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- Originals - Adam Grant: 8 quick steps to become the “only one” in your niche
Originals - Adam Grant: 8 quick steps to become the “only one” in your niche
And finally feel confident charging more
Vijay Peduru
December 19, 2024
Scan Time: 3-5 minutes / Read time: 5-9 minutes
Chapters in book: 8 / Chapters in here: 8
Hey rebel solopreneurs 🦸♂️🦸♀️
Ever feel like you have amazing product ideas but can't share them because you're scared people will reject them?
Without creating your own unique digital products, you'll stay stuck copying what everyone else is doing.
You'll keep earning a few hundred dollars a month while watching other creators build six-figure businesses with their original ideas.
Originals from Adam Grant will teach you exactly how to launch unique digital products without risking your income or reputation,
so you can finally start making life-changing income from your newsletter and online courses.
Just like Tony Stark (Iron Man) had to overcome his fear of failure when creating his first suit, you too can push past your doubts to bring your best ideas to life!
Ready to create digital products that actually sell without risking your savings or damaging your reputation?
Let's jump right in!
💰 Multi-millionaire entrepreneurs who love this book
Entrepreneur name | Net worth status | Source |
|---|---|---|
Richard Branson | Billionaire | |
Arianna Huffington | Multimillionaire | |
Seth Godin | Multimillionaire | |
Ray Dalio | Billionaire | |
Peter Thiel | Billionaire | |
Tim Urban | Multimillionaire |
🚫 Traditional methods which the author disagrees with
Creating huge, complicated digital products before testing if anyone wants them
Waiting for clear customer feedback before creating anything new
Following what everyone else in your industry is doing
🍹 The book's core solution
Strategic Risk-Taking That Actually Works
You'll discover exactly how to stand out from competitors while protecting yourself from financial disaster (kinda like having a safety net while trying something new!)
This leads to creating digital products people actually buy without risking your savings or reputation
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and top professor at Wharton Business School, thought he was great at spotting winners
He was trying to identify promising startups that would make excellent investments
The crisis hit when he turned down investing in Warby Parker, a startup that seemed totally unprepared and risky (this decision still haunts him today!)
This mistake cost him millions as Warby Parker quickly grew into a billion-dollar eyewear giant
· · ·
GAME-CHANGER!
He discovered that successful entrepreneurs aren't crazy risk-takers but careful planners who test ideas
He realized that original thinkers aren't special geniuses but regular people who make different choices
His research revealed that challenging the status quo requires smart strategy, not just blind courage
· · ·
After applying these insights, he became a bestselling author whose work has influenced millions of entrepreneurs
His research completely changed how businesses approach creating new ideas and creativity (and saved countless people from making his expensive mistakes!)
He went from being a risk-avoiding professor to becoming a trusted advisor who shows entrepreneurs how to create distinctive products without going broke
· · ·
Time to explore if Pamela, a solopreneur can use these ideas to go from stuck in sameness to standing out with original ideas!
Here we gooooo!
📖 The story: Pamela's journey to creative breakthrough
Meet Pamela:
Her idea: Creating fitness programs and healthy recipes for busy professionals who want quick but effective workouts
Her target audience: Young professionals seeking to get fit without spending hours in the gym
Her money making plan: Building online workout programs, meal plan templates, and using Instagram and TikTok to get followers who join her email list where she sells her products
Her dream: Making enough money from digital products to quit her day job and travel while helping thousands get healthy (wouldn't that be absolutely amazing?)
🆘 The crisis
Pamela was getting nowhere with her fitness business. Her workouts looked just like everyone else's, and she was stuck with only 500 followers after six months of posting daily.
She was about to delete her accounts and give up on her dreams.
While drowning her sorrows in a green smoothie at her local juice shop, she happened to sit next to Adam, a successful entrepreneur who advises other biz people.
Pamela told him about her struggles to stand out in the crowded fitness space.
Wowza-kapow! I think I can help you with that, said Adam, dramatically adjusting his imaginary superhero cape. Original thinking isn't about being born special - it's about making specific choices!
For the first time in months, Pamela's eyes widened with possibility – maybe her business wasn't doomed after all.
