Copying Doesn't Make You Successful

Steve Jobs used to wear the same thing every day: black turtleneck, black jeans, new balance sneakers. It became a uniform. His intention was to use his decision-making power on important things. In other words, clothes are not important.

It inspired a lot of people to do the same.

Elizabeth Holmes copied that idea directly, down to the black turtleneck. Austin Kleon wrote about the research done by Mason Currey and even took on a uniform himself.

When we hear successful people talk, we are often drawn to their origin stories and romanticize their path. We want to learn how they got their foot in the door and what they did to reach the success that they did.

Why?
Because the implication is that if we just copied what they did, we’ll be successful too. It sounds dumb to say out loud, but it’s an idea that so many of us inherently believe. And we don’t stop to question it.

The uniform isn’t what brought Steve Jobs success.
You don’t have to wake up before 4am like Tim Cook.
You don’t have to deny yourself the luxury of talking to others during the workday like Martha Graham.

Copying successful people’s habits or idiosyncrasies will not, by itself, lead you to success. You can look up to your work icons and career crushes without worshipping them as idols.

The books “My Morning Routine,” “Daily Rituals” and “Tools for Titans” are great places to learn about how your favorite whoevers got their work done. A better approach might be to use their methods as inspiration.

The best part about being you is that you’re a mash-up of your sources of inspiration.

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Caveday is a company aimed at improving your relationship to work. We write regular posts on Medium and send out monthly newsletters with productivity tips, life hacks, and recommendations. Sign up for the mailing list here.

Jake Kahana is a cofounder of Caveday. Sign up for his personal emails, called “The Email Refrigerator” here.