Everyone these days is so worried about being original. It’s really become an uphill battle because naturally as time moves on it becomes harder to have something that is truly unique.
I’ve been struck with the fear of being unoriginal many times. It happened most recently when I started writing the eBook for the muse I am currently building. I thought, “But what if my product isn’t original enough?” and other junk like that.
This originality paralysis has stopped me from launching businesses before. I wrote a 70 page fitness and weight loss eBook a few months back and then decided to not proceed further with it (this effort was not wasted though as it will be a bonus for my new product). I sometimes wonder about where I would be right now if I HAD followed through and conquered this fear of not being original.
The conclusion I came to recently is that nothing is really original these days (a point that is coincidentally not original as I’ve read many articles about it, it just never really set in). Pretty much everything has been done before.
Even though what you are doing right now may not be a brand spankin’ new concept, there are still things you can bring to the table.
There’s only one you. People will dig what you are doing because they like YOU. You have your own little personal brand going on. Only you have experienced the things that you have in the exact order that they occurred.
Do not underestimate the value that you can add to something, whether it be an industry or whatever else you have going on.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s an interesting challenge. I think it’s important to try to maintain originality but you obviously cannot let it debilitate you. At this point in the world, there are very little completely original ideas. It’s about your original take on an idea that may not be the most original thing in the world.
Yeah, in fact I always preach that you should be entirely unique – but you’re right, it always comes down to your awesome personality. The problem is, that most people hide their beautiful edges – they’re playing it safe pretending to be someone else, and that#s what kills them in the end (well, that’s drastic, they rather dive into oblivion)
Hi Nate,
Originality is something that I often worry about too. I hate being one of hundreds of me-too copies. However, I also know that 100% originality is impossible. Everything is built on previous ideas in some way.
I completely agree that putting our own unique personalities and experiences into our work is very important. The problem is that we are often afraid to be unique because that risks ridicule and criticism. It takes a brave soul to put out their soul for everyone to see.
I would also add that consistent execution might even be more important than originality. If you are not first, just work harder and do it better.
After that, promote the hell out of it. The greatest idea in the world is useless unless people see it.
I think that often as artists we are formed by our environment, so the work will generally come from places that reflect your interests and upbringing. Inevitably those interests will influence the piece in a direction that is not “100% original.”
@John The point that consistent execution is more important than originality is a great one. A man with brilliant ideas and little motivation will never get as far as a man with relentless passion and execution.
Great reminder Nate. I really think we are own worst enemies sometimes. Really good to hear you got past that little voice. It’s good to try and be the best we can but when it tips over to stopping us doing things it can be destructive.
@ aaron – Absolutely right, man. It’s all about putting your little twist on things.
@ mars – I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s a shame when people hold themselves back or pretend to be someone they are not.
@ john – I like your point about consistent execution. It’s a good attitude to have, for instance, if you are going into a crowded market as a business person. Thanks for sharing that!
@ jen – Completely right about being out own worst enemy! I’m pretty sure that’s the case with me a lot of the time :-) It’s hard to get over but I think I’m past it, hopefully for good.
Thanks everyone, you rock.