Individuality is one of the greatest freedoms of our culture—and also one of its biggest traps.

The beauty of individuality is that it allows us to hear our own desires, define our own values, and express our unique contribution to the world. It fuels creativity, innovation, and self-discovery. But when the desire to be original stops us from taking action, it becomes an Achilles’ heel.

In this episode, we talk about the tension between wanting to be original and wanting to be effective—and why the world needs you focused on the latter. Because when we obsess over originality, we make our ideas about us. But the truth is, it’s not about us. It’s about helping, contributing, and using our unique voices to make the world better.

You’ll hear stories, metaphors, and examples—from surgeons to songwriters, from small community groups to global change movements—that illustrate this truth: the fact that you do the thing matters infinitely more than it being one of a kind.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The difference between originality (ego) and effectiveness (impact).
• Why your contribution matters more than how “unique” it is.
  How chasing originality can paralyze creativity and delay action.
• Why it’s more powerful to focus on helping, healing, and building than standing out.
• A metaphor for how our individual actions can collectively turn the tide of humanity—like a flock of birds shifting direction together.

Right now, the world feels heavy to many people. That’s exactly why your contribution matters. Every positive action you take—every group you start, every song you write, every piece of art, blog, class, or community you build—helps counterbalance the negative.

Your voice will land with someone that no one else’s can. Your work will reach people that no one else could reach. And when each of us focuses on being effective, we turn the whole flock toward something better—one small action at a time.

Be one of the birds that turns the flock. Get your idea going. The world needs what you have to give.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 1: You’re the one we want
• The Moxie Mastermind — for women turning their ideas into real, world-changing projects.
• Harvard Happiness Study — the link between contribution, connection, and well-being.

How to connect with Marie:

• On the Web | The Local Bloom
• Instagram: @the.bloom.coach
• All Things Marie on LinkTree

JOIN THE BLOOM ROOM!
We'll take all these ideas and apply them to our lives. Follow me on Instagram at @the.bloom.coach to learn more and snag a spot in my group coaching program!