Making the Steal

Making the Steal: The Art of Idea Borrowing

Innovation via Iteration

The world of creativity and entrepreneurship is built on the foundation of transforming existing ideas into something new and unique. The phrase “great artists steal,” coined by Pablo Picasso and famously adopted by Steve Jobs, reveals the essence of this concept. It isn’t about rehashing old concepts; it’s about innovating through iteration. By understanding how others have approached problems, one can refine and improve upon their solutions, creating something groundbreaking.

Lessons from the Greats

Entrepreneurs like Ron Klein, who created the magnetic credit card stripe, and Brian Dean, founder of Backlinko, are exceptions rather than the rule. Their success often lies not in their originality but in their ability to refine existing ideas. For instance, Brian Dean’s blog, which started in 2013 even though SEO blogging wasn’t as trendy back then, now pulls in over seven figures annually. His success isn’t about coming up with something novel but rather making meticulous tweaks to what already exists.

Stealing Smartly

The process of “stealing” ideas isn’t just about copying; it’s about recognizing what resonates with you and turning it inside out. This involves identifying the core concept that excites you and then crafting your own unique take on it. Holly Lisle’s approach to “ethical thievery” encourages writers to pinpoint the exact elements of an idea that they find thrilling and then transform those elements into something new. This method ensures that the original creator can still find value in their work, while you create something authentically yours.

Key Elements to Steal

Inspirational Moments: What exactly triggers your excitement? Is it the way an author combines characters or the unique setting of a story? Identifying these moments is crucial because they are what drive you to create.
Turning Ideas Inside Out: Once you’ve identified what you’re passionate about, it’s time to rethink and reimagine those elements. Add your own twist, create new scenarios, and let your imagination run wild.
Continuous Iteration: The creative process doesn’t end here. Continuously test and refine your ideas to ensure they resonate with your audience.

Integrating Elements Seamlessly

The core of effective idea borrowing lies in integrating these elements seamlessly. Transitional phrases are instrumental in maintaining coherence and flow in your writing. Phrases like “however,” “therefore,” and “in addition” help to link sentences and ideas naturally, ensuring that your message is clear and engaging. By mastering the use of transitional expressions, you can merge sentences effectively, allowing complex ideas to be conveyed without losing clarity.

Practical Applications

Transitional Expressions: Use transitional expressions to connect related ideas or introduce contrasting views. For example, using “however” to introduce a contrasting idea or “therefore” to indicate a conclusion drawn from preceding information.
Common Transitional Phrases: Incorporate common transitional phrases such as “on the other hand,” “in addition,” and “as a result” to illuminate the relationships between ideas.
Punctuation Guidance: Understand how transitional phrases should be punctuated correctly. This involves using a semicolon followed by a transitional phrase and a comma for a formal tone or setting them off with commas for a more casual construction.

Steal, Adapt, and Innovate

In essence, the art of idea borrowing is not about stealing entire concepts but about recognizing the kernel of brilliance within an existing idea and transforming it into something new. By embracing this approach, entrepreneurs and creatives can avoid reinventing the wheel and instead navigate the path of visionary innovation. The journey to making the steal is a transformative one, where iteration and creative adaptation lead to groundbreaking success.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *