Does my book have to be a NYT bestseller?

As a bookworm and aspiring author, I regularly get bouts of «New York Times Bestseller» shivers. Seeing all the amazing books out there, especially if you are active on the clock app or Instagram, the pressure to write the next «bookstagram» hit can be overwhelming. I mean, how could my scribbles ever compare to the likes of Sarah J. Maas, Brandon Sanderson and the like. But why do they have to? Is that my goal as an author, to gain recognition? I mean, I’m not going to lie, it would be amazing if my book would ever be so lucky as to be recognized and awarded. However, most books published are not on the bestseller lists. That does not make them badly written or any less interesting. Also, I have read books from the NYT bestseller list and found the writing awkward and the story uninspiring. Not to take away from the accomplishment of those who get on the great lists, but so many factors can play into success of an author in addition to a well written story. A good publisher? Self-advertisement? The right people finding your book and spreading the word? So, when the urge to put myself down becomes overwhelming I try to remind myself WHY I write. The answer being me, myself and I. I write because I want to see my story develop before my eyes. I write because I want the stories out of my head. I write because I want to learn, and to see if I can fill a full novel with the mess that keeps playing in my head when i drive, when i shower, when i try to sleep, always. And when I eventually publish, Because I WILL publish, be it by publisher or self-publishing, I will cry from happiness when I order my own book for my own bookshelf. And every person who does me the honour of buying my book will be a cherished bonus. So, I will keep reading books from amazing authors and let them inspire rather than let them intimidate me. Don’t put yourself down or be discouraged. Your story is worth writing and I look forward to reading it. What are your fears that keep you from writing your stories? Or what made you overcome them? Let me know in the comments.