Why 'It's Already Been Done' is the Worst Excuse for Not Doing Great Things

The thought sneaks in when you’re about to take the leap. Why bother? Someone’s already done it better. It’s a belief that paralyzes creativity and silences ambition. What’s worse—it’s a lie.

You’re not alone in thinking this way. Many brilliant people stop themselves before they even begin, convinced that originality is a prerequisite for success. They forget the fundamental truth: the world isn’t just looking for something new—it’s looking for something useful, something that connects, and most importantly, something you.

Great Ideas Don’t Exist in a Vacuum

It’s easy to get lost in your own head, imagining the perfect creation—a project, product, or vision that makes you proud. But here’s the thing: what you create has to resonate with others. A great idea is only great if it serves a need or fulfills a desire for someone else.

Whether it’s solving a problem, entertaining, or inspiring, your work is part of an exchange. If no one benefits, it’s just noise. The good news? People are constantly looking for new ways to solve their challenges, connect emotionally, or see the world in a different light.

Instead of asking, has this been done before, ask, who needs this, and how can I serve them in a way that only I can?

The Trap of Comparison

In today’s world, it’s easy to look around and feel like everyone’s already done what you aspire to do, and done it better. Social media is a highlight reel of polished success, not the countless drafts, failures, and self-doubt behind the scenes. It’s a skewed lens, but it feels real.

Maybe you dream of writing a book, starting a business, or launching a podcast, only to find yourself scrolling through others who’ve already done it. The spiral begins: Why should I even try?

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to be first. You don’t have to be the best. But what you must do is listen to what others want and find a way to meet their needs in your unique style.

The Power of Perspective

Think about this: even the most crowded industries still have room for innovation. How many coffee shops exist in the world? Yet the local café with the friendliest barista is thriving. How many self-help books are out there? Yet people still buy the ones that speak to them personally.

What you bring to the table is entirely unique. Two people can tackle the same problem or tell the same story, but one version resonates where the other doesn’t. Why? Because your voice, experience, and perspective add a layer no one else can replicate.

Who Are You Doing This For?

By holding back, you’re not just robbing yourself of the chance to create something great. You’re also robbing someone else—the person who might hear your song, read your story, or use your product to solve a problem they’ve been struggling with.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You just need to make one that someone actually wants to use.

How to Get Started (Even If It’s Been Done Before)

1. Focus on Your Audience’s Needs What do people need that they aren’t getting? How can you meet that need better, faster, or more authentically? Talk to your audience. Understand them. Your best ideas will often come from their struggles.
2. Start Small Perfectionism kills momentum. Instead of aiming to outdo everyone, focus on just doing something. The smallest step forward is still progress.
3. Lean Into Your Unique Style What you’re passionate about and how you express it are uniquely yours. Let your quirks, voice, and personality shine through. That’s what people connect with.
4. Rewrite the Script Instead of thinking, it’s already been done, remind yourself: it hasn’t been done by me, for them, in this way.

You’re Here for a Reason

Imagine if everyone who thought, it’s been done before, had quit. We wouldn’t have the diversity of ideas, art, and solutions we enjoy today. The world doesn’t need you to be the first or the best—it needs you to show up and bring value.

Don’t let the fear of imperfection rob the world of what only you can offer. There’s room for your voice, your perspective, and your vision. The key is to create something others want, to meet their needs while staying true to who you are.

So take a step. Speak up. Build. Write. Whatever your “it” is—do it. Because someone out there is waiting for exactly what you have to offer.

Live Large. Be Bold. Have Faith. Fear Nothing.

Book a call today and let’s make bold moves together!

Louis Katz, keynote speaker and founder of The Courage Inside, works with organizations to build courageous companies and inspire transformative results. With a special focus on military and first responder communities, he understands the unique challenges of stepping into the arena when trust, resilience, and courage matter most.

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Leap of Courage Skydiving Experience

Imagine standing at the edge of an open door, 13,000 feet above the ground, your heart pounding, the rush of wind filling your ears. Below you lies the unknown, but you’re ready to jump—because courage is about facing fear with unwavering resolve. The Leap of Courage Skydiving Experience isn’t just about the thrill of free-falling; it’s about confronting your fears head-on and discovering just how far you can push yourself when you step outside your comfort zone.

Led by Louis Katz, keynote speaker and founder of The Courage Inside, this unique adventure combines the exhilaration of skydiving with actionable guidance on everyday courage. The experience starts with a pre-jump group Zoom call, where each participant shares one upcoming personal or professional goal that requires courage. Together, we’ll discuss the strategies to help you confront that challenge head-on, giving you the tools you need to approach it with confidence.

After the skydiving session, we’ll reconnect in a post-jump Zoom call, reflecting on how the leap impacted your mindset and discussing how the lessons from the experience can be applied to your specific goal. It’s more than just an adrenaline rush—it’s a transformative journey that equips you to tackle your fears and pursue bold new heights.

Are you ready to take the leap? Jump with us, face your fears, and emerge with a renewed sense of courage to conquer your biggest challenges.

Recent Highlights

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of my journey in fostering courageous companies and individuals. This video blends highlights from my keynote Fortune Favors The Bold with captivating visuals, including personal photos and exhilarating footage of the US Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. Plus, you'll hear the full version of my original song, Leap The Sky, which celebrates the fearless spirit that drives us to confront our fears and leap toward greatness. Let this be your inspiration for taking bold action!

Check out my Promo Reels playlist, featuring highlights from my recent Fortune Favors The Bold appearances. These clips capture the energy and impact of my keynotes, where I share tools and insights on building courageous companies and inspiring individuals. From engaging stories to bold visual elements, these reels bring the message of courage to life. Whether it's through storytelling or lessons learned from the fearless, each reel is designed to motivate and energize your own journey toward courageous action.