It’s funny how people are born unique but end up trying to be like everybody else. These are habits that arise from culture and socialization.
If you want to make an impact, you must be different. No successful person ever blends in with the crowd.
Instead of creating momentary attention, make a lasting impression.
How do you achieve this? Learn what you can do to differentiate yourself from others.
Be Authentic
It sounds easy but being real is not popular. Modern society glorifies trends, and you might find yourself under pressure to fit in. The cost of fitting in is resignation to be a follower, not a leader. Going against popular culture in itself sets you apart from the crowd.
Be authentic by identifying your core values and choosing to live by them.
Become a Subject Matter Expert
There are thousands of professionals in every field. Mastering a particular subject makes you know more than your peers. That means you become the go-to person for a consultation and expert advice. For instance, instead of a software developer, you can niche down to be an SME in artificial intelligence or business software.
To become an SME, you have to keep learning to develop a deeper understanding and gain a wealth of experience. Attend conferences, take membership in industry publications to stay on top of new developments.
Be a Risk Taker
The number one lesson all successful business owners and entrepreneurs teach is that you have to be willing to take risks to make an impact. Do not be afraid to evaluate a course of action and risk pursuing it. It will set you apart as someone who makes informed decisions.
Learn to Do the Extra
Another way to stand out is to focus on excellence rather than completing the task. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the extra. People that shine strive to deliver beyond expectation. Hard work is not fun. That’s why many do not choose it. No one wants to wake up early on a Saturday morning to go over a project. Learn to be that person that puts thought and effort into what they do. It not only makes you an overachiever but impresses others.
Grow
As they say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Highly successful leaders and entrepreneurs did not become so overnight. They took small steps each day. So the way to beat the masses is by continually improving. Take a closer look at all areas of your life. Identify those that need improvement and work on them. It may mean polishing your skills and talents to stand out professionally or even taking a personal development training course.
Implement these strategies to stand a head taller than work colleagues and industry peers.