There Is Only One You: Why Your Voice Still Matters
I was listening to Mel Robbins on Audible the other day, driving between errands, when she said something that made me pause. She was talking about her “Let Them” theory, but what caught my attention was this simple idea: just because someone is already doing something doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Learn from them. There is only one you, so whatever you create will still be unique.
I sat with that for a moment. It landed harder than I expected.
There have been times in my career when I held back an idea because someone else had already said it. Or I didn’t step into a space because someone was already innovating there. I told myself I wouldn’t be offering anything new. I convinced myself that my contribution wouldn’t matter because it wasn’t original enough.
But hearing that line reminded me of something I already know and often write about. We are all unique. We all bring something extraordinary to the table, even if we don’t always recognize it. I’ve written before about inviting others to speak and how every person carries a strength that is already present, already formed, already theirs. This idea fits right alongside that truth.
Both things can be true at the same time. Yes, someone else is already doing it. And yes, you can still do it too. Your version will be different because you are different.
My most current example is blogging. This is new for me. There are countless leadership bloggers out there, and none of this is a new concept. But by swallowing my insecurities and putting my writing out into the world, I’m discovering that my voice is mine. My experiences are mine. My perspective is mine. That alone makes the work unique.
Am I the greatest blogger or the most seasoned leadership expert? No. But I am me. And I am proud to stand on the shoulders of the people who have been sharing their stories, insights, and lessons long before I ever typed a word. Their work doesn’t diminish mine. It makes room for it.
Mel’s reminder was simple but powerful. Don’t limit your contributions because someone else is already doing the thing you want to do. Let them. And then let yourself.
There is only one you. That’s the part no one else can replicate.