"There Are No Original Ideas" and 6 Other Lies About Creativity
15.1.15
"There Are No Original Ideas"
Original ideas are irrelevant; it doesn't matter if someone has thought of an idea before, the important thing is how you use it. The idea itself doesn't have to be new or original or BIG, it just has to be done your way. Bring something unique to your work and you will always remain original.
"Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery"
It's never a compliment to knowingly copy someone and then try pass it off as your own work. It's lazy and stupid and everyone can see right through it. Copying in private to learn how to do something is fine but don't try to claim the creative rights. Use what you have learned and then turn it into something bigger, something better, something different. There is no purpose or sincerity to be found in imitation.
"There Aren't Enough Hours In The Day"
You find time for the things that matter the most.
If you "can't find" the time to do something, you don't want to do it enough.
"You Can Be Anything You Want To Be"
Unfortunately this just isn't true and that's OK. We can't all be good at everything and unfortunately that means our chances of success in something we're not so great at are pretty low. But everyone is good at something; life is about playing to your strengths and knowing your limitations.
"Always Follow Your Dreams"
Dreams are imaginary, fictitious, and unlikely to ever happen - goals are achievable. But remember: priorities change. It's OK to move the goal posts and change what you're aiming for. You don't always have to stick with "Plan A."
"Some People Are Born Lucky"
It's easy to think somebody got where they are through "luck" but in reality, they work as hard as everyone else. Even if they did get a helping hand with their jobs, money, or opportunities - what you see on the surface is only part of the story. We all have strengths and weaknesses; we all have advantages and handicaps. Don't let that be an excuse not to try your best and work your hardest.
"Friends Are For Life"
Friends come and go. Hopefully some friends will stick around for the long haul but others will stay only briefly. Our lives, circumstances, and interests change; as we grow we make new friendships. It can be sad to see an old friendship grow distant.. and yet it makes way for new relationships. Embrace and appreciate every connection you make.
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33 SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
I really like this, it's an interesting twist on the stream of inspirational quotes we're constantly fed, and although they're nice, thia definitely puts them in perspective! I especially like the one about not having enough time - it's something people seem to moan about all the time and I completely agree with you, you have to make time if it's important!
ReplyDeleteHannah x
Hanniemc.co.uk
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ReplyDeleteLove your posts and this one is no exception! Keep up the good work you always inspire me :).
ReplyDeleteBeing a creative is hard-work but you constantly inspire me to continue. Love Bella xox
ReplyDeleteMy Blog, Little Isabelle
I think about the hours in the day sentiment all the time. It really is about your priorities, your drive and evaluating what you actually spend your free time doing.
ReplyDeletehttp://insidesai.blogspot.co.uk/
Inspirational)
ReplyDeleteI love this post, so inspiring. I totally agree with dreams are fictitious, goals are achievable. As a fellow jewellery designer I can totally relate to 'There are no original ideas' some people don't know the difference between inspired and copied.
ReplyDeleteTahira x http://bohorise.blogspot.co.uk/
Loved this post!!! Very inspiring!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI found myself agreeing with each of your points, especially the one about setting goals instead of having dreams. To an extent there are no original ideas but like you say, putting your spin on something is what makes it new and original.
ReplyDeleteplaying to our strengths is a major learning point I think. I want to expand my strengths and such, but there'll always be ultimate things I'm better and worse at.
ReplyDelete"Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery" - I hate this sentence with a passion. Honestly. Just sounds like a bad excuse to me. Imitation is just laziness, and sometimes plain stealing. Inspiration is a form of flattery, imitation is something we should avoid at all costs.
ReplyDeleteI hate the "follow your dream" thing ! Sometimes you need to be sincere with yourself and realize that some dreams are not possible to realize. That's kinda sad but the truth
ReplyDeleteXoxo
http://fashionbackyard.blogspot.fr
Agreed with this post wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteLizzie Dripping
YES to everything esp the second one. The thing that irks me a lot is seeing a blogger copy someone else's ideas and deny it even if it's very obvious. Originality is not hard to achieve as long you keep yourself inspired.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a clear distinction between using an idea and copying someone's work; I don't have any problem with sharing ideas - they don't belong to anyone. So if someone sees an idea and likes it, then decides to interpret it in their own way, good on them. What I am completely against is someone copying the way someone else does something, that's just lazy and stupid.
ReplyDelete:))
ReplyDelete<3
ReplyDeleteUgh, me too. It's such a flimsy word.
ReplyDeleteI really loathe this argument too; imitation is cowardly. Being inspired by someone else and their ideas is absolutely fine, we all copy ideas and interpret them in our own way - that's how things get created. But outright copying someone's work is unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteIt's a learning process and it requires us to be 100% honest with ourselves; we simply cannot be good at everything, but the positive aspect of this is we get to involve other people in our creative pursuits.
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with someone using my ideas and doing it in their own way; copying is just the laziness, most cowardly thing any one could do. It requires courage and passion to create with originality, imitations always pale in comparison.
ReplyDelete<3
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with that; being inspired by someone else's idea to make something new is how we all start out, but copying is lazy and boring. Anyone who tries to be successful through imitating others will fail miserably at some point.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you think so
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. It requires consideration to find the time to do things we care about the most. People who say they are "too busy" simply don't know how to manage their time.
ReplyDeleteThat's such an amazing compliment, thank you
ReplyDeleteThank you so much <3
ReplyDeleteBeing busy appears to be the new thing to be proud about, but really it's stupid to be so happy about being too busy to do things like relax and enjoy life.
ReplyDeleteTruly, nowadays I feel guilty watching netflix for hours on end because I KNOW I could be doing other things in that time.
ReplyDeleteSo so so true!
ReplyDeleteGemma
www.fadedwindmills.com
I'm finally making (not finding) time to catch up on all the blog posts I've wanted to read, but have been letting stack up for weeks. I really like this one, Sophie. I am so excited to read your book!
ReplyDeleteIt's a "self-published" kinda thing (obviously) so I don't know how everyone will feel about it once it's done.. but it's an awesome project to work on and something completely different from my work with the business. I'm not sure I would enjoy writing a book as much if I had the pressure of actually having a publisher pushing me to do it ;))
ReplyDeleteLove the truth in all of this. I agree whole heartedly.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to read this post and leave a comment - I read and respond to as many as possible. Please feel free to leave a link to your blog but please do not advertise or post links to giveaways, these comments will be deleted. Thank you.