Chapter 1: 🔍 Rule Breakers: Smash the invisible walls holding you back
🔥 The challenge
Pamela explained how she was following all the fitness industry "rules" but still couldn't stand out
Core Problem: Copying competitors and creating forgettable products
· · ·
🌈 The big idea
Zippty-zappity!, You gotta know about Rule Breakers, Pamela!, exclaimed Adam
Asking "why do we do things this way?" is how you start being original
When you just follow the rules, you shut the door on new ideas
➡️ Find three overused tactics in your niche and do the opposite
Just like in The Matrix when Neo had to realize the rules weren't real to gain his power, you need to see which fitness industry "rules" are simply made up
· · ·
🏄 Example
Warby Parker founders faced an eyewear industry where high prices were considered inevitable
They questioned why glasses should cost hundreds when they cost little to make
By cutting out middlemen and selling direct, they broke industry rules
Warby Parker grew to a billion-dollar company by challenging the default that glasses must be expensive
· · ·
🎁 The breakthrough
Holy Moly! blurted Pamela, her jaw dropping open in surprise
I've been copying what successful fitness accounts do instead of questioning if those approaches make sense
I'll identify three industry "rules" to break, starting with the idea that workouts need to be long to be effective
Core Solution: Do the opposite of what everyone else is doing
Chapter 2: 🧠 Idea Factory: The surprising secret of genius nobody talks about
🔥 The challenge
Pamela wondered how to find truly original workout concepts when everything seems done before
Core Problem: Never publishing because nothing feels good enough
· · ·
🌈 The big idea
You need to understand Idea Factory, Pamela!, boomed Adam
Super creative people don't have better ideas, they just make LOTS of ideas
Making many ideas works better than trying to make one perfect idea
➡️ Make 20 quick workout ideas each week without judging them - your winners will show up unexpectedly
Just like in Forrest Gump when he says "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get," your best idea might be hiding among many others
· · ·
🏄 Example
Pablo Picasso created roughly 20,000 pieces of art throughout his career
Many were forgotten, but by creating such volume he found his true masterpieces
This massive output allowed him to experiment with many styles and concepts
His most famous and valuable works emerged because he wasn't afraid to create mediocre art along the way
· · ·
🎁 The breakthrough
Jumping Jellybeans! exclaimed Pamela, slapping her hand against the table with excitement
I've been trying to make every idea perfect instead of making lots of ideas
I'll spend time each week making 20 new workout ideas without worrying if they're good
Core Solution: Test many ideas quickly to see what your audience likes
🔥 The challenge
Pamela reflected on how creating more ideas would help, but wondered how to promote her unique approach without alienating potential followers
She worried about speaking up against fitness industry myths that potential partners might believe in
Core Problem: Being afraid to contradict popular "experts" in your niche
· · ·
🌈 The big idea
You gotta know about Power Speaking, Pamela!, hollered Adam while leaning forward intensely
Picking the right time and way to speak up helps people actually listen to your new ideas
When and how you share your idea matters just as much as the idea itself
➡️ First validate what "experts" got right, then introduce your better approach
Just like in The King's Speech when King George VI had to find his voice to lead his people, you need to find the right way to deliver your message so people will listen
· · ·
🏄 Example
Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund, created a culture of radical transparency
They implemented systems where speaking truth became required, not optional
Even junior employees can challenge the CEO's ideas if they have good reasoning
The company achieved outstanding investment returns by creating an environment where the best ideas win, regardless of who suggests them
· · ·
🎁 The breakthrough
Great Galaxies! blurted Pamela, blinking rapidly as the realization hit her
I've been scared to point out fitness myths because I thought I needed to be mean about it
I'll first say what's good about old workout ideas, then share my new and better ones
Core Solution: Agree with parts of popular advice, then add your twist
Chapter 4: ⏰ Planned Procrastination: Why rushing kills your best ideas
🔥 The challenge
Pamela shared how she was rushing to produce content on a strict schedule
She felt pressured to publish workouts immediately after creating them
Core Problem: Publishing first drafts that aren't your best work
· · ·
🌈 The big idea
Bippity-boppity!, You need to understand Planned Procrastination, Pamela!, exclaimed Adam while rubbing his hands together excitedly
Taking a break from your ideas helps them get better in your brain
Your first ideas usually aren't your best - give your brain time to find better ones
➡️ Batch-create your content on Mondays, review and improve on Thursdays, publish on Fridays
