Introduction: The Trap of Chasing Formulas

Let’s be honest—it’s tempting to look for a shortcut. Whether you’re building a business, writing a song, or putting your ideas out into the world, formulas can feel like a safety net. You see what’s worked for others, scroll past another “top 10 ways to win” post, and wonder if you can reverse-engineer your own breakthrough.

I’ve felt that pull too. There’s nothing wrong with learning from what’s come before—but what happens when chasing “what works” becomes your only compass? If you’ve ever found yourself measuring your work by how well it fits someone else’s template, trust me, you’re not alone.

If you want to dig deeper into why being yourself is harder than it sounds—and how embracing authenticity helps you stand out—explore this breakdown of the truth about authenticity.

Mike Posner’s Journey: From Hit-Maker to Authentic Artist

Mike Posner’s career started with a bang. His breakout hit “Cooler Than Me” was everywhere. Suddenly, everyone—labels, managers, mentors—had advice on what his next move should be. They handed him formulas, blueprints for replicating his initial success. And like most of us would, Posner listened.

But here’s the part that usually gets left out: following every rule didn’t take him anywhere new. The spark faded. He was making music by the book, but it lacked soul. If you’ve ever created something just because you thought you “should,” you’ll know this feeling—technically right, but missing that deeper sense of meaning.

“Sometimes the world will agree with your work, and sometimes it won’t.”

I’ve wrestled with this too—the dance between wanting to get it “right” and just wanting to share something real. Posner described how perfectionism almost kept him silent: “Sometimes in my career I’ve created music, but I haven’t shared it. I’ll get all in my head like, ‘Is it perfect?’ or I’ll wait too long and then I’m kind of over that time and am more excited about a new song. But whenever I get out of my own way and share the art it’s awesome.”

If you ever struggle with sharing your work publicly—as Posner did—you’ll benefit from this simple playbook to post with confidence and grow your authentic voice online.

Let me slow down here—because this is where things really shift. True breakthroughs happen not by following every step in someone else’s playbook, but by getting out of your own way—by sharing what matters to you, even if it’s imperfect.

The backstory of “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” says it all. It was written about a dark, low point in his life. Then some producers remixed it into a dance track—a heartbreak turned club anthem. The irony is wild, but the lesson sticks: when your work is real, people feel it—sometimes in ways you never expect.

And this isn’t just Posner’s story. Think about Billie Eilish—she didn’t chase pop trends; she carved out her own lane with music that felt personal and unapologetically different. Audiences notice when something is real.

Why Authenticity Beats Formulas

So why does authenticity consistently outshine formulas—for artists, entrepreneurs, or anyone trying to create something meaningful? Here’s what I’ve seen (and what research backs up):

Formulas teach structure and discipline. They help us learn the basics and avoid rookie mistakes. But when we cling too tightly—when we start measuring our worth by how closely we stick to the script—we lose what makes our work matter: our own voice.

If you’re always chasing what “worked before,” it’s easy to produce something bland—a copy of a copy, rather than a bold original. People can tell when you’re showing up out of obligation instead of genuine passion.

But when you create from what lights you up? That energy is contagious. Think back to a time when you lost yourself in a project—not because you had to, but because you wanted to see where it would go. That spark isn’t just good for your soul—it draws others in too.

Research shows that authentic self-expression fuels greater satisfaction, well-being, and long-term engagement than formulaic approaches ever could.

When your creative process starts with “What matters most to me?” instead of “What gets clicks?” the whole experience changes.

One more thing: authenticity builds resilience. If you measure success by internal alignment (Did this project matter to me?), external opinions lose some of their power over you. You become willing to take creative risks, try new things, and stand behind your work—even if it’s misunderstood at first.

If you’re curious about making your work visible instead of perfect, consider why making your work visible matters for long-term impact.

A Practical Playbook for Creating with Authenticity

Let me be clear: shifting from formula-chasing to authentic creation doesn’t mean ignoring all advice or ditching structure entirely. It means anchoring your process in what excites and fulfills you first—and letting guidance support (not define) your choices.

