One of the main obstacles that constantly holds me back — and, I know, holds others back too — is the thought: "Why bother, when it already exists?" or "Why repeat it, when it’s already been written about?"
This is the most logical-sounding reason not to build a product, write something, or develop an idea. It seems rational: if something already exists, why repeat it?
The answer is simple. There really is no point — but only if absolutely everyone around you is already using that existing solution, knows about it, and fully understands it. Writing about the fact that people breathe air and need water would be pointless. Yet, you might be surprised to discover that a vast number of people don’t think about things the way you do, don’t act the way you expect, or aren’t even using that "perfect" competitor of yours.
Repeating something that already exists and works is actually useful; it’s highly unlikely you’ll end up with an exact replica (unless, of course, you’re intentionally trying to create one). And there’s no harm in covering a topic that’s been written about a hundred times before — it’s doubtful you’ll explain it using the exact same words as those who came before you.
Perhaps your version will resonate with people and actually help someone. There are no guarantees, but please — go ahead and repeat it.
