Everyone's born unique, loaded with original possibilities.
But we lose ourselves and become imitators.
Here's how to be original (again):
We are completely unique beings.
Our soul, talents, experiences, journey are all 100% unique and original.
So how did we end up as imitators, copying what others have done?
Why is 99% of the world, repackaging, at best?
Some will say originality is a myth, that there is nothing new under the sun.
These are lies.
Every single person is 100% original and fully capable of original thought.
In his epic TED Talk 'Do Schools Kill Creativity?' (20,968,179 views) @SirKenRobinson noted:
'We're all born with immense natural talents, but our education system causes us to lose touch with them.'
youtu.be/iG9CE55wbtY
We've been socialized to follow, to copy, to fit the mold.
It's a safe, unsatisfying way of living.
But under the layers of conditioning, our true selves are brimming with originality.
We need to rip through the layers of other people's thoughts.
And reconnect with our unique perspective.
Here are 10 angles of entry to your original ideas:
1/ Do Morning Pages.
This practice of writing 3 pages, stream of consciousness-style is a powerful tool.
It gets you past the noise of the outside world and other people's voices.
And connects you with your inner genius, your ideas.
juliacameronlive.com/the-artists-way/
2/ Stop playing to other people's expectations.
Most people only pretend to speak their truth
Their whole life is about playing roles and meeting the expectations of others.
But to be original you have to stop caring what other people think.
Find out what YOU think.
3/ Welcome the pushback.
When you step out of the mold, you're going to get push back.
This is good.
You may be on your way to something unique and new.
Get comfortable with pushback.
@wes_kao writes about this in her 'spiky' POV thread:
twitter.com/wes_kao/status/1449389707385790473?s=20
4/ Find your element.
Your element is that place where your passions meet your aptitudes.
Step into your element - your Zone of Genius - and your originality will flow.
Learn how, in this thread by @SahilBloom:
twitter.com/SahilBloom/status/1454505414075187202?s=20
5/ Reconnect with your 5-year-old self.
Spend a few minutes every day tapping into your childhood self.
The you, that is 100% original.
That child is still there.
Play. Color picture books. Do fun things.
More on adult play by @thewildwong:
nytimes.com/2020/08/14/smarter-living/adults-play-work-life-balance.html
6/ Get an imaginary friend.
"Imagination is the source of every form of human achievement."
When you need a new idea, ask your imaginary friend.
Practice this and it will lead to a torrent of originality.
7/ Change up your routines.
Re-route your driving patterns to and from home, school, work.
Try another supermarket or coffee spot.
Changing your routines opens up your brain to new thoughts and ideas.
8/ Tap into your emotions and experiences.
What angers you?
What delights you?
What ignites your soul?
All are 100% original.
What about your experiences?
Think about your journey.
The things you take for granted are unique and hold significant value for others.
9/ Learn to write.
Writing helps you find and trust your inner voice.
Morning Pages is powerful for connecting the dots in your brain.
Now, to communicate your new ideas find a good writing class.
(How-to-write resources are included below.)
10/ Commit to being your true self.
Being original is a choice.
Don't spend 80 years as a poor imitation of something or someone else.
Be the one person no one else can be.
YOU.
Some helpful writing resources:
An epic writing course from the @J_CameronLive - The Right to Write Video Course
juliacameronlive.com/the-right-to-write-video-course/
Write of Passage from @david_perell
t.co/bzeQ7VVyS0
A thread by @julian on how to create great work:
twitter.com/Julian/status/1457422738491011079?s=20
The @SirKenRobinson blog
sirkenrobinson.com/blog/
To stir your imagination:
The Marginalian by Maria Popova
themarginalian.org/
If you enjoyed this or learned something new, follow me @MishadaVinci.
I write about how to be your best self and life in the future. For more, join me and the swiftly growing Humans of the Future community.
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