⌠Is the Rarest Skill You Need
Originality. Itâs the holy grail of creativity, the thing that makes your work stand out in a crowd of sameness. But letâs be realâoriginality feels harder to come by these days, doesnât it? Weâre swimming in a sea of AI-generated content, low-quality digital products, and copy-paste art that all looks the same. Everywhere you scroll, itâs like dĂŠjĂ vu. And while AI tools are great for making things easier, theyâve also made it tempting to take shortcuts. So, the question becomes: how can you be original in a world thatâs copy-pasting itself to death?
Iâm about to unpack this for you in a way that feels bold, real, and practical. Letâs break the cycle of mediocrity and talk about how to create work thatâs not only yours but also impossible to ignore.
The AI Dilemma: Friend or Foe?
AI is a double-edged sword. On one hand, itâs a game-changerâitâs efficient, accessible, and can help you structure ideas in ways you never thought possible. On the other hand, itâs made creativity easy to fake. You see it everywhere: courses that promise six figures in 24 hours, e-books churned out in minutes, and digital art that looks eerily similar across Pinterest boards. AI has made it so anyone can create, but few can stand out.
Let me tell you something: originality thrives under constraints. Itâs easy to lean on AI and call it a day, but originality requires that you show up. Itâs about bringing your experiences, your voice, and your vision into the mix. AI might be the brush, but youâre the one painting the picture.
Breaking the Copycat Cycle
Hereâs the truth: originality starts with intention. If youâre just trying to make a quick buck, youâre going to end up sounding (or looking) like everyone else. But if you want to create something that matters, something that connects, you need to dig deeper.
1. Research and Refine Your Niche
Most people donât go beyond surface-level ideas. Donât be like most people. Use tools like Reddit, Substack comments, or even YouTube rabbit holes to uncover raw, underexplored problems. Instead of creating another generic “how-to” e-book, find a specific pain point nobodyâs addressingâand solve that.
2. Infuse Your Personality
Letâs get one thing straight: nobody can replicate you. AI-generated content often lacks personalityâitâs cold, neutral, and forgettable. You, on the other hand, have quirks, stories, and lessons that make your work unforgettable. Whether itâs humor, raw honesty, or a bold tone (hello, unapologetic vibes!), let your audience feel your presence in your work.
3. Innovate with AI, Donât Rely on It
AI is a great tool for brainstorming and structuring ideas, but it should never be the creator. Let AI give you a starting point, then flip it into something only you could make. For example, if AI gives you a list of book topics, combine two unexpected ideas or add a unique angle that reflects your expertise.
Art That Stands Out
Iâll be honest: Iâve scrolled Pinterest and seen art that looks eerily similar to work I created months ago. Itâs frustrating, right? But instead of getting caught up in that, I ask myself: How can I push further? How can I make this mine?
1. Layer Your Prompts and Influences
Instead of using simple AI prompts like “abstract art inspired by Van Gogh,” get specific. Layer multiple influences, emotions, and symbols. For example, try “abstract art combining Japanese wabi-sabi principles, bold Art Deco geometry, and the muted tones of a rainy Paris street.” The more nuanced your prompt, the more distinct your result.
2. Add the Human Touch
AI-generated art is often too perfect, too polished. Add manual refinementâlayer in textures, draw over the AI-generated base, or tweak details in Photoshop. These imperfections are what make your work stand out.
3. Create a Signature Style
Think Picassoâs cubism or Warholâs pop art. Develop a recognizable motif, color scheme, or style that screams, âThis is me.â Thatâs what originality looks likeâsomething so distinct it canât be mistaken for anyone elseâs work.
Protecting Whatâs Yours
Originality doesnât just mean creatingâit also means protecting what youâve created. Hereâs how:
- Create a Portfolio: Document your process and showcase your work online. Copycats might steal your finished product, but they canât replicate your journey.
- Educate Your Audience: Share behind-the-scenes stories, insights, or even mistakes. The more people understand your process, the more theyâll value your originality.
- Evolve Constantly: Keep pushing your boundaries. When others catch up, youâre already onto your next idea.
How Can I Be Original?
At the end of the day, originality isnât just about being different for the sake of it. Itâs about creating with intention, blending tools like AI with your personal touch, and crafting work thatâs deeply authentic. And trust me, when you lean into what makes you you, nobody can compete with that.
Stay Tuned for Whatâs Next
Now, hereâs the exciting part: In an upcoming post, Iâm diving even deeper. Iâll share ways to find raw, untapped inspiration without relying on AIâbecause sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places. So stick around for that.
And while youâre here, grab a copy of my “100K Blitz” book over at Pages of Power and Posh. Itâs the ultimate guide for breaking free from the simulation, starting your side hustle, and building the foundation for an empireâor even acquiring businesses to grow your wealth. Trust me, this isnât just a book; itâs your blueprint for stepping into your power.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Whatâs your biggest struggle with originality? Letâs keep the conversation goingâI canât wait to hear from you.
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