Your Unique Idea is the Same as Someone Else’s.
So, you got a startup idea, but then you found out that someone else already thought of it? Don’t worry, it’s all about execution, baby!
As the legendary Carl Jung once said, “What you resist, persists.” Translation: stop resisting the fact that your idea is similar to someone else’s and start focusing on how you can execute it better. This is also where Carl Jung’s theory on collective unconscious comes into play.
Jung believed that there is a shared, universal pool of human experience and knowledge that we tap into unconsciously, which he called the collective unconscious. This means that it’s not uncommon for multiple people to have similar ideas, because we’re all drawing from the same pool of ideas and experiences.
So, instead of resisting the fact that your idea is similar to someone else’s, try to shift your focus to how you can differentiate your execution. This is where your own unique perspective and experience can come into play. Think about how you can add your own spin, flair, or creativity to the idea to make it stand out.
Let’s take a look at two businesses that were similar when they were startups: Blockbuster and Netflix. Blockbuster was a giant in the movie rental business, with stores all over the country. But then along came Netflix, offering a similar service, but with one major difference: they delivered DVDs straight to your doorstep. Blockbuster didn’t take Netflix seriously, and they paid the price. Netflix executed on their idea of convenient, at-home movie rentals better than Blockbuster did, and now, Blockbuster is dead and buried.
Another example is Facebook and MySpace. Both were social media platforms, but Facebook focused on creating a cleaner, more user-friendly interface, and connecting people with their real-life friends. MySpace, on the other hand, was cluttered with ads and fake profiles. Facebook executed better, and now it’s one of the biggest companies in the world, while MySpace is a distant memory.
So, don’t sweat it if your startup idea is similar to someone else’s. Execution is the key! Focus on how you can execute your idea better, with better marketing, a better user experience, or just an overall better product. And if you do it right, you’ll be the one laughing all the way to the bank.
