you need to try to get over your fear of over expectation, etc. Coming up with your own projects and assignments is something that you need to figure out how to do. Other people can't help you too much here.
So my advice is figure out where you want to go in terms of illustration and come up with some assignments that sound interesting to you. Then, once you have a group of ideas, post them here and see what people think. That is the best route to go and you will benefit greatly from it.
Watch the finding your style video and you will begin to find your way. : )
Good luck!
-Lee