Stop Copying Me!!
“Play Your Own Game”
Ever feel like everyone on your feed has the same “playbook” for success? Rise at 5 AM, hustle hard, meal prep, meditate, repeat. This formulaic path might work for some, but why are so many of us copying it? From social media influencers to CEOs, everyone seems to push these routines as if they’re universal secrets to success. But science and psychology show us that blindly following someone else’s path might be the least effective way to find fulfillment.
Why We’re Wired to Follow the Pack
Humans are natural copycats—literally. In early human history, following the group helped our ancestors survive. That instinct is still alive and well today, especially in our digital age. Studies show that social proof—our brain’s tendency to trust what’s popular—makes us believe that a path is “right” if enough people follow it. This is why routines like “The 5 AM Club” or hustle culture can feel so essential. It’s not just habit; it’s brain chemistry pushing us to fit in.
But here’s the catch: while these formulas might be popular, they don’t fit everyone. In fact, our need to follow trends often leads us away from our true interests and values. Psychologists say we’re happiest when we follow paths aligned with our own beliefs, not just external markers like wealth or status.
How Trends Become Culture (and Even Policy)
The urge to conform is so strong that widely copied playbooks don’t just stay personal—they shape our culture and can even influence our laws. Take the “work-till-you-drop” mindset. Once glamorized by entrepreneurs, hustle culture has now become so pervasive it’s shaping school curriculums and corporate expectations. Students are under more academic pressure than ever, with over 60% of high schoolers in the U.S. reporting chronic stress due to work overload. This hustle mentality isn’t just a trend; it’s a value embedded in our society.
In some cases, this value system even extends to government policy. Take U.S. tax laws, which heavily favor entrepreneurship and investing—making certain career paths more financially attractive than others. Essentially, societal “playbooks” that celebrate relentless work and constant productivity are reinforced by incentives, teaching us that only certain ways of working are worthy.
The Personal Cost of Copy-Pasting Success
By following these set paths, many of us lose sight of what truly fulfills us. Research on self-determination theory reveals that people are more satisfied when they follow goals aligned with their own values rather than just societal pressures. In fact, chasing external markers like money and status has been shown to lower overall well-being. The danger? When you live by someone else’s standards, you risk experiencing self-alienation—losing touch with what genuinely makes you happy.
Consider the “Instagram face” trend—a look that originated with influencers but has since shaped an entire beauty standard. People spend time and money to look like this ideal, only to find that chasing this look doesn’t necessarily boost self-esteem or happiness. The same goes for success playbooks: they look appealing but often lead us further from our true selves.
Creating Your Own Playbook
So, how can you avoid the trap of living by someone else’s formula? Think of your path like a playlist—choose routines and ideas that feel authentic to you, and don’t be afraid to skip what doesn’t fit. Start with small experiments: try a new routine for a week, see if it resonates, and toss what doesn’t. Studies show that people who mix things up and personalize their goals experience greater life satisfaction and creativity.
Check in with yourself regularly to make sure your choices align with what you truly value. And remember, real success doesn’t come from copying what’s “popular”; it comes from building a path that aligns with your unique journey. You have the power to create a life that fits you—and that’s something no pre-made playbook can offer.
So, next time you’re tempted to copy someone else’s routine, ask yourself: is this truly my path? You may find that the answers you’re looking for aren’t in someone else’s formula—they’re in the life you create for yourself.
