It is painful that we find it very easy to lose our uniqueness and originality in a bid to find acceptance. Often time, we can’t take a stand outside what other people think because we are scared of losing them. Worse still, we go all the way to change what we look like, how we talk, how we dress, how we think to suit what other people think it should look like. It’s painful to watch this happen.

Following the crowd is a very easy thing to do for a lazy person since it does not take any effort. In this age of copy, and paste, I’m left to wonder if originality is possible. What you don’t know is that following the crowd will deprive you of the opportunity to stand out. Don’t get it twisted, I’m not saying stand out for the wrong reasons, all I’m saying is that you should never lose your uniqueness or originality to find acceptance.

What is the meaning of originality?

Originality means being true to yourself and your values. It means freshness of aspect, design, or style. Originality can also mean the power of independent thought or constructive imagination. These are dictionary meanings.

To me, originality means the ability to stay true to one’s self against all odds. It means putting out what you truly are at every point in time. Saying what you mean and meaning what you say without putting other people’s opinions and feelings before yours.

The importance of originality

If you ever want to live a happy and fulfilled life, you need to place a priority on originality. You need to put yourself first. What things do you love? How best do you express yourself? What are the things you love? What’s your style like? How do you love to talk and be heard?

Here is where the confusion sets in but I’ll explain. It is one thing to do things that help you grow and it’s another thing to completely put away your truth in a bid to grow. You want to get better at your craft so you choose a person as your mentor. Well and good. What you should do is learn from this person the things that you need to learn. Implement them in a way that suits you. Don’t ever try to be anybody.

Do not think to imitate the person 100% will bring you to the same point that the person is. You’ll only be a copy cat and most likely get frustrated along the line. You will never look like your friend that looks cute because she talks in a particular way if you start talking like her. Okkkrrrrr

5 ways to preserve your originality

1. To thy self be true

Find your ‘WHY’. Why do you want the things you want? Do you want it because your friend has it and it looks good from afar? Or you want it because that is what everyone around you tells you to want. Think about it.

By getting answers to the questions of why, you’ll set yourself on a journey to liberation, happiness, and fulfillment. You deserve to be happy and you’ll not be happy genuinely if you keep trying to be someone else rather than embrace your uniqueness.

2. Define what you want always

It is very easy to be distracted if you do not know what you want out of life. Everything becomes attractive to you because you don’t have a mind of your own. You wish you had everybody’s life because you have not defined the kind of life that you want. After getting answers to your ‘why’, clearly define what you want and go for it.

3. Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial

You can’t be independent of people’s opinions but you can decide what to do with their opinions. Not all the advice you get is helpful to you. Appreciate them for their advice but the judge of the situation every time because you know yourself and what you want best.

4. Double-check with yourself

It is good to take time out to evaluate one’s self. Stop to check if you are still on track. Are the things you currently do the things you ought to be doing? What are the things influencing your actions? Do they match your ‘why’? Are giving expression to that side of you that you like? Make sure you are constantly doing things that align with your ‘WHY’

5. Love yourself

It might be strange to you but some people don’t love themselves at all and by every means would want to be someone else. I just thought I should remind you that you are beautiful, you are worthy, you deserve every good thing you ever wish for and you can make it in life too. Take time to water your strengths and watch yourself blossom. Just maybe, someone will also look up to you someday.

Did this post resonate with you? Drop your opinion in the comment section.  Do well to scroll down to double-tap the love icon, and also share this post with your friends. Don’t forget, 2020 is still our year and we are crushing those goals.

With love,

Opeyemi Omidiji

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