Be authentic, not mimetic

Find success by being uniquely you

We often hear the advice to find role models and emulate their success. While being inspired by your idols is valuable, blindly following their path can lead you nowhere. The key is to be uniquely you.

In today's hyper-connected world, it's easy to be influenced by what others are doing. But this mimetic desire often leads to a sea of sameness, where your unique value proposition gets lost.

You can never fully simulate someone else's experiences. Your unique combination of skills and perspectives is your superpower. By being authentic, you're not competing with anyone else – you're offering something no one else can. Authenticity is in short supply, and by being yourself, you are already in the top decile.

As a personal example, while peers chased titles and compensation, I pursued opportunities to build 0-to-1 products, even if it meant a less flashy title. It's not that I didn't value money or titles; I just loved building products from the ground up, which gave me the most satisfaction. This approach may not be for everyone, but it illustrates the power of aligning your career with your authentic interests and strengths.

So how do you stand out? Start by first understanding what makes you unique. If you're unsure, ask ten friends and coworkers what they get from you that they don't get from anyone else. You'll see themes emerge that highlight your unique strengths. These insights can guide where you should focus your time and energy.

It can take time to trust in your unique path, but it's worth it. Instead of mimicking others, forge your own path. Be inspired by your idols, learn from their journeys, but chart a course that's authentically yours. That's where true fulfillment – and often, unexpected success – lies.