The Idea of Originality
Photo by K X I T H V I S U A L S on Unsplash
I think we overstate the idea of originality.
We’re too caught up in this belief that being original means doing something that has never been done before. That unless we create something profoundly unique - the likes of which no one has ever before seen - then we aren’t original.
We then take this definition of originality and apply that standard to the things we do - our work, our craft, our vocation. And then, more often than not, we beat ourselves up because we fail to meet this standard in our minds, or worse, we shelve our projects because we think they aren’t original enough. This is a problem for a couple of reasons.
It’s a problem because the idea of absolute originality - the way I’ve defined it above - is a tough standard by which to live and conduct commerce. It places too heavy a burden and a bar that can be far too difficult to reach.
As a result, we just don’t get started (I need the perfect business idea) or we wait too long (I need more resources) or we stop too soon (this is like everything else, and maybe we/I just aren’t good enough).
The fact is that originality can be perceived in a myriad number of ways. If it solves a problem in a different way - even though the product or service itself is a modified version of what already exists - that can be original. In other words, originality, as expressed through innovation, can be as much about evolution as it can be about revolution.
The other fact is that originality ‘can be fashioned’ over time. It can evolve. We mimic at the start and then as we learn, as we hone our expertise, we move beyond mimicry and into our own. In other words, originality takes practice (and plenty of it). Ask any Japanese or Taiwanese or Chinese manufacturer over the last 50-70 years.
The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin were considered to have ripped off the great Bluesmen that came before them, but they took that inspiration and evolved. We now consider them two of the most original bands of all time.
We rave about Apple - and yes, there is a huge amount of originality in what they do - but the fact remains that even the first Macintosh leveraged ideas from elsewhere (non-Apple) and every new iPhone that is released contains features that are yes, new from Apple, but also others that have been available in competing phones for some time. The point is how you assemble the ideas to serve a set of specific needs.
My point is, let’s strive to be original. But let’s not get carried away with the idea of originality. Let’s not set standards that stop us from getting started or to do something that creates value.
Instead, start with what you know. Trust your instincts. Don’t simply compare. Be thoughtful with your judgements. Go forth and solve problems in whatever realm you operate in. Learn and evolve over time. Improve and master what you do.
“Originality” will come with time.
