It’s an amazing feeling, isn’t it? You see someone succeed—maybe a friend, a colleague, or even a social media influencer—and think, “If they can do it, I should do it too.”

After all, their path seems proven, their results tangible. So naturally, following in their footsteps feels like a shortcut to your own success.

But here’s the truth: life isn’t a copy-paste operation. What worked for them might not work for you—at least, not exactly the same way. And blindly imitating someone can leave you frustrated, stuck, or worse, feeling like you’re failing when really you’re just following the wrong blueprint. Following the plan of someone else.

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. — Oscar Wilde

 

Why copying doesn’t always work

Because every person’s journey is shaped by:

• Unique Goals—Your endgame might be completely different from theirs.
• Different Struggles—Their challenges, resources, and timing were unique.
• Mindset & Skills—They had a distinct combination of strengths, weaknesses, and experiences.
• External Factors—Circumstances like environment, mentors, or opportunities played a big role in their success.

So while their path worked for them, it’s not guaranteed to work for you—at least not without adaptation.

 

Now the question is, how to learn from others without losing yourself?

The key is not to copy, but to study, understand, and customize.

1. Start with the “Why” Behind Their Actions

Instead of asking “What did they do?” ask “Why did this work for them?”

Let’s say someone built a million-dollar business by posting daily on LinkedIn. Don’t just start posting daily. Ask: Why did this work? Maybe it was consistency, maybe it was their unique voice, or maybe they were solving a problem for their audience that desperately needed solving.

2. Hunt for the Universal Principles

Every success story has golden nuggets that work across different situations:

like

• They showed up consistently, even when they didn’t feel like it
• They focused on serving others before serving themselves
• They adapted when something wasn’t working
• They invested in learning new skills

These principles are transferable. The exact tactics? Not so much.

3. Make It Yours

This is where the magic happens. Take those principles and run them through your personal filter:

• What does consistency look like in your life?
• How can you serve others with your unique skills?
• What would adaptation mean for your situation?

Your version might look completely different from theirs—and that’s exactly the point.

 

The role of mindset in success

A huge part of what drives the results in success often comes down to mindset—the mental framework that shapes how they approach challenges, opportunities, and failures.

Let’s talk about it

• Growth vs. Fixed Mindset: People with a growth mindset see failures as lessons and challenges as opportunities to improve. Those with a fixed mindset may give up quickly when faced with obstacles, no matter how good the strategy.
• Belief in Possibility: Your mindset determines whether you see a goal as achievable or out of reach. Believing you can grow and succeed is the first step toward actually doing it.
• Resilience Under Pressure: Success rarely comes without setbacks. A strong mindset keeps you persistent when things get tough, whereas a weak mindset can make you quit prematurely.
• Focus and Clarity: Mindset shapes what you pay attention to. A disciplined, focused mind prioritizes meaningful actions instead of being distracted by trends or what others are doing.
• Adaptability: A flexible mindset allows you to modify strategies to fit your unique circumstances, instead of rigidly copying someone else’s path.

Takeaway: Even the best strategy or path can fail if your mindset isn’t aligned. Success is as much about how you think as what you do. Studying others is valuable, but your mindset determines whether you can turn lessons into results.

 

A must-read

“Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon is a must-read, small yet compelling book for anyone who wants to unleash their creativity without waiting for inspiration to strike.

The author shows that creativity isn’t about being completely original—it’s about learning from others, remixing ideas, and making them your own. Through simple, practical advice and inspiring examples, the book teaches how to take influence, add your unique touch, and turn it into something fresh and authentic.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure how to start creating, this book gives you the confidence and tools to dive in.

 

Remember: Success is personal

Following someone else’s route blindly can lead to burnout or frustration. But learning from others, then adding your own twist, allows you to grow while staying authentic. In the end, the goal isn’t to be someone else—it’s to become the best version of yourself while learning from the people who inspire you.

 

💬 Ask Yourself This

Which principles or habits from successful people could you adopt, rather than their exact actions? 🤔

Pick a notebook, write it down.

– Stay happy, stay blessed