“If I’m going to sing like someone else, then I don’t need to sing at all.” – Billie Holiday

The timeless and instantly-recognizable Billie Holiday’s insights go beyond singing; it’s applicable to putting your own stamp on whatever it is that you do.

When we start out fresh in any field – whether it’s a new career or a new hobby – we seek out role models to look up to. I think it is important to have influences to draw characteristics from, as this can help you to cultivate your own craft. The problem is when we weigh ourselves (and our self-esteem) down with comparisons to others. It’s very easily to feel discouraged and worthless when this happens. If I can’t sing like her, If I can’t be as innovative as him, then what’s the point?

But you have something over them – you’re you. There’s nobody out there who can do you better than you!

Our driving motivation should not to be match up and meet the greatness that is already established. It is to create something innovative and present yourself as someone worthy of being respected in your field.

This Note from the Universe explains it perfectly: It’s not the dazzling voice that makes a singer, the clever stories that make a writer, or the piles of money that make a tycoon. It’s having a dream and wanting to live it so greatly that one would rather move with it and “fail” than succeed in another realm.

Do what you do with passion, heart, and individuality. So when it’s your turn to be in the spotlight, it’s all uniquely you!