Tag Archives: originality

We have more faith in what we imitate than in what we originate

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“We have more faith in what we imitate than in what we originate.”

—Bruce Lee, 20th Century Hong Kong/American martial artist and actor

Image from Amazon

My wife and I are fans of the show American Idol. We have been watching it for many years and consider this year’s contestants to be some of the best.

The judges, mentors, and vocal coaches this season have been particularly prominent in helping the Idol hopefuls evolve and develop their own unique voices and styles.

When participants take the path of least resistance and safety by imitating the original artists they tend to fall by the wayside and get sent home.

EXERCISE:

Where have you placed too much faith in imitating others in your personal or professional life?

When and how would finding and expressing more originality offer greater rewards that are worth the risk?

Consider checking out Adam Grant’s book, Originals for more insights into being the one and only you.

“You do not have to be original.”

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“You do not have to be original.”

—Seth Godin, American Author

The seven words of today’s quote would have been useful about ten years ago when I dipped my toe into the blogging world. How many of you, like myself, have an inner critic that shuts down your thoughts or at least your voice and what you have to contribute to the world?

Somehow many of us came to believe that unless our ideas were unique and ground-breaking, we would be better off bottling them up and leaving that kind of work to the geniuses and other “special” folks?

Each of us travels a unique path through life. No one else can tell your one-of-a-kind stories with all the ups and downs, twists and turns. Perhaps our own lessons learned and how we applied them makes us quite original after all!

EXERCISE:

How can you take off the pressure and necessity to be a stand-out or a beacon of originality and still put your unique fingerprints on the world?

Please consider replying to this post with your thoughts.

“It is better to fail in originality…”

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“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.”

—Herman Melville

Photo from netshark.com

Photo from netshark.com

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, however in today’s world, an alternative phrase may be more prominent and perhaps more important:

“Be Distinct or Be Extinct.”

My coaching experience points to this: those who enjoy the greatest successes and satisfaction in life discover early that being their authentic self – living true to their visions and values – is key to a life of passion and purpose.

EXERCISE:

How can you pursue and persist through the potential daily failures and obstacles life presents, to be the one and only, fully expressed YOU?