Infants mimic adults when they learn to talk. Adults choose their own words.
Novices imitate. Experts craft their own path.
Imitation comes before mastery. Don’t copy successful people too long.
5 Reasons It’s Bad to Copy Successful People:
#1. Survivorship Bias
We only hear about winners. We don’t hear about people who failed using the same habits.
Gurus suggest getting up early, but Winston Churchill stayed up late, drank frequently, spoke rudely, and worked from bed. You probably shouldn’t copy him.
#2. Diversity of Strengths and Weaknesses
You have a unique set of talents and limitations. What’s easy for one is soul-sucking for another.
I’ve written consistently for 15 years. Sometimes I force myself to begin, but I’m not disciplined. I’m energized by ideas, clarity, and brevity. When I write, an hour shrinks into a minute.
#3. Hidden Factors
Success isn’t just about morning routines. Good fortune, connections, timing, and subtle skills are factors in success.
#4. Unseen Trade-Offs
Some people sacrifice health or relationships to become “successful.”
#5. Context Matters
Habits are shaped by your industry, personality, culture, geography, and social connections.
Move Beyond Imitation to Mastery
Study principles, not practices. Getting up at 5 a.m. is a practice. The principle might be, establish time for uninterrupted work.
Keeping a journal is a technique. Self-reflection is the principle. You might prefer a slow walk at the end of the day or talking to a recorder.
Many successful people skip breakfast. The practice of skipping a meal is more about maximizing peak hours than eating Wheaties. Notice how you feel after a meal—let that be your guide. Do your best work when you’re at your best.
Copy people’s tactics when you begin. Evaluate results. Determine the principles behind the tactics. Design your own strategies. Master what works for you.
How have you tried to copy successful people?
Imitation vs. Observational Learning: Understanding the Differences
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Previously Published on leadershipfreak with Creative Commons License
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