Have you ever read the definition of “copycat?”
Webster's Dictionary definition of a copycat is: “One who imitates or adopts the behavior or practices of another.”
Copycats have always been a trigger for me. I never wanted anyone to be like me, dress like me or act like me. Because of this, I never wanted to share any ideas or anything I discovered because I didn’t want anyone to copy me or take away my uniqueness.
As a kid, I didn’t want to stand out. I didn’t want the attention on me. Remaining in the shadows of my family was a much more comfortable place to be. I had no interest in even talking. Standing behind my older sister and having her talk for me was my natural response. My face would blush easily and any time I spoke my face would get red.
Of course, everyone would comment on how the color of my face was changing which obviously progressed my embarrassment. With that said, If you’re someone that calls people out for their face turning red, STOP! Please. Just stop.
Maybe it’s a middle child thing but as I grew older I realized how much I didn’t want to be like everyone else. I realized I liked the beat of my drum. And preferred dancing to the beat all on my own. This of course meant that people would start to notice me, which meant I would “stand out”... the very thing I didn’t want.
Then the copycats came.
In the past, when copycats would show up in my life, I would get triggered. It would uproot anger. My natural response to this fear-based trigger was to hide, contract, and protect. I would be sent into a fear-based mindset where scarcity was the undertone of my thoughts, actions, and vibration.
The more this happened, the more I realized that my reaction was actually a shadow of mine. It really had nothing to do with the copycats. Self-awareness taught me that I didn’t like the contracted feeling I was experiencing. It made me feel trapped, unsafe, and alone.
Could it be that I needed to shift my thinking? Was there a way to love this trigger instead of fear it? Was it possible that the copycat thing was flattery in disguise? Was it possible that I was actually inspiring people?
If you were to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up my answer as a kid was “happy.” If you were to ask me as a young adult what my dream job was, my answer is, “an inspiring leader.” So, this leadership thing has become a real thing.
The biggest ah-ha moment was when I realized “I can’t be an inspiring leader and not expect copycats to happen.” That was a huge moment for me. Whether you’re a singer, fashion trendsetter, influencer, actor, or a badass boss, as a leader, whatever you do, people will naturally emulate you.
Coping with being unique--and expecting copycats-- was a balancing act. But, I’ve learned it! And knowing how to move through and heal this trigger to copycats has freed me!
I’ve been on a self-study journey since 2012. Clearing, cleansing, undoing, learning, unlearning, re-learning, constructing, deconstructing, reconstructing to find my purest self. This is obviously ever-evolving because there is always a new layer of an old wound that arises. This is why studying our internal triggers is so valuable because there are gems of wisdom underneath each “bubble up” or “edge” that we bump up against.
Have you ever heard of the ripple effect? Whatever energy we project outward creates an effect. Both positively and negatively. Ditching the scarcity mindset and replacing it with the mindset of abundance comes with great rewards.
Jealousy, competition, and doubt are all fear-based thoughts. My commitment to transforming fear-based thinking has become a fun way to live out my days-- including the thoughts that say that copycats are going to negate the importance of me, or that I’ll never be unique if someone else is acting like me.
Not sharing to avoid copycats comes from a place of fear. This place reeks of scarcity. I’ve learned having a mindset of scarcity will stunt your growth. It will limit you. What I’ve come to learn is that sharing actually opens the gate to more and the creativity is limitless.
We are all a unique expression of the universal force that is constantly and continuously flowing through us and around us.
Truth; nobody can be you, except you. If you inspire someone to do something similar well then, WOW! You have contributed to the evolution of our consciousness. Your ripple effect is working. And if you too share the intention of being an inspiring leader, well then copycats prove to you that your intention has grown to an active participant.
If you align yourself in the mindset of abundance you will never experience lack. There is plenty to go around in this world. We can all be talking about the same thing and all have our unique ways to deliver the same message and affect different demographics. The world is so big. There is plenty to go around.
If you find copycats bothersome, try shifting your mindset. You’re a badass boss. A trendsetter. You inspire people. Your vibe is so unique that you create the vibration that inspires others to be in that vibe. How dope is that?
The more you give, the more you receive. Plain and simple. Make space within yourself and release whatever you are gripping onto, holding onto, or hoarding. Know that if you let go, even just a little, you will never be lacking. There is an unlimited amount of creativity flowing through you especially when you let go of it freely.
With that said, I have many inspiring leaders that I look up to. They inspire thoughts and expressions within me. I am so appreciative of their guiding light. Without them, I’d be stuck in the dark somewhere spinning. Illuminating and healing the copycat shadow has taught me a lot about myself and how I want to show up in the world.
As a Life Coach, I get to support my clients on their path of self-discovery. Bringing self-limiting beliefs to light. I love supporting my clients as they find and build a relationship with their unique selves. I love sharing tools and practices that have helped me and my clients over the years. One of my greatest passions is to support people as they build their confidence, learning to trust their inner wisdom, and celebrate their unique gifts.
If you have a trigger you would like support in healing and overcoming, reach out to me today. I look forward to working with you on your path of healing and discovering more abundance and freedom within yourself.