Most Problems Are Not Unique

Short post warning.

Many problems have been solved before. Most problems in the IT industry have, in fact, been solved before. It is highly unlikely you are dealing with a completely unique problem.

Even if prior solutions do not solve your problem the way you need them to, they might give ideas or something to build on to make a more appropriate solution. Look to what has been done, what is standard, and ask why you cannot use it.

Assuming uniqueness is a good way to saddle yourself with something terrible to maintain in the future.