All models are wrong, some are useful. — George Box

In life and writing likewise, not everything can be meticulously strategized and then "sold" as a "this is how you can recreate it" model.

Much of one's journey can be random, serendipitous, just tied to that person's divine timing.

Your path may never be like theirs.

Talking about writing now, every style is different and is valid. Everyone has their own voice and that's what makes every story worth reading.

I know, not all opinions are equal, and not all stories are equal, but you are the only person who can write your story. Facts, events, experiences, and interests, will look different for every person even if they all try writing the same idea. Everyone has different areas they are better or worse at. And that is okay.

Mental constraints and creativity bandwidth shape the distinct literary output of writers. The relationship between output and its input is non-linear; the value of the output is not always in direct correlation with the value of its input.

In The Comparison Game, Nobody Wins

We compare ourselves with others and we feel imperfect. We often see all our flaws (real or induced, projected). But like with the characters in a story, a character flaw is only a flaw until it becomes useful.

Someone else writes stellar stories. You write just okay stories. But the reader is just excited there are more stories (therefore more perspectives) for them to read. Some people will love that writer's stories, others will love your stories. You've heard of the "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" saying.

Most of the time, attempting to recreate the exact model of other writers, to write in someone else's style, will be worse than sticking to your genuine voice.

Disclaimer: I am guilty of trying to massively emulate someone else's style — not only in writing but in everything in life. Needless to say, it never worked.

Full disclaimer: this is a skill I am still working on.

The same principle applies to "This is how I earned X amount of money" stories. While the writer's intention is genuine, what works for them may not necessarily work for you. The key is to critically analyze the formula before diving headfirst into implementation. Ask yourself:

1. Is that formula suitable (practically and ethically) for me?
2. Do I possess all the necessary elements — context, tools, and resources — to apply it identically and achieve identical (or even better) outcomes?

Wesley van Peer has a great article on the idea that there's no fixed formula for earning loads of cash on Medium; and even more, that we need to be careful of scammers.

"All models are wrong, some are useful"

Now, I feel the need to elaborate a bit more on George Box's aphorism quoted at the beginning of this article.

George Box was a British statistician and the quoted statement concerns mainly the statistics and the scientific modeling world. But it also carries profound lessons we can universally apply in life and in writing.

Acknowledging Imperfection

• No model can perfectly capture the essence, intricacies and complexities of reality. Most models will inevitably fall short of the true underlying mechanisms.
• Our models are approximations that can never fully encapsulate the richness and complexity of the real world.

Utility Over Perfection

• The second part of the quote, "some are useful," emphasizes that despite their imperfections, models can still serve a valuable purpose.
• Don't strive for absolute correctness. Focus on whether a model is practically useful. Does it provide insights, predictions, or simplifications that help you understand or navigate reality better?
• We don't need flawless models; We only need them to be illuminating and applicable.

Practical Application

• The crux lies in application. Rather than endlessly debating correctness, ask yourself: "Is the model useful?"
• If a model provides insights, guides decisions, or simplifies complex phenomena, it serves its purpose — even if it's inherently flawed.

If you are interested, George Box further elaborated on this concept.

A Balanced Conclusion: Find your Obi-Wan Kenobi!

I don't want to discourage studying and critically emulating others' models. To dismiss the need for models would be a short-sighted, imprudent move.

In the right circumstances, copying successful models can be smart. While it's important to forge our own paths and think independently, let's not forget that sometimes, the smartest move might just be standing on the shoulders of giants and not trying to reinvent the wheel.

It's always smart to have a coach or mentor. Find your personal Obi-Wan Kenobi and let him guide you. Rely on his support and his good feedback. A mentor's guidance can prevent you from wasting time aimlessly seeking a miraculous solution in the dark abyss of uncertainty.

So, go write some wrong models…I mean stories. But make them useful. May the Force be with you! 😊

Thanks for reading!

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