Nova: You know, Atlas, I think one of the most dangerous pieces of advice floating around for anyone trying to build influence or a brand is simply, "Do what works."

Atlas: Oh, I love that. Because it sounds so practical, doesn't it? It sounds like the smart, efficient move. Why reinvent the wheel?

Nova: Exactly! And it's a trap. A seductive, influence-diluting trap. Because while "doing what works" might get you some initial traction, it almost guarantees you won't build truly original, lasting influence. You just become another echo in a crowded room.

Atlas: That’s a powerful distinction. So, we're talking about the difference between being heard and genuinely resonating.

Nova: Absolutely. And today, we're diving headfirst into this 'copycat trap' and how to escape it, drawing incredible insights from two brilliant minds: Adam Grant, with his groundbreaking book "Originals," and Austin Kleon, with his cult classic, "Steal Like an Artist." Grant, the renowned organizational psychologist, has this incredible knack for studying non-conformists and revealing the hidden power of championing new ideas, often against the grain.

Atlas: Yeah, he really digs into the data behind what makes someone truly innovative. And Kleon, on the other hand, he’s an artist and writer whose book became a phenomenon for its counter-intuitive, yet incredibly liberating, approach to creativity. He basically gives you permission to stop stressing about 'pure' originality.

Nova: Right! They both offer different, but equally vital, lenses on how to forge your own path. And it’s a journey that shifts your focus entirely from chasing trends to cultivating a distinctive voice that resonates with your audience on a deeper, more authentic level.

Atlas: Okay, so let's unpack this 'copycat trap.' Because I imagine a lot of our listeners, especially the aspiring authorities and strategic creators out there, have felt the pull of it. They see something successful, and the instinct is to try and replicate it.

Nova: Oh, absolutely. It's the "blind spot" we all have. We look at what's popular, what's trending, what gets engagement, and we think, "Aha! That's the formula." So, we meticulously study the top podcasts, the viral TikToks, the bestselling books in our niche, and we try to reverse-engineer their success.

Atlas: So you're saying, they’re getting attention, but it’s not actually attention, is it? It’s attention for a diluted version of someone else’s idea.

Nova: Precisely. Let's imagine "The Algorithm Follower." This creator sees a specific style of short-form video dominating their niche – maybe it’s a rapid-fire listicle format with a particular background track and a specific call to action. They spend hours, days, meticulously recreating that format. They even get some views, some likes.

Atlas: And for a moment, they feel like they've cracked the code.

Nova: Exactly. But here's the catch: the audience engaging with that content isn't connecting with. They're connecting with the or the. The creator hasn't built a unique relationship; they've simply become part of the noise. Their influence is diluted because they haven't given anyone a reason to follow specifically, only the trend.

Atlas: That makes me wonder about the deeper psychological cost there. If you're constantly chasing trends, constantly looking over your shoulder to see what everyone else is doing, that sounds exhausting. And ultimately, unfulfilling.

Nova: It is. It leads to a struggle to stand out, because by definition, you're trying to blend in with what's already popular. And for our listeners who are community builders and driven by impact, this is a particularly painful blind spot. You can't build a genuine, loyal community around someone else's voice. You can't make a lasting impact if you're just an echo.

Atlas: That’s a great way to put it. You’re essentially outsourcing your authenticity. And I imagine that leads to a feeling of not quite owning your space, even if you’re technically successful by some metrics.

Nova: Exactly, Atlas. It's like wearing clothes that don't quite fit. You might look presentable, but you’ll never feel truly comfortable or confident. The copycat trap keeps you from finding your distinctive voice, which is the very thing that allows you to connect on a deeper level and make a real difference.

Atlas: So, if chasing trends is a dead end – and it sounds like a deeply unfulfilling one – how do we actually find our own voice? How do we escape this trap and build that original influence you’re talking about?

