‘I need to separate myself to stand out’
This is what I heard in a song, while listening to my favourite artist, Kendrick Lamar. And he’s right. Whatever you’re trying to do, I can guarantee you there are thousands of people around the world, trying to do the same thing. All of them with just as much chance as you to break through. Each of them vying for a limited number of spots on the pedestals of success. These days, an increase in competition means it’s not just enough to be talented. We all possess some sort of gift which we can transfer to our goals. Nowadays, if you want to reach the top, one must and from the field. In quite a big way.
I mean, if you were to look at pioneers in their respective fields, you would begin to notice a trend. Each of them are just as talented as the next hopeful; yet they all have that special something which separates them from the rest. Their personal signature accentuates every great performance. David Beckham, as well as being a great footballer, was (and still is) the best player for dead ball situations. In the world. Lionel Messi, many would argue is the most skillful player in the world. Same sport, different things brought to the table. Quentin Tarantino is known for his films filled with gore and controversy; whereas James Cameron is arguably the King of Sci-Fi.
Inevitably, there will be similarities and likenesses between you and the next person – but ask yourself this: what separates you from the rest?
Perhaps the best example to use are the Social Networks, Facebook and Twitter. Although they do carry some similarities, they both have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Facebook provides you with a number of ways to connect with your friends; Twitters’ USP is their 140 character limit. Both platforms appeal to different audiences, for different reasons. In every case, the individual other company has put their own signature on their ideas. Inevitably, there will be common themes which run, and likenesses present but ask yourself this: what separates you from the rest?
- Well for a start, Be you. No two human beings are the same, nor will they ever be. So why try to emulate others, no matter how successful they are? They have gotten where they are by being themselves; by lending their own unique skills and gifts to chasing their dreams. Find your own skills. Hone your crafts. Practice, practice, practice. By staying true to yourself, you create a sense of genuineness, a work ethic strengthened by passion. Without this, it will be hard to continue to pursue your ambitions in the tough times. I’ve said this so many times, but it’s something you must remember: Who you are is more than enough.
- What box? My teachers at school always used to say ‘Think outside the box’. But I like to think as if the box never existed. It’s easy to conform, going with general trends, going with what supposedly works. But often, these trends we follow work for people because they had the original ideas. They were the trendsetters – take YouTube. There are many other online video services but this was the first, the best – and therefore benefited the most. Be a trendsetter. Think away from the norm – in fact disconnect yourself from any norm. Think wild, crazy, out there. But don’t try to be ‘safe’. As Helen Keller said, ‘Avoiding danger is now safer in the long run than outright exposure’. Think ‘dangerous’. This is where the best ideas come from.
- Work Smart and enjoy the ride. I see people driven by thoughts of success, working themselves away until there’s nothing left. Where’s the fun in that? You need to work hard, there’s no doubting that. But more importantly, work smart. Recognise how much you work you can do before entering a zombie-like state. Then work in this timeframe, so you’re at your most efficient. Set yourself mini targets and goals, which you can realistically achieve. And enjoy the journey. Always keep one eye on the destination, but enjoy the ride. It is important the journey, rather than the destination we learn life lessons, and develop as people.
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