A few ago I asked y’all on Threads what you wanted me to dive into next, and @mrspoetic1 suggested to write about originality and authenticity.
Talk about being original and authentic. Because I talked to a few people up here who said that it’s hard to be both and it’s not. So I just would like for you to elaborate on that topic for me. Thanks.
Before I get my personal view on this, let’s dive into the definitions real quick.
Originality is all about being the first to create something new, something that stands out as unique in a world where it feels like everything’s been done. It’s like being the first to rock a trend before it hits the mainstream.
Whereas authenticity is about keeping it 100 with yourself and the world. It’s bringing your true self to the table: no masks, no filters, no pretending. It’s about being the real you in a world that tells you to be like everyone else.
Now that we got that out of the way, when you look at the definitions, I personally think in this time and age that it’s truly is hard to be original as it feels like everything’s already been invented. I mean, you don’t have to be Einstein or Stephen Hawking to come up with something new, but it sure feels like all the good ideas are taken. So it’s not impossible, but definitely quite hard.
Being authentic, however, shouldn’t have to be. Being true to yourself is where you find your unique edge That’s where you shine. Nobody can duplicate your vibe, your story, your sauce. When you let that authenticity flow, that’s when you bring something fresh to the table, even if the concept ain’t brand new.
But!
I can totally imagine that embracing your authentic self isn’t always easy for everybody. We live in a world that doesn’t always cheer for you to be 100% you. Sometimes, the world only accepts authenticity that fits into a neat little box, and if you step outside that? Whew, it can get real lonely real quick. Especially if you grew up in a space where being ‘you’ wasn’t safe or accepted.
And here’s the thing—humans wanna belong. It’s wired in us. So, when you’ve spent your whole life trying to blend in or be what others expect, it’s no surprise that tapping back into your true self can feel like lifting a heavy weight you’ve never trained for. But trust me, it’s worth it. You can build that muscle with time.
So, to circle back to the question of whether it’s hard to be authentic and original—it’s not as black and white as it might seem.
Originality can feel impossible sometimes because it seems like everything’s already been done. And authenticity? For some, stepping into their authentic self can feel like walking uphill with weights, especially when life hasn’t made space for that kind of freedom, while others are thriving in their best authentic selves.
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