On ceding a unique approach for a conventional approach for efficacy
I like to be unique. I was the youngest child. So I prefer to modify cliches and avoid sounding trite. I use words that are true to me in the hopes of elevating discourse. So instead of saying “the principles behind my approach” in one of my essays, I wanted to say something more specific and descriptive and in touch with the feeling. For example, “Here are the principles that guide my approach to writing” or “Here are the principles that inspire and differentiate how I write.” Even these expressions are not ones I am satisfied with, but I will strive for better language.
I do not want to use “shape”, “underpinning”, “inform” or other typical phrases in conjunction with “principles”. Frankly even “guide” is somewhat trite -- but it is also accurate and well-chosen for most scenarios.
I ultimately chose to use the cliche phrase. Why?
Ultimately saying “principles behind my approach” would be better understood because it is a tried and true description. So people will understand it. And if efficacy is the goal more than differentiation, then common wording should be selected. I had to learn to prioritize this at the expense of originality.