Nothing in this world is completely original because nothing comes from nowhere. All ideas and creative work builds on what came before. It’s all been said before, yet too often we let the pressure of creating something original cripple us from actually processing these thoughts or inspirational ideas into actual work. “Oh, I could create the next UBER, but wait, that already exists.” “This would look nice but I shouldn’t do that, it’s too similar to *name of inspirational artist*’s work, I need something more original. How do I be more original?”
Why do we do that to ourselves? All great ideas were once inspired by good ideas. That’s how ideas get better. If it weren’t the case, the world would be dominated by monopolies in every industry or stuck in a rut. Furthermore, having competitors challenge the “original ideas” keeps them on their toes and prevents them from getting lazy. In essence, anyone who wants to create something great should understand that it’s all been said before, but it might not have all been done before.
It’s possible to create something greater if you stop focusing on producing something that sprung from an idea that is not anybody else’s idea. This takes the pressure off. Then you can create something that’s truly your own if you pay attention to wherein lies the difference, the opportunity gap, what you can do to improve it or make it unique to yourself.
That’s how GRAB/GO-JEK came around, with new ideas of GRABPAY and GRABFOOD now challenging the original notions of the shared economy being limited to just shared riding. It’s how Airbnb differentiates itself from other platforms like HomeAway — it hosts more than 4 million listings in over 191 countries, and anyone can become an Airbnb host and rent out spaces from a small room to a whole, big house. The platform also thrives on its unique and creative home experiences like staying in a house made entirely of lego bricks. Users can rent anything from a tree-house to Donald Trump’s childhood home (if you’re into that sort of thing).
So, don’t be original, be a remix.
Be a mash up of what you choose to allow into your life. You are the average output of all your influences. Embrace them.
Don’t think of how to be original. Don’t let originality intimidate you, don’t try to escape creating by taking the easy way out. “I would really love to write something, but I can’t think of a unique topic to write about. Until then, I shall not write and look for something unique to write about.”
That mindset breeds severe procrastination and inefficiency. Try this: Write about what you like. Create ideas similar to those you admire. If you like something, don’t plagiarise it. Plagiarising is passing someone else’s idea exactly as your own. Instead, read up about it. Explore everything involving the creation of that idea or piece of art. What influenced the artist? Was it her thoughts? Was it her daily habits? Her family? Did she take a walk in a beautiful park before feeling inspired to write that story? Picture yourself in those activities. Feel what she felt. Seek out the influences that lead to good ideas or good art. Then, solely focus on creating whatever you like while considering these influences. Write the story you want to read. Create the kind of art you’d love to see in galleries. Let your work be messy, with the sole focus of pleasing yourself.
Don’t wait for original ideas to come to you. Start creating before you’re ready. You are ready.
Remember, you don’t have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to become great. Life is not about finding ourselves, it’s about creating ourselves.
