This is a guest post by Glori Surban.
As a freelance writer, one of the usual and understandable requirements clients have is that any blog post or article I deliver must pass Copyscape, the popular online plagiarism checker. Mr. Google hates duplicate content and so do readers. Copyscape, though not perfect, does its job well, online that is.
But what if we have a Real Life Copyscape? What if we had a tool that can check if we’re “copying” each other’s ideas, habits, and even lifestyles? Would you pass it?
Personally, if ever there were such a thing, I’d probably fail a check every single time… and gladly at that.
Here are three reasons why.
To copy people’s good habits.
This day and age, it seems that almost every good idea has been thought of and explored. People practice different lifestyles that make them healthy and more productive, and most of them like sharing to the world how they did it.
This is great news for us who have not yet found the light!
Developing good habits can be difficult; not knowing what habits to work on and how to go about it can make developing them nearly impossible. That’s why I’m thankful for all these wonderful personal development blogs. I love reading about how to make my life better, but even more so when people help me how to do it.
To heed the advice of people… sometimes.
I can be a bit hardheaded at times, but I know when to listen to others and when to listen to myself (a good habit I copied from others!).
Heeding the words of people who have “been there and done that” is probably one of the wisest decisions a person can do in his life. Listening to advice is a form of “copying” the steps the advisor took when he was met with a situation similar to what you shared with him or her. You will get an insight on what was it like to go through that situation, what to expect, and, most importantly, how to deal with it.
Of course, here’s where a good dose of originality comes in. No matter how great the advice you received for whatever problem or dilemma, you have to come up with your own original solution. Use the advice to aid you in improving your steps and making your decisions and then run with it.
To save us from a lot of trouble.
Learning from the mistakes of others is so cliché but so underrated too.
As effective as the idea of emulating what works is, not following what doesn’t work is great too! The most successful people I know probably made more mistakes than most, and they admit that. We read stories on how successful bloggers and online business owners lost a lot of money, messed up their websites, etc., so learn from these stories.
You do not have to make the mistakes that they made just so you can be successful too!
Or you can also choose to turn those mistakes around.
You see, while there are mistakes that we should avoid, there are also those that we should look at closely. The life lessons experienced entrepreneurs have are all great, but do not let this determine how you pave your own path. The mistakes that they made in the past, years ago when the game was played differently, may be the right decision for you now.
This post does not intend to devalue uniqueness and individuality. I simply hoped that by emphasizing that’s it’s OK to emulate what works for others, you will not limit yourself and toil away by trying so hard to stand out from the crowd, something newbies in whatever field try so hard to do. (I should know; I am one.)
You may start out by emulating people you admire and models that you believe in, but in the end, you are bound and are responsible to develop you own style.
Most of us need a little help planting the seed, but nurturing the plant is still in our hands.
Have you ever secretly thought yourself a copycat of life’s many wonderful ideas?
Glori followed her passion and you can hire her as a freelance writer. When not helping clients with their need for quality content, she blogs (and rants) about the ups and downs of the introvert life at Crazy Introvert. She “writes about life… among other things,” so if you ever need a passionate freelance writer or blogger, visit her writer site, the Happy Scribe.
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Glori -
I love your last little bit in your post “Most of us need a little help planting the seed, but nurturing the plant is still in our hands.” I look to others not necessarily to ‘copy’ what they are doing but for inspiration.
Jennifer Mackay
Jennifer M. invites you to read… Why isn’t My Home Selling?
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 25th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Thank you for taking the time to comment Jennifer! And I agree, most of emulate out of inspiration. You know what, I even came up with that quote on my own!
I guess I was truly inspired when I wrote this.
Glori Surban invites you to read… 7 Rules of Listening, Really Listening
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Great message. I also think there are innovative ways to take what you learn from others and make it your own. A few years ago I saw a simple handout at a hotel in Tokyo that featured a few simple phrases translated from English to Japanese. We turned that simple idea into a whole series of beautifully designed pamplets we gave out at our hotel (The “Most Hawaiian Hotel”)- 25 phrases translated from English to Hawaiian and to one of six different languages (including German and Korean!). Huge hit and won all kinds of awards.
marquita herald invites you to read… Hope Gives Us the Will and Power to Try
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 25th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Awesome! The key is simple not being just a copycat: it’s turning a great idea into something else and making it your own–just like you did!