Here’s a playbook you can actually use:

• Create What Lights You Up
  This might sound obvious, but don’t skip it—it’s where everything shifts. If you’re not excited about your idea, no one else will be either. Ask yourself: Would I do this even if nobody ever saw it? Does this project make me curious or bring me joy? When you’re driven by true interest, your passion becomes the real hook.
• Ditch the ‘Hit’ Mentality
  I know—it feels safer to chase proven wins. But lasting breakthroughs come from your perspective: your story, your quirks, even your questions—not from copying last year’s trends. Formulas might give you quick wins, but they rarely fuel lasting satisfaction (or originality).
• Measure by Your Own Standards First
  External applause feels good—but it fades fast. If something resonates with you, that’s already a win worth celebrating. Define your own metrics for fulfillment before sharing anything with the world.

Here are some simple ways to figure out what truly matters to you:

• Reflect on moments when your work left you energized (not drained).
• Keep a notebook of sparks—those ideas or topics that make time disappear for you.
• Ask trusted friends what feels uniquely “you” in your projects—they’ll often spot things you overlook.
• Revisit why you started creating in the first place: What were you hungry to say or solve?
• Explore frameworks like Ikigai (the Japanese concept that blends what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for) as a holistic way to find purpose-driven work.

You might try the ‘Three Why’s’ technique next time an idea grabs you: Why does this excite me? Why does it matter for anyone else? Why does it fit my bigger goals? This simple questioning can reveal if you’re being true to yourself—or just falling back on autopilot.

If technology is part of your creative process, see how to use AI for content creation while keeping your authentic voice.

Putting Authentic Creation into Practice

Let me pause for a second—because theory only gets us so far. Action is where authenticity takes root.

It’s easy to wait for someone else’s green light—to want permission or perfect timing before starting something that feels truly “you.” But real progress begins when you choose yourself over external approval.

This week (or whenever you’re reading this), try picking one idea that feels honest—even if it scares you a little or seems offbeat compared to what “works.” Start that project. Share that messy draft or bold opinion piece. Write that song or paint that canvas because you want to see where it leads—not because someone else said so.

If you’re not sure where to start:

• List five things you wish existed in your field but haven’t seen yet.
• Circle the one that gives you butterflies—the idea that feels risky or different.
• Set aside an hour to explore it without worrying about outcome or approval.
• Afterwards, jot down what excited you most—then follow those sparks next time.

You might be tempted to skip this step or wait until everything feels “ready.” Don’t—the magic is in showing up as you are today.

Even small acts of authentic creation add up over time. Just as athletes get better by training regularly—not waiting for inspiration—you build creative confidence by making and sharing genuine work again and again.

If you’re ready for practical frameworks on creating intentionally and sharing with impact, explore how creating with intention on LinkedIn shapes your personal brand.

Remember: the goal isn’t instant success; it’s honest expression. Each step taken in alignment with yourself builds skill and resilience for next time.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Unique Edge

If there’s one thing I hope sticks with you, it’s this: stop chasing formulas and start chasing what matters—to you. When you create with authenticity, external validation becomes a bonus instead of the main event. Your work gains depth and staying power—and most importantly, meaning.

Mike Posner is just one example; every field has stories of people who broke free from formulas and found their voice on their own terms. The world doesn’t need another carbon copy of yesterday’s hit—it needs original thought and genuine perspective.

As you move forward (this week or whenever inspiration strikes), I challenge you: pick one project or idea that reflects who you are right now. Let your curiosity or excitement set the agenda—not trends or expectations. Share boldly from that place—because when you do, you tap into a kind of success no formula can guarantee.

Have you ever felt pulled between following formulas and forging your own path? What are you creating just for yourself right now? I’d love to hear about your journey.

Ultimately, choosing authenticity over formulas is an act of courage—and a gift to both yourself and those who experience your work. As you set out to create what only you can offer, remember: your voice adds something irreplaceable to the world.

Let this be your invitation—honor what lights you up and watch how your work comes alive.