Just like in Inception when they need to go deeper into dream levels to plant an idea, your mind needs time to go deeper with concepts
· · ·
🏄 Example
Martin Luther King Jr. often finished his speeches at the last minute
His famous "I Have a Dream" speech included unplanned sections
When singer Mahalia Jackson shouted "Tell them about the dream, Martin!" he improvised the most powerful part
By letting ideas brew in his mind and staying open to new thoughts, he created one of history's most powerful speeches
· · ·
🎁 The breakthrough
Sweet Sassafras! exclaimed Pamela, slowly nodding as understanding dawned
I've been rushing to post content right away without giving it time to get better
I'll make my workouts a week early, wait a few days, then make them better before posting
Core Solution: Schedule time to review and improve everything you create
Chapter 5: 🎯 New-But-Known: The Goldilocks zone where breakthrough ideas thrive
🔥 The challenge
Pamela reflected on how waiting would improve her content quality
She worried her truly original fitness ideas might seem too weird or extreme for her audience
Core Problem: Creating offers that nobody wants to buy
· · ·
🌈 The big idea
You must learn about New-But-Known, Pamela!, boomed Adam while striking a superhero pose
Ideas that work best are a mix of new stuff and things people already like
People say no to ideas that are too weird but ignore ideas that feel too normal
➡️ Use popular formats (like templates or checklists) to deliver your unique content
Just like in Back to the Future when Marty plays "Johnny B. Goode" but tells the audience it's a new song called "an oldie where I come from," you need to make new ideas feel somewhat familiar
· · ·
🏄 Example
The women's suffrage movement (fighting for women's right to vote in the early 1900s) used both bold and gentle approaches
Radical activists like Alice Paul created urgency by holding hunger strikes and public protests
Moderate voices like Carrie Chapman Catt made these demands seem reasonable by working within the system
By using both approaches strategically, they eventually won voting rights for women in 1920
· · ·
🎁 The breakthrough
Bouncing Basketballs! exclaimed Pamela, jumping from her chair in excitement
I've been making workout ideas that are either too weird or too boring
I'll put my cool new ideas inside workout types people already know and like
Core Solution: Make your product 80% familiar format, 20% unique twist
Chapter 6: 🧩 Freedom Thinking Parenting: The counterintuitive parenting secret of rebels
🔥 The challenge
Pamela thought about how she could make her content more approachable
She wondered how to help her followers teach healthy habits to their kids without making it feel like a chore
Core Problem: Telling people what to do without explaining the benefits
· · ·
🌈 The big idea
You need to discover Freedom Thinking Parenting, Pamela!, hollered Adam while making a dramatic hand gesture
Teaching values rather than rules helps develop independent thinking
Teaching kids the "why" behind good choices helps them want to make those choices
➡️ Create content that explains WHY your methods work, not just what to do
Just like in Finding Nemo when Marlin had to let Nemo make his own choices to grow, parents need to give kids the tools to think independently about health
· · ·
🏄 Example
A study of families who risked their lives to hide Jewish people during the Holocaust revealed something surprising
These heroic parents didn't just give strict rules like "always be kind" - they explained WHY kindness matters
They taught their children to think for themselves about right and wrong, not just follow orders
When Nazi occupation came, these children had the moral strength to help others even when it was dangerous because they understood WHY it mattered, not just WHAT to do
· · ·
🎁 The breakthrough
Whirling Wonders! blurted Pamela, looking upward as if seeing a new possibility
I've been telling people what to do without saying why it helps them
I'll make a new section for families that explains WHY exercises are good, not just HOW to do them
Core Solution: Show "before and after" results so people are excited to follow your advice
Chapter 7: 👥 Friendly Fighting: Why the best teams argue (and how they do it)
🔥 The challenge
Pamela considered how her approach to family fitness could expand her audience
She wondered how to build an online community where people feel safe sharing different fitness approaches
Core Problem: Dead online communities where nobody engages with posts
· · ·
🌈 The big idea
Zoinks-a-doinks!, You gotta master Friendly Fighting, Pamela!, exclaimed Adam while knocking over his water glass in excitement
Good groups need people who speak up with different ideas
The best groups listen to all ideas, not just the ones they agree with
➡️ Ask specific questions in your group that encourage different viewpoints
Just like in 12 Angry Men when one juror's willingness to question the majority led to a more thorough deliberation, your community needs space for healthy disagreement
· · ·
🏄 Example
Abraham Lincoln appointed his chief political rivals to his cabinet
