WORDS: DEJAN VICAI
Being truly original in a world where almost everything you think of has been already thought is quite a challenge. However, it does not have to be. What makes you unique and what makes you different is exactly what makes everything about you original. It might seem like what we are doing is meaningless and unappreciated, but, in the grander scheme of things, it does have deeper importance. Nothing we ever do is without a reason and nothing can diminish your significance in this world. Though, it can be hard to realize why you are exceptional when you are not reminded of it regularly.
Then again, it is not good filling your head with fantasies either. You have to believe that you are original, but, not so much that you are convinced that you are the only good on this Earth. Quite the contrary, all of us being a perfect one-of-a-kind cog in the machine makes it work so harmoniously.
Originality does not necessarily mean that you have to come up with something new or never-before-seen ideas, you have to use your previous experience and knowledge and make it better. Work on innovation, improvement, and help all of those around you: that is what really makes you original. Nowadays, there are many people who have done a lot for the betterment of others without them noticing it which is why they are modern-day heroes as well. As heroes, we are not being who we are for any personal gain, we do what we can to make the world a more amazing place to be.
Our originality is the missing piece others might be looking for, and that is why it is important not to keep it bottled up, nor hidden from the world. We are surrounded by a horde of meaningless copycats who can only imitate at best. Even though they are in great numbers, your originality can make a difference, it must make one. Do not be afraid to step up and proudly accept who you are and what you want to be.
Following in someone else’s footsteps is only good as a guide, however, eventually you have to stray from the path, you have to take a step that will start defining you. It is going to be the hardest step in your life, and yet, it will be the best moment in your life. That single step that begins to shape your uniqueness will forever be engraved in your memories; you need to keep reminding yourself why you are you. The moment you lose that focus on what makes you original, you become a bleak persona. Experimenting, daring to explore, getting out of your comfort zone, all of that is necessary to prove to yourself, first of all, what you are.
Many of us have been raised with the idea of wanting to become a famous this and that, or being a great man like your great-great-great-grandpa at the age of twenty. Those are great stories and they are inspiring, but we are not like them. We are a better version of them, and we will inevitably get the chance to show the world just how novel we are. There is no rush, there is no need to be successful at your own health’s expense. Instead, work perfecting your skills, honing your attributes, and basically focusing on what really matters: you. Once you have yourself figured out, the rest will follow, and once people get a whiff of your distinctiveness, they will recognize how truly amazing you really are.
In a world filled with shams, stay humble and be original. Do not let others distract or discourage you from the path you have chosen. You will never be like anyone else, and nobody will ever be just like you. We are all genuinely unique in our own ways and yet we are all also so much alike. Moreover, keep in mind that finding your sense of originality will come from failing again and again, because in order to be good at something you will have to fail a few times. That will teach you what you are, and that will show to the world just how inimitable you are.
