All of us are born unique, but most die a copy.
Whether you are applying for a job, going for a date or working out a deal, the more you are able to differentiate yourself, the more well off you will be.
In a world full of noise and distractions and in a marketplace full of options and candidates (like yourself), it pays to differentiate yourself and stand out from the crowd.
Why stand out?
With so much choices and options around us, those that don’t differentiate run the risk of being ignored, being invisible and being made irrelevant.
If you run a restaurant, blending in and being mediocre might allow you to get by. But if you want to be infamous and do exceedingly well, you will need to be known for something.
If you trying to get some clients, being normal makes you just like everyone else and offers your prospects nothing much special.
If you are applying for a job, following and being like the crowd virtually makes you invisible – you’ll just be another face in the crowd and another name in the whole pile of applications.
How to stand out?
The simple way to get started with self-differentiation is to look at what others are doing, and then do otherwise.
So what are most people doing?
- Most people hate what they do for work.
- Most people talk about things and do little about them.
- Most people spend more than they make.
- Most people (try to) take more than they give.
- Most people don’t question why things are the way they are.
- Most people play it safe.
- Most people do the bare minimum.
- Most people stay comfortable and avoid pushing themselves.
- Most people wait for things to happen.
- Most people relent and give in to instant gratification.
- Most people want the easy way out.
How to stand out then? By doing pretty much the opposite of what others are doing.
Most people hate what they do for work. You be passionate about the work you do, and strive to do what you love and love what you do.
Most people talk about things and do little about them. You talk about things and be relentless in executing them.
Most people spend more than they make. You be wise and prudent in your finances, and endeavour to find ways to increase your earnings.
Most people (try to) take more than they give. You be the bigger person and give more than you receive. Why? Because being blessed is good, but being a blessing is even better. And because you can.
Most people don’t question why things are the way they are. You take the effort to question why things work the way they are. Develop a curious and inquisitive mind. Don’t assume things and don’t take things for granted.
Most people play it safe. You take calculated risks and step out of your comfort zone.
Most people do the bare minimum. You make going above and beyond the new normal. Blow the socks off your customers and go the extra mile.
Most people stay comfortable and avoid pushing themselves. You be comfortable being uncomfortable. After all, the successes and best things in life lie outside your comfort zone.
Most people wait for things to happen. You get out there, get your hands dirty and go make things happen.
Most people relent and give in to instant gratification. You press on and not give up because the goal and destination is worth fighting for.
Most people want the easy way out. You do whatever it takes to make it happen. You take ownership and responsibility of things. And don’t give up.
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So what would you be doing differently this time?
What would you start doing, stop doing and continue to do?
Let me know in the comments below!