Thanks for sharing Marquita!
Glori Surban invites you to read… 7 Rules of Listening, Really Listening
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These are great reasons for being a copycat. Another good reason for being a copycat is that you can become an exceptional teacher, trainer, or coach. Many of the world’s great mentors credit their leadership success to having copied those who mentored them. They copied everything that their mentors taught them, and used the same methods and strategies to mentor their students. Doing this over a period of time made them successful mentors, and it happened because they copied other mentors.
Anthony Thompson invites you to read… Non-Profit Structure – Steps to Creating One Without All the Headaches
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 25th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
That’s true Anthony! In fact, if none of us are “copycats,” we’d all probably be lost and it would take human civilization quite a long time to go from caves to skyscrapers.
Having good role models helps us become better persons, parents, friends, and everything else in between.
Thank you Anthony!
Glori Surban invites you to read… 7 Rules of Listening, Really Listening
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This resonates with me. I tend to like to model those I admire, but I still put my unique spin on it. The more I even study music, the more I hear others “copying” others’ guitar riffs and rhythm lines. It’s all good. Sometimes though, I tend to break away from my teachers and mentors…and do my own thang, which is good too
Lisa invites you to read… Easy For You to Say…
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 25th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Haha… Don’t we all like to do our own thang?!
I guess in one way or another, this explains how each generation is different from the last and from the next. We tend to put our own style and signature at the things we touch in order to make it ours, in music, poetry, clothing, etc.
Yet we can also say it is the same. Isn’t there some kind of saying that fashion recycles itself?
Hmmm… I ned to ponder on this more.. LOL
Thank you Lisa!
Glori Surban invites you to read… 7 Rules of Listening, Really Listening
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We grow up copying others from learning to talk and walk to music, writing and so on. Occasionally we might come up with a totally original idea, but most of what we do is copy others. I use Copyscape if I am not sure I made something sound like me, but ultimately I don’t think many of us have any totally original idea. But you got me looking for them. Thanks, Glori.
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 25th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
Thank you Ann!
I sometimes struggle with finding the “most original idea” so I can be unique. But I usually end up browsing the web looking for inspiration.
The thing is, I think we can make any “old” idea original by making it our own and, as Lisa mentioned, putting our unique spin on it.
Glori Surban invites you to read… 7 Rules of Listening, Really Listening
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Great post, Glori. I once heard it said that if you want to be successful, find people have achieved the level of success you’re trying to achieve and do what they do.
Thanks for sharing.
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 25th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
Exactly Etieno! Allowing great role models to influence way can help you become more successful. Emulating their habits and their ideals while expressing yourself in your own way is a good way to achieve success.
Glori Surban invites you to read… 7 Rules of Listening, Really Listening
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Hi, Glori,
I like it when you say that nurturing the plant is in our hands, even if we borrow the seeds.
I agree with you completely, there is nothing bad about creating good habits by seeing what is positive from others. By doing this, we can help our personal development to grow easily.
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 25th, 2012 at 7:08 pm
Hi Kristina, and thanks!
Our personal development can be influenced by the own personal development of others. We can always use what works for others to work for us…
Glori Surban invites you to read… 2 Vital Secrets of Happy Introverts
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Hi Stacey,
Even the most unique of us are copycats to some extent. They say there is nothing new under the sun and that is probably true. I get inspiration form other bloggers like yourself and like so many of the others have commented and then put my own spin on it.
Instead of reinventing the wheel, it is sensible to stand on the shoulders of giants.
Nice post to remind us of different ways of copying.
Madonna invites you to read… Don’t Give Up Five Minutes Before the Miracle
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 25th, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Hello Madonna!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post and I love the last line Instead of reinventing the wheel, it is sensible to stand on the shoulders of giants.”
Thanks for sharing!
Glori Surban invites you to read… 2 Vital Secrets of Happy Introverts
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There are not many original ideas – take the first computer – are all the others since then truly original? But the newer ones can be much better. Same applies. I love learning from others mistakes – why copy a mistake? Great post on this topic Glori!
