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Ever feel like everything you want to do has already been done? Whether you’re launching a business, picking up a new skill, or diving into a creative project, it’s easy to think you need to start from scratch. But here’s the truth: you don’t. The world is full of solved problems, and the fastest way to move forward is to borrow from others’ solutions. Instead of reinventing the wheel, take what’s already out there, remix it, and make it your own. This approach isn’t just practical—it’s a game-changer for unleashing your creativity. Let’s explore how to tap into the art of creative borrowing and turn ideas into action.
Nothing Is New, So Steal Smart
The idea that nothing is truly original might sound like a buzzkill, but it’s actually liberating. Every creation—be it a novel, a startup, or a piece of music—builds on what came before. The Bible puts it perfectly: “There’s nothing new under the sun.” So, stop stressing about being the first and start collecting ideas worth borrowing. The key is to focus on what resonates with you and weave those sparks into something that feels like you.
Think about your favorite creators. Musicians like The Beatles drew from rock ’n’ roll pioneers; writers like J.K. Rowling pulled from ancient myths. Your job isn’t to copy blindly but to curate thoughtfully. Keep a mental notebook of ideas—quotes, designs, concepts—and let them simmer. Maybe a snippet from a podcast doesn’t inspire you today, but in a month, it could be the seed for your next big project. You are the sum of what you let into your life, so choose ideas that excite you and run with them.
Copy to Discover Your Voice
Not sure where to start? Pretend to be your heroes. That’s right—fake it until you make it. Copy the work of people you admire, not to mimic them forever, but to learn how they think. By imitating their approach, you’ll stumble upon your own style. It’s like trying on different outfits until you find the one that fits just right.
When I started writing, I mimicked the casual tone of bloggers I loved. It felt clunky at first, but over time, my voice emerged—a mix of their humor and my own quirks. The trick isn’t to steal someone’s surface-level style but to dig into the why behind it. If you love a filmmaker’s storytelling, study how they build tension or craft characters. Your imperfections in copying will reveal what makes you unique. That’s where you find your creative edge—by embracing what sets you apart from your heroes.
Create Every Day and Share It
Success boils down to two steps: do good work and share it with the world. The first step is tough. Creating something worthwhile takes time, grit, and a lot of rough drafts. You’ll probably stink at first—and that’s okay. Every sketch, every failed code snippet, every half-baked idea is a step toward getting better. The second step? Share your work online. It’s never been easier to put your ideas out there, whether it’s a blog post, a quick sketch, or a coding project.
Sharing isn’t just about showing off—it’s about growing. Posting a rough draft might lead to feedback that sharpens your next attempt. Sharing a coding tip on X could connect you with other developers who push your skills further. You don’t need to share everything—just a glimpse of your process can spark connections. Maybe it’s a quick tip you learned while designing or a link to an article that blew your mind. Sharing small pieces of your journey invites others to join in and helps you find your own voice along the way.
Surround Yourself with Inspiration
Your creativity is only as strong as the people you surround yourself with. In the digital world, that means following creators who challenge and inspire you—people who are smarter, better, and doing work that makes you jealous in the best way. Pay attention to what they’re sharing, what they’re linking to, and what they’re excited about. Ignore the noise and negativity. Instead of getting sucked into online arguments, channel that energy into making something.
I once wasted hours debating design trends online, only to realize I could’ve spent that time sketching or prototyping. Curate your feeds to include people who spark ideas, whether it’s a coder sharing a clever hack or an artist posting their latest work. It’s like living in a small, vibrant town where everyone’s cheering each other on. Surround yourself with the best, and you’ll push yourself to grow.
Routine Fuels Creativity
Creativity isn’t about waiting for lightning to strike—it’s about showing up every day. Keep a simple logbook of what you do: projects you worked on, ideas you had, even what you ate for lunch. Over time, these small notes become a goldmine of inspiration. A quick glance at my own logbook reminded me of a story idea I’d jotted down months ago, which became the seed for a new project. Routine isn’t glamorous, but it’s the backbone of creative work.
Having a supportive friend or partner helps, too. They keep you grounded when you’re tempted to chase every shiny new idea. Creativity thrives in structure, so build habits that let you focus. As the saying goes, burn slow and steady—you’ll have more energy to create and maybe even see your grandkids someday.
Less Is More
In a world overflowing with information, the real skill is knowing what to leave out. Creativity is about subtraction—cutting away the noise to focus on what matters. Too many options can paralyze you, whether it’s endless tools, platforms, or ideas. Set constraints to spark ingenuity. Try writing a story in 500 words or designing with a single color palette. These limits force you to get creative and often lead to your best work.
When I wrote this post, I capped myself at three key points per section. It made me sharpen my ideas and cut the fluff. Constraints aren’t barriers—they’re catalysts for breakthroughs. Embrace them, and you’ll find clarity in the chaos.
Start Creating Today
The beauty of this approach is that it takes the pressure off. You don’t need to be a genius or have it all figured out. Start by borrowing from the world around you—collect ideas, copy your heroes, and share your progress. Be curious, dig deeper, and chase every reference. Google your questions, visit the library, get lost in a bookstore. Your creativity is a mosaic of everything you’ve encountered, so make it a vibrant one.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab an idea, remix it, and put something new into the world. The more you create and share, the closer you’ll get to finding your unique spark.