In a recent LinkedIn post, Sahil Bloom shares a compelling analogy to illustrate how true originality is often found through sustained effort rather than constant reinvention. Bloom argues that impatience is the primary barrier preventing individuals from discovering their unique contributions in their respective fields.
He introduces a thought experiment originally presented by photographer Arno Minkkinen, who, in a 2004 commencement speech, likened the early stages of a career to being at a large bus station. In this scenario, numerous bus lines initially follow the exact same routes, leading to work that appears indistinguishable from others’.
“The bus lines eventually diverge. The routes that looked identical for the first few stops begin to separate. Each heading to its own unique destination.”
The “Stay on the Bus” Philosophy
Bloom elaborates on this metaphor, explaining that many people, upon noticing the apparent lack of uniqueness in their early work, abandon their current path. They return to the station, metaphorically speaking, to seek a new bus line, only to find themselves in a similar situation after some time. This cycle of starting over, according to Bloom, prevents them from ever reaching their unique destination.
The core message, as highlighted by Bloom quoting Minkkinen, is the importance of perseverance: “Stay on the bus. Stay on the f*cking bus.” This emphasizes the need to commit to a chosen path, even when the results seem unoriginal.
Invisible Compounding and Earned Uniqueness
To further illustrate his point, Sahil Bloom uses the analogy of two pots of water, one on a counter and one on a stove. While both may appear similar initially, the one on the stove is undergoing a transformative process that isn’t immediately obvious. Bloom posits that originality functions in a similar fashion.
“Originality works the same way. You don’t wake up singular. It’s earned through long, uncomfortable periods of seemingly unoriginal work.”
According to Sahil Bloom, the seemingly derivative or boring work is precisely where the foundation for unique insights and outputs is laid. This period of sustained effort allows for the invisible compounding of knowledge, skills, and perspectives. It is only after this phase of commitment that the distinctive aspects of one’s work begin to emerge and become visible.
The Illusion of Early Uniformity
Bloom stresses that the feeling of being unoriginal is a common, yet often temporary, phase. The key, as he relays from Minkkinen’s advice, is to recognize that the initial uniformity of bus routes or the apparent similarity of early work is not the final state. The divergence and uniqueness are inevitable, but they require time and dedication to manifest.
“The boring, derivative work is where the beautiful, singular work begins. The divergence is coming. You just can’t see it yet.”
Sahil Bloom concludes by reiterating the central theme: true originality is not a spontaneous event but a result of enduring challenging periods of work that may initially lack distinctiveness. By staying committed to the chosen path, individuals can allow their unique contributions to develop and eventually surface.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Sahil Bloom on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 14, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →