In the world of apps like Instagram and VSCO, inspiration is at your fingertips. With social media, we can see a lot about people all over the globe. We can see what each person wears, what they do in their free time, where they go on vacation, what clubs and activities they are involved in, and so much more.

While social media is great for inspiration, it can also lead to feeling as though you need to reinvent yourself. Some people go so far as to imitate who they follow on social media - Insta captions are copied with different emojis, trips are planned based on someone else's photos, and activities adopted because someone else does them.

Though it should go without saying, it begs to be repeated: when you can choose to copy someone or be yourself, it's always better to just be yourself. Yes, you can copy your peers all day long, but that doesn't make you original or special. It makes you a copycat.

Now, don't get me wrong. I think it's great to have inspiration at our fingertips and learn things from each other. We've all probably gone to the same coffee shops, and we've all probably participated in fashion trends like Uggs a few years ago. Copying is a different story. Sure, "imitation is the highest form of a compliment," but it's annoying, and it can even ruin friendships.

If you absolutely cannot avoid copying someone you know, at least acknowledge that they inspired you. There are few things more annoying than when your friend copies what you do without acknowledging it. If you find yourself starting a blog just because a girl you know from high school does, slow down sis. No need to be a carbon copy of someone else!

Instead of making decisions based on the girl you want to be like, focus on being a better version of yourself. Chasing after destinations and activities and clothes just to be like somebody else will leave you feeling like you don't know who you are. And with the stresses of life, you really don't need to worry about being anybody but yourself.

Follow your dreams, your passions, and your beliefs, but don't allow yourself to slip into the bad habit of copying people. Learn to become the best and truest version of yourself. People won't feel like you're imitating them, and you'll like yourself better for being original.