Laura Olsen

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Repetition

What is it about repeating one's self that is so frightful?

Why do I fear repeating myself?

Why would I not want to?

This isn't the sign of someone boring or with nothing to talk about. I think it indicates a deep mind, truth, and conviction about one's beliefs and a discovery of one's purpose.

I've studied marketing for years and what message is repeated again and again? Repetition. From a marketing perspective, the benefits of repetition are many. Consistency is a form of repetition. Recognition rises from repetition. Reach comes from repetition. Learning happens through repetition.

And in art, there is a deep truth to the development of one's visual style through repetition. When you do one thing, again and again, you develop your own style, voice, and skills. And you become known for that thing. Look at all the greats. You know what to expect from them and they are remembered for their repetition of elements unique to them.

Why do we prize the new over repeating ourselves? Why do we fear to be boring?

I believe that we can blend the two. Looking at the message I am here to deliver and see it in new ways. New angles. Different corners to discover... of the same thing. Repetition of exploration and discovery. Consistently sharing the depth of my thinking. Going over and over it to juice all of the goodness from it.

In this way, I am not only growing in conviction but also deepening my connection to what I know to be true.

Reminds me of that silly childhood jokeā€¦

Pete and Repeat were sitting on a log. Pete fell off... who was left?

Repeat!

Pete and Repeat were sitting on a log...