We all want to be special in some way, especially when we create something. We want our work to stand out, to be “unique”. But we also want to tell stories that are relatable to others. Being “ahead of your time” might not be what you are aiming for.

Where is the balance?

When I look at how many people want to publish their books and have already done so, I feel so… not special. There’s no “uniqueness” in what I do and how I want to do it. And, the majority of the people who write must write better than me.

I thought if I made something, it must be useful in some way for someone. That’s not wrong. But I also thought, for my work to be useful or appreciated, it has to be “the first and only one”. That is wrong.

Have you also thought about that?

Your own work is innately unique not because of how it’s structured, phrased, or framed; it is unique because it comes from you — because your uniqueness. Your experience, thoughts, knowledge, logic, emotions… everything combines together and work together into something that’s uniquely you.

And for those who encounter your work, who happen to accidentally share similarities with you on your experience, thoughts , knowledge, logic, or emotions, will find your work relatable, and even useful or impactful.

You can achieve relatable-ness by focusing on forging a certain aspect of the work, but you are still working something based on what’s uniquely you. Just like you can trim the branches and foliage, but the magic in the essence of the tree will not change.