Nova: That’s where Adam Grant and Austin Kleon offer us two incredibly powerful, yet distinct, pathways. They show us that true originality isn't a single, monolithic thing. Let’s start with Grant’s "Originals." He reveals how non-conformists move the world, demonstrating that true originality isn't necessarily about being the to have an idea.

Atlas: Oh, I love that. Because that takes a lot of pressure off, doesn't it? The idea that you have to be this lone genius in a garage inventing something brand new.

Nova: Precisely! Grant's research, which is so meticulously done, shows that it's about being and having the to champion new ideas, even when they're initially met with skepticism or resistance. Think of someone like the founder of Warby Parker. They didn't invent glasses. But they challenged the entire eyewear industry's established pricing model and distribution channels, offering stylish, affordable glasses online.

Atlas: That's a fantastic example. They saw an industry that was ripe for disruption, and they had the courage to say, "We're going to do it differently, even if everyone tells us it won't work." They championed a new approach, not a new product itself.

Nova: Exactly. Their originality wasn't in the product, but in the and the behind it. They were originals because they were willing to be non-conformists, to stand apart from the established way of doing things. It takes conviction to be different, to trust your unique perspective when the tide is pulling you towards conformity.

Atlas: So that's the Grant approach: courage to champion the new, to be different. But what about Kleon’s "Steal Like an Artist"? That title alone sounds almost rebellious. How does "stealing" lead to originality?

Nova: Ah, that’s the beauty of it! Kleon offers a refreshing, almost liberating perspective on creativity. He argues that nothing is truly original in isolation. We are all influenced by what came before us. True innovation, for Kleon, comes from remixing existing ideas, insights, and inspirations in your. It's about taking disparate elements, things you love, things that resonate with you, and combining them into something new that bears fingerprint.

Atlas: So it's like a DJ taking different musical samples and creating a completely new track that expresses their own artistic vision.

Nova: Exactly! Or a chef who takes traditional ingredients from different cuisines and creates a fusion dish that's entirely their own. Think of a content creator who deeply understands philosophy, but also loves memes and internet culture. They might combine profound philosophical concepts with witty, relatable meme formats to create something that’s both intellectually stimulating and highly shareable. They're 'stealing' from different domains and remixing them into a distinctive voice.

Atlas: That makes so much sense. It’s not about outright copying, but about selective borrowing and then infusing it with your own personality and perspective. It’s about being a curator and a connector, building new bridges between existing islands of ideas.

Nova: So, you see how these two aren't mutually exclusive? Grant encourages us to have the courage to be different, to challenge the status quo. Kleon gives us the tools and the permission to build that difference by drawing from the vast well of human creativity and remixing it through our unique lens. Both approaches lead to that distinctive voice that truly resonates.

Atlas: So, what I’m hearing is that the path to original influence isn't about some sudden divine spark of genius. It’s either about having the courage to forge a truly distinct path or the ingenuity to combine existing paths in a never-before-seen way.

Nova: That’s a brilliant synthesis, Atlas. It's about showing up as, whether that means challenging a common assumption or creatively blending what you love. Both strategies move you away from the diluted influence of the copycat trap and towards building genuine connection and impact. It’s about trusting your unique perspective.

Atlas: And for our listeners, especially those who are trying to build that community and make a real difference, this is critical. Because people don't follow echoes; they follow voices. They connect with authenticity.

Nova: Absolutely. And it's not about grand gestures. It's about starting small, as our growth recommendations often suggest. It’s about one piece of content that comes from unique take.

Atlas: That’s actually really inspiring. It feels less daunting when you frame it that way. And it brings us to a deep question for all of you listening: What’s one common idea in your niche that you can challenge or reframe from a completely fresh perspective this week?

Nova: Think about it. What's a widely accepted truth that, when you really look at it, might have another side? Or what are two seemingly unrelated ideas that, if you brought them together, could create a fascinating new insight?

Atlas: We'd love to hear your answers. Share them with the Aibrary community. Let's start a conversation about what true originality looks like for you.

Nova: This is Aibrary. Congratulations on your growth!