Separate from the competition! This is a common suggestion I make to clients at the office when discussing how to succeed in situations where you are competing against others. For example, how do you earn a spot on the team (or starting unit)? How do you get selected for a prestigious job (or promoted)? Or how do you increase the chances to be chosen for life events and experiences where the rest of the applicants are talented? You “separate from the competition,” of course! While many people assume that successful people are simply smarter, more athletic, or had inside advantages, more often than not people find success in life by literally showing how they are different and unique — and ultimately the best candidate.
So how do you “separate?”
There’s a famous quote from Henry Ford “If you keep on doing what you have always done, you will keep on getting what you have always gotten.” Similarly, if you do the same as everyone else, you will be seen as everyone else (and not stand out!). Of course, there are countless occasions in life where you don’t want to stand out, but that is not the case when you are going for unique and important positions in life. You also don’t want to stand out (or separate) from others where it hurts you — like dressing inappropriately for a job interview. Below are ideas to consider when trying to stand out from others, and how you can do so in ways that are instrumental toward your future success:
- Attitude. One of the simplest ways to separate from the crowd is to make sure your attitude, something 100% under your control, is positive, open, and inviting. Direct eye contact, listening, and showing appreciation of others goes a long way when trying to show your interest and commitment to future success.
- How you present yourself. Similar to attitude, how you carry yourself can make a big difference, too. Being early instead of late, dressing appropriately, displaying respect and manners, and carrying a sense of confidence — here again, all things that are under your control and help you get noticed.
- Respecting others. You do not have to always agree with people to simply respect them as people! The great boxing champion Muhammad Ali once said, “I don’t trust anyone who’s nice to me but rude to the waiter, because they would treat me the same way if I were in that position.”
- Hustle. You might not be the most talented, but especially in sports when you go 100% on every play coaches can’t help but find ways to play you! Similar to attitude, to hustle is a choice, so choose wisely.
- Willingness to do what others won’t do. Are you willing to do extra work, stay longer after practice, or volunteer to do something nobody else wants to do? It’s hard not to stand out when you do these things!
Remember, all the little things count when trying to differentiate from the competition, including seemingly small yet very important things, like following directions! Leave nothing to chance — map out your destination the day before, make sure your clothes are ready to go, review the background of the manager/coach that is evaluating you so you know them a little, make sure you have an umbrella in your car if you are going to an interview and not sure about the weather (or parking!). Yes, all these things really count when it comes to how others judge us.
Final thoughts
If you do the same as everyone else, you will be indistinguishable from everybody else. While blending in with the crowd might be advantageous in some life situations, it does not help when it comes to being selected for a job, or earning more playing time on a sports team. Be extra-ordinary — defined as being very unusual or remarkable — and you will gain the attention of teachers, coaches, hiring managers, as well as all other influencers and decision makers. Make your happiness and success happen by separating from the pack through hustle, respect, and attitude!
drstankovich.com
