaTrend—providing actionable tips for sustainability professionals and enthusiasts.

But I also wanted a space to explore something different. A space where I could talk about the joy and challenges of being online, of creating digital ecosystems, and of learning to build systems that balance passion and productivity. That’s where SustainaEarn comes in.

This newsletter is for anyone who wants to:

• Build systems that balance content creation with a full-time job.

• Turn their passions into income streams.

• Create something they’re proud to share with the world.

It’s about more than monetization; it’s about creating with purpose. It’s about using the little time we have to build something meaningful—something that adds value to others and fulfillment to ourselves.

A Final Thought

Our world doesn’t lack knowledge; it lacks time. Your job as a creator is to share your message in a way that respects that reality—concise, clear, and actionable. That’s what I’m here to do with SustainaEarn. I hope it becomes a space where we can learn together, create together, and grow together.

So, why create? Because there’s nothing better to do.