Lisa invites you to read… Are You Sore From Working On Your Computer?
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 26th, 2012 at 4:57 am
Thank you Lisa!
Almost everything is copied nowadays huh? But even mistakes are still being copied! Thankfully, many successful peopel aren’t shy about sharing their mistakes. it’s just a matter of listening.
Glori Surban invites you to read… This Introvert’s Ideal Job… and a Secret
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This is definitely true! It’s really okay to be a copycat but for the right reasons! Thank you for sharing this.
Sara invites you to read… Bringing Zen Philosophy into Your Garden Space
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 26th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
You’re welcome Sara! It had to be said!
I like to believe that good habits are meant to be copied, and that those who practice them should share how they did it!
Glori Surban invites you to read… A Passionate Freelance Writer
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I agree copying is not a good practice but inspiration is a compliment. If someone copied my style I would be proud but I work hard to deliver unique content.
Michael Belk invites you to read… Ways women are silently shattering the “glass ceiling”?
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 26th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
Imitation is the best form of flattery, they say.
If someone thought your way of life is worth emulating, then you must be doing a prety good job at living!
Thanks Michael!
Glori Surban invites you to read… A Passionate Freelance Writer
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Great message. I long ago realized that reading biographies of people who had succeeded where I wanted to succeed, was the way to avoid many mistakes and be successful quicker. That is why we have a history! That is why our mistakes are so beneficial for other people. We learn from each other.
Bellaisa invites you to read… Top 10 Blogs For Women To Check Out
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 26th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
So true Bellaisa!
I love reading autobiographies too!
And we should always share the lessons we’ve learned from our mistakes just so to help others.
Glori Surban invites you to read… A Passionate Freelance Writer
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You’re welcome Sara! It had to be said!
I like to believe that good habits are meant to be copied.
Glori Surban invites you to read… A Passionate Freelance Writer
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The term copycat has been given so much negative connotation that we want to steer from being one. We forget that when we emulate good habits by people we admire, that’s us being a good copycat.
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 27th, 2012 at 7:18 pm
So true Gerard!
The human race has been “copycating’ for centuries, probably the reason why human civilization is thriving.
So let’s celebrate emulating just as happily as we celebrate originality!
Glori Surban invites you to read… A Passionate Freelance Writer
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I think that being a copycat is always the smart people’s thing. A clever person doesn’t want to make the mistakes which are already have made by others. We can learn from the others’ faults and copycat their working advices. And it isn’t a shame.
Regina invites you to read… Segeln mit dem Hund???
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 27th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Hopefully, it’ll be all people’s thing soon. Not that we don’t want any originality anymore, but for those who still can’t figure it all out, like me, or can’t afford expensive mistakes, like me again, let’s copy others for the time being.
Glori Surban invites you to read… A Passionate Freelance Writer
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Hi Glori,
Really interesting article, And I support your views. I think there is nothing bad if we’re copying good habits and lifestyle of any person. After all it making us good and giving more value to our society.
Aasma invites you to read… Travel Portal with API Integration, Job Portal Development India | Rancor Infotech
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 27th, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Thank you Aasama!
That’s why we should also emphasize the important of positive role models for younger kids: So they have some people to copy while growing up and then help finding themselves later.
Glori Surban invites you to read… A Passionate Freelance Writer
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Aw heck yes, I can’t come up with all the good ideas myself! However if I use someone’s idea on my blog, I always credit the source.
Jill invites you to read… Travel Anxiety: Success Story
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 27th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
I feel you Jill!
Crediting and respecting copyright is non-negotiable. A simple, “This post was inspired by ____” and a link is so easy to do and it also helps form a relationship with other bloggers.
Glori Surban invites you to read… A Passionate Freelance Writer
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Interesting view Glori,
I’ve always considered copying good habits as an important part of growing naturally in life – not only in Business but personally as well. But yes – I do agree, Copying can be a good thing. Especially in the couple of point you’ve mentioned in the post – but as you’ve said with good advice – “only sometimes…”
Anton Koekemoer invites you to read… Word of mouth marketing with social media
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Glori Surban Reply:
June 28th, 2012 at 7:32 am
Yes, Anton, only sometimes.
