BEING ORIGINAL
Finding Inspiration Without Losing Yourself
We all have people we look up to; whether they’re leaders in our field, creatives we admire, or mentors who guide us. Their work, ideas, and success stories push us to improve. But there’s a fine line between inspiration and imitation. How do you take what inspires you and make it your own?
1. Absorb, Don’t Copy
There’s a reason you admire certain people. Maybe it’s their work ethic, creativity, or approach to challenges. Instead of copying what they do, analyze why it works. What elements resonate with you? What skills do they have that you can develop in your own way?
Tip: Keep a journal of things that inspire you, but always ask, "How can I adapt this to fit my unique voice and perspective?"
2. Mix Influences Like a Chef
Think of creativity like cooking. The best dishes aren’t made by copying one recipe; they’re a fusion of different flavors, techniques, and ingredients. The same goes for inspiration. Learn from multiple sources and blend them into something uniquely yours.
Tip: Look outside your industry for inspiration. A musician can learn from a filmmaker, an entrepreneur from a scientist. The more diverse your influences, the more original your work becomes.
3. Discover Your Own Strengths
You bring something to the table that no one else does; your experiences, perspective, and personality. Embrace that. Instead of trying to fit into someone else’s mold, recognize what makes you stand out.
Tip: Ask yourself, “What do people appreciate about my work or ideas?” Often, your originality is more obvious to others than it is to you.
4. Experiment and Evolve
Originality isn’t about getting it perfect the first time. It’s about constant experimentation. Take inspiration, put your own spin on it, and refine as you go. The more you practice expressing yourself, the more natural your originality becomes.
Tip: Give yourself permission to fail. Every misstep is a step toward finding your unique style.
5. Stay True to Yourself
Trends change. Popular ideas shift. But authenticity never goes out of style. When you stay true to what genuinely excites you, you’ll attract the right audience and create work that lasts.
Final Thought It’s great to have role models. They guide and motivate us. But the world doesn’t need another version of them—it needs you. So take inspiration, shape it into something fresh, and leave your own mark.
Who inspires you, and how do you make their influence your own?

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