This "Team of Rivals" approach created tension but improved decision-making
By surrounding himself with diverse viewpoints, Lincoln received better advice
Despite the friction this caused, this approach helped him navigate the Civil War more effectively than an echo chamber cabinet would have
· · ·
🎁 The breakthrough
Gracious Goodness! exclaimed Pamela, dramatically gesturing with both hands
I thought any disagreement in my online group was bad
I'll start a weekly chat where people can share different ways to get fit, not just my way
Core Solution: Encourage respectful disagreement to keep conversations alive in your community/tribe
🔥 The challenge
Pamela reflected on how creating space for differing opinions would strengthen her community
She worried about handling the emotional ups and downs of putting original ideas out into the world
Core Problem: Giving up after one bad review or critical comment
· · ·
🌈 The big idea
You need to become a Mood Navigator, Pamela!, boomed Adam in a dramatic whisper
To push new ideas successfully, you need to handle your feelings well
It's OK to feel scared or sad when sharing new ideas - everyone does
➡️ Make a "criticism response plan" and a "success plan" before you launch
Just like in Inside Out when Riley needed to understand all her emotions, not just joy, you need to work with your full emotional range to persist with original ideas
· · ·
🏄 Example
CIA analyst Carmen Medina spent years advocating for better information sharing between intelligence agencies
She faced constant resistance to her ideas about modernizing intelligence communications
By handling her frustration and making friends who supported her ideas, she kept going even when things got tough
After 9/11 revealed flaws in the system, her ideas were finally implemented, transforming how intelligence agencies share crucial information
· · ·
🎁 The breakthrough
Thundering Thimbles! blurted Pamela, fist pumping the air
When people didn't like my ideas, I gave up instead of trying again
I'll make a list of ways to feel better when people don't like my ideas and ways to stay humble when they do
Core Solution: Have pre-written responses ready for both criticism and praise
🏆 The parting
Looks like our coffee shop sessions are wrapping up, said Adam. Keep in touch and let me know how these ideas work for you.
Remember what Steve Rogers (Captain America) taught us - sometimes the person who stands alone is the one who changes the world. Your different approach isn't a weakness - it's your superpower!
Adam gave her a fist bump followed by an explosion gesture with his fingers.
🎉 The happy ending
Six months later, Pamela's fitness Instagram had grown to 50,000 followers, with her "5-Minute Rebel Workouts" becoming her most popular offering that sold hundreds of copies each month.
Gone were the days of copying other creators and blending into the crowd.
She was now making $15,000+ per month from her digital products, enough to quit her day job, and had been featured in three major fitness publications as an innovator in the space.
🧘♀️ The simple success recipe
The key lessons that transformed the business:
Ask "why do we do things this way?" - Breaking "rules" like the myth that workouts must be long helped her stand out (and boy did this make her videos way more fun!)
Make tons of ideas - Creating 20 workout ideas every week led to finding the really good ones
Mix new with familiar - Putting new workout moves into formats people already know made them easier to try
Let people share different ideas - Having a place where followers could talk about different ways to exercise made her community stronger
Handle your feelings about feedback - Having ways to deal with both criticism and praise helped her keep going when things got tough
✨ Loosely inspired by...
Pamela Reif, fitness influencer who creates workout videos and health content
She stands out by offering super-efficient, no-equipment workouts with clear visual cues instead of verbal instructions
With over 9 million YouTube subscribers and 8 million Instagram followers, she's built a multi-million dollar fitness empire selling workout plans, nutrition guides, and fitness apps without fancy equipment or complicated techniques
🥂 Your turn!
That's it, my fellow rebels!
You don't need amazing creativity to sell profitable digital products - you just need to follow the proven formula in this book that makes your products different enough to get noticed but familiar enough that people actually buy them.
As Adam Grant says, "The greatest barrier to originality is not idea generation—it's idea selection."
This means your biggest challenge isn't coming up with ideas—it's figuring out which ones are actually worth pursuing.
Today, find one thing everyone in your field does the same way and think about how you could do it differently - that small change might lead to your biggest success!
Here's to finding your original voice in a world of copycats - just like Thor learned to wield his unique powers, you too can harness your distinctive strengths!
Keep rocking 🚀 🍩
Yours 'making success painless and fun' vijay peduru