But I’d like to believe that it’s better if we don’t limit ourselves to copying the good stuff. Let’s copy all the good habits all we want!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Glori Surban invites you to read… A Passionate Freelance Writer
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These are some very good reasons indeed! I absolutely believe that copying the good version of everything is so important and makes you better! Thanks for the article!
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I think ideas get’s saturated and at a certain point it is okay to duplicate them. But style and approach will also play a vital role.
johnie lov invites you to read… Five Tips For Improving Memory In Old Age
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So true!! Always give credit to those that inspires us and teach us. There is a saying ‘Sowing
a good deed will reap and get benefit us”
Becca invites you to read… End Of Lease Cleaning Wollstonecraft
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Glori Surban Reply:
July 1st, 2012 at 5:02 pm
Right one Becca!
There is such as thing as being a good copycat!
Thanks for dropping by.
Glori Surban invites you to read… The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Epic Writing
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Hi Glori,really loved your article. I think it is something that we do subconsciously: copy others. It is what we learn since birth. But it is also important to take it further and develop an idea to the point where it becomes our own.
Mariella Lombardi invites you to read… How to Do a Squat if You Are a Beginner
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Glori Surban Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 3:29 am
Hi Mariella! What a lovely name.
I agree. We learn by copying others and we grow by using what we learn to create something unique.
Glori Surban invites you to read… The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Epic Writing
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It is not bad to be a copycat at all! We were born to copy everything. We learn everything from others and it is kinda cool actually.
Karolina invites you to read… Natural Hair Masks for Damaged Hair
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Glori Surban Reply:
July 4th, 2012 at 7:48 pm
True Karolina!
Just as long as we copy all the good things and inspire other to emulate those good things as well!
Glori Surban invites you to read… 15 Insanely Effective Ways Freelance Writers Can Beat Writer’s Block
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I agree, you often learn by copying other people’s styles, and in turn it helps you create your own unique style. As the saying goes ‘good artists borrow, great artists steal’.
Elena Anne invites you to read… Adult Acne: Causes And Treatment
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Glori Surban Reply:
July 7th, 2012 at 2:04 am
Nice quote Elena!
There’s nothing wrong with copying or emulating others’ goodness or greatness, especially if our intention is to improve ourselves so we can be more help to our families and communities.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Glori Surban invites you to read… The Pros and Cons of Guest Blogging for Freelance Writers and Small Business Owners
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I find it alright to do that now and then but for personal stuff only.
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Really awesome article specially for new bloggers .it will really motivate and boost them.At begginning of my blogging career it was very hard for me what to write and how to write but finally i follow the method mentioned above
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Glori Surban Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Great to hear that aman! I hope you also get to develop your own style!
Glori Surban invites you to read… 15 Insanely Effective Ways Freelance Writers Can Beat Writer’s Block
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Great post. I agree that it is not always wrong to copy, when it is the good attributes that we are copying. I particularly agree that is a good way to save us trouble. I am reminded of the popular saying that there is no need to reinvent the wheel. If we all started everything from scratch then our rate of progress would be very slow. What someone else does, someone else’s goal is to take that one step further. So that person will essentially be ‘copying’ the first person up to that stage and then if he adds his own idea to make it better, it is ok.
-Jean
Jean invites you to read… How to be proactive about used tire problems
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Glori Surban Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
True Jean. It’s all about copying the good things and making them even better so other people can benefit from it. This is also one of the reasons why i love open source projects.
Glori Surban invites you to read… On Reading and Writing Erotica
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First of all we copy only those habits which we like and we think as we don’t have such good things. When we grow up we look all round and copy our mother’s style way of talking, thinking etc.So it’s very true..
ayesha invites you to read… How to Implement Automatic Scrollbar Moving
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Copy the traits of a successful person in life.
One of the best copying you can do in your life.
Samuel invites you to read… Top WordPress Plugins To Reach The Top!
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Lol its one of the peculiar articles that I’ve read, you gotta be having pro-positive thinking in order to take positive things from negative aspects. I enjoyed reading it a lot
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