For years, as part of advising writers to hold on to what makes them unique, I’ve been paraphrasing something I once heard Tony Bennett say long ago. The quote goes something like—

What when I was young and just getting started critics considered my flaws, now that I’m old and successful they consider my style.

You’ll just have to take my word for that, though. I’ve been unable to track down either the exact wording or original source for his words. But it doesn’t make them any less powerful. (If your search skills are better than mine, have at it.)

Meanwhile, as I caught up today with back episodes of Garrison Keillor’s The Writer’s Almanac, I heard something similar. It was part of the May 10, 2015 episode (yes, I’m that way behind), this time coming from Fred Astaire.

The higher up you go, the more mistakes you are allowed. Right at the top, if you make enough of them, it’s considered to be your style.

So keep making the “mistakes” that only you can make once you’re confident they’re saying what you want them to say. Because those are what someday you may end up being celebrated for … if you can believe Bennett and Astaire. (I do.)

And while you’re at it, don’t forget what Gertrude Stein and Bruce Sterling had to say about being yourself either!