Isaac Newton did not invent science. Thousands of people were writing novels before Jane Austen could even hold a pen. Pablo Picasso was not the first person to put paint on a canvas. He merely added his unique voice to an artistic medium that already existed.

Could you imagine if he hadn’t though? Could you imagine if Picasso had never picked up a brush for fear of never becoming prolific? Could you imagine if Isaac Newton had quit after one failed experiment, concluding that he’ll never be as brilliant as Galileo? Could you imagine if Jane Austen had never published a book because she assumed that “other people were just more talented than her”?

Don’t let the lie that there’s already enough artists in the world keep you from claiming your place in history. Yes, it’s true there are a million writers, painters, designers, and programmers out there. Some of them are really good, and some of them are really bad. That’s not important. What’s important is that none of them are you. No one can sing, dance, capture, or speak like you can. If you do not embrace your God given talents, you are doing a disservice not only to yourself, but also to all of us. We need your specific genius to shine forth, because you’re the only one in the world who has it.

Take hold of your gifts. Let your light shine. There is only one you, and we need desperately need that person to create their best work.