Why Originality is Overrated

This might be a little controversial, but here it goes: originality is overrated.

I see it all the time. People hesitate to start because they think their idea isn’t "original enough."

This applies to everything business ideas, projects, content, you name it.

They wait for that perfect, never-before-seen idea… and while they wait, they do nothing.

Not taking action is the worst mistake you can make.

How to Stop Overthinking Originality

Look at how truly creative people operate. They don’t sit around waiting for an original idea to strike out of thin air.

Instead, they take inspiration from others, mix it with their own experiences and personality, and create something uniquely theirs.

Every idea is a remix.

Just like Picasso said:

"Good artists copy, great artists steal."

- Picasso

Of course, I’m not saying you should start stealing someone else’s work.

But you should get inspired. See what’s working, add your spin, and make it your own.

The Real Challenge? Good Taste

The real challenge isn’t originality: it’s knowing when an idea is good.

Developing good taste takes time and repetition.

It comes from consuming high-quality content, learning from the best, and surrounding yourself with great ideas.

Examples

Apple

Steve Jobs didn’t invent the graphical user interface, the computer mouse, or even the MP3 player.

He saw what others were doing, improved on it, and made it his own.

The result? Apple became one of the most innovative companies in history, not because of radical originality, but because of execution, refinement, and taste.

TikTok vs. Vine

Remember Vine? It was one of the first platforms to popularize short-form video content. It had a massive user base, viral trends, and cultural influence.

But it shut down.

Years later, TikTok took the same short-form video concept and made it better.

• They introduced a better algorithm that personalized content.
• They focused on music and editing tools, making it easier to create.
• They monetized better, keeping creators engaged.

TikTok wasn’t original, it was just better.

The lesson? Execution beats originality.

Over to You

So take this as your sign to stop waiting and start doing.

Over to you. What’s one thing you’ve been putting off because you think it’s not “original” enough? Let me know.