If you’re creative like me, you know the feeling. You come up with something fresh, a new format, a clever name, a bold approach, and not long after, you see someone else doing… Hahem. Almost the exact same thing.
At first, it can feel flattering. Then, it feels a little suspicious. And sometimes, it might start feeling like theft.
So what do you do?
Do you start hiding your best ideas?
Do you water things down to stay “safe”?
Do you spend more time protecting than creating?
Here’s my perspective: don’t hold back.
Being creative means you’re naturally going to influence others. That’s part of the deal. But that doesn’t mean you stop showing up, or stop sharing your best stuff.
When does inspiration become copying?
This question comes up a lot. I am always inspired by others. So much of my best stuff has roots in things I see or experience and then find new ways to innovate.
But sometimes I’ll see my work mirrored just a little too closely.
It can feel frustrating. And if you’re someone who leads with bold originality, it might happen more than once.
But guess what?
When you’re truly, unapologetically YOU, no one can keep up. Not really. Not for long.
So, what should you do?
Keep creating.
Keep sharing.
Keep innovating.
Keep being Boldly You.
You don’t need to hide your best work to stay ahead.
So yes, being copied can feel frustrating. But I choose to take it as a sign that I’m doing something worth noticing. I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep creating. And I’ll keep being Boldly Me.
To the copycats, I see you. Good luck with that.
Nothing compares to the original. 🙂
–Lisa Leander, Founder & CEO, Where Imagination Builds Excellence
P.s. ready to show up boldly, courageously, unapologetically you? Join us at our Boldly You Leadership Summit (Virtual or in-person) this June.
