Sharing Your Dream: Why Effort Resonates With People

Hi guys! It's me, AiTommy✨️

In this podcast episode, I talk about why we’re drawn to people who keep trying, even when it’s scary, uncertain, or painful. This episode is a personal and emotional one for me, as I reflect on dreams, effort, and what it means to keep showing up when success isn’t guaranteed.

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The Power of Passion: Why We Are Drawn to Those Who Try Hard

The notion that “people are drawn to those who are trying hard” has lingered in my mind for quite some time, but it truly crystallized after watching a recent video from a popular VTuber, Norio Tsukudani.

In this video, the VTuber answered anonymous questions from viewers, and one question particularly struck a chord with me.

Understanding Fan Culture

The question asked, “I don’t understand fan culture. I don’t understand why people support someone as a fan. What’s the point?”

The viewer went on to provide examples of fan activities: supporting a sports team, purchasing DVDs or merchandise for a beloved anime, spending countless hours creating fan art, waiting in long lines for autographs, and writing long messages to creators who may never respond. They then ended the question, “What do you get out of it?”

This perspective highlighted the costs involved: time, money, and emotional energy, with little tangible return.

From a rational standpoint, it can seem like you’re merely contributing to someone else’s success.

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A Personal Reflection

Honestly, I don’t think this viewpoint is entirely misguided.

For instance, I have no interest in idols. When I see fans investing heavily in concerts, merchandise, or events, I admire their dedication but know I could never muster that same level of passion.

When evaluating such investments purely in terms of efficiency, it’s clear that the time and money spent do not yield direct income.

There’s always a lingering fear that once the passion fades, everything invested may feel meaningless. That fear is valid and sometimes it seemed pointless if the passion fades away eventually.

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The VTuber's Insight

So, what was the VTuber’s response? Their answer resonated with me more than I anticipated.

They explained that as people grow up, they often realize they never truly became “someone.” Because of this realization, they are drawn to those who are struggling to achieve that status or who have already succeeded.

The term “someone” is pivotal here. It refers to individuals who stand out in society—athletes, musicians, idols, actors, and creators. These are people who command attention, who are discussed and admired, often evoking feelings of envy or longing.

As children, we dream without the constraints of impossible barriers or limits. The future appears bright and limitless. However, for many, those dreams eventually shatter due to various factors—physical limitations, financial constraints, upbringing, or uncontrollable circumstances.

As adults, we come to terms with the fact that some dreams will never materialize, leading us to let them go. I can relate to this feeling deeply.

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My Own Dreams

I once aspired to make movies at Disney, dreaming of becoming a concept artist and film director.

My love for Pixar and Disney films fueled that ambition, and I truly believed I could one day contribute to creating stories like those.

However, I eventually recognized that my drawing skills weren’t strong enough, and the barriers to obtaining a work visa as a Japanese artist were daunting.

Observing those who had succeeded made me realize they possessed greater skill, drive, and endurance than I did at that time.

After accepting this reality and deciding to return to Japan, I let go of that dream. This experience of loss creates a natural inclination to support those who are still striving to achieve their goals.

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A Case Study: Age of Scopius

Witnessing someone shine in a realm we could never reach revitalizes our own dreams, even if indirectly. We can dream through and alongside them.

Supporting someone, following their journey, and sharing in their success brings a unique joy that differs from personal achievement. It’s akin to being a long-time fan of a sports team and finally witnessing them win the championship.

What’s remarkable about today’s world is that such connections can be forged by a single individual using just a smartphone.

What once required books, magazines, or television appearances is now accessible to anyone. An individual can openly share their dreams, struggles, and efforts with the world.

Earlier this year, a project called Age of Scorpius gained immense recognition in the indie book world, reportedly selling around 6,000 copies through TikTok pre-orders alone. I believe this success stemmed not just from algorithms or marketing strategies but from the simple truth that people are drawn to those who are trying hard.

The creator shared their entire book-making process on TikTok, detailing how significant the project was to them and the immense effort they poured into it. Their honesty resonated with people, leading them to think, “If they’re trying this hard, this book must be special.”

However, the outcome is... disastrous for a lot of reasons.

What I learned from this drama as an indie creator/artist/author, is that sharing your dream exposes you to vulnerability. When you share your efforts, you reveal your weaknesses.

Displaying your journey online means opening your most intimate parts to strangers. If your dream fails, you risk facing ridicule, and fans can quickly turn into critics or even haters.

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Embracing Raw Effort

Trying hard is something we’re often taught to conceal, which may explain why it deeply resonates with people when we don’t. Raw effort, unpolished dreams, and honest struggles are powerful motivators.

As an artist still striving to become “someone,” I have my own aspirations. I want to grow my YouTube channel, build a community, and have people read my books, saying, “I love this story,” or “These characters mean something to me.” My material goals include selling tens of thousands of copies, being invited to events, and perhaps one day seeing my work adapted into animation or film—my dream since childhood.

It’s embarrassing to voice these ambitions, as people might scoff at their realism. But this dream has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. I don’t just want to work at Disney; I want to be recognized as an artist—someone who tells stories that resonate.

This is my dream, and to achieve it, I’ll keep drawing and creating stories. If my passion can touch someone’s heart, I’ll continue pushing forward, not wanting to disappoint them or myself.

So, I’ll conclude this post with a question for you: Do you have a dream? What does it look like? I would love to hear about it.