"あなたが競合他社を見ているなら、独自のものをたくさん発明することは難しいでしょう。"

The heart of this quote is about innovation and originality. It’s saying that if you’re too focused on what your competitors are doing, you’ll probably end up just copying their moves instead of coming up with something fresh and unique. Basically, you can't blaze your own trail if you’re always looking over your shoulder.

Historically, this idea has been echoed by many great innovators. Think about Steve Jobs and Apple. They weren’t successful because they were watching what Microsoft was doing. They were successful because they were forging their own path—dreaming up things like the iPhone and iPad that were entirely new. Jobs believed in focusing on what they could create, not what others were already doing.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Consider the company Netflix. In the early 2000s, Blockbuster was the king of movie rentals. Instead of trying to outdo Blockbuster at its own game, Netflix pioneered an entirely new concept: DVD rentals by mail, and later, streaming services. Blockbuster was too busy trying to keep up with its traditional business model and didn’t see the future coming. The result? Netflix thrived, while Blockbuster... well, you know how that story ended.

So how can you apply this wisdom to your own life or business? First, take a step back from obsessing over what others are doing. It’s easy to get caught up in the competition, but remember that true innovation comes from within. Focus on what unique value you can bring to the table. What ideas are you passionate about? What problems can you solve that others haven’t even thought about yet?

Imagine you’re a budding fashion designer. You could spend all your time checking out what’s hot on the runway in Paris or Milan, trying to mimic those trends. Or, you could dig deep into your own creativity—maybe you take inspiration from your travels, your cultural heritage, or even your day-to-day life. You might come up with something that feels genuinely new and exciting, something that resonates with people on a deeper level.

Here’s a relatable story. Picture two friends, Alex and Sam, who both love baking and decide to open their own bakeries. Alex spends every day watching what the established bakeries in town are doing, trying to copy their most popular items. Sam, on the other hand, reflects on her grandmother’s old recipes, experiments with unique flavor combinations, and creates a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. A year down the line, Alex’s bakery is struggling because it doesn’t offer anything different. Meanwhile, Sam’s bakery is buzzing with customers who can’t get enough of her one-of-a-kind treats and warm environment.

In the end, it’s about trusting your own vision and creativity. Sure, be aware of the market and where you stand, but don’t let that awareness become an obsession. Blaze your own trail, and you just might find that others end up watching you.