Article

Jay Denhart-Lillard
Jay Denhart-Lillard 26 August 2015

Why Struggle To Fit In When You Were Born To Stand Out?

There's something programmed deep within you that craves acceptance in a group. But what about what makes you stand out.

There’s something programmed deep within us all that asks us to search out acceptance — to be welcomed into a tribe and given membership in a group of the like-minded.  Something that’s larger than a family, and gives meaning to the things we identify with most strongly.  A group that we can call home, even if it is at work, or church, or in sports teams or other establishments (salons/bars/centers/etc.).

 

And if we don’t get welcomed into groups like these, we can sometimes feel isolated, lonely, depressed and without value. So we spend amazing amounts of energy and time devoted to ‘fitting in’ with our peers — to adopt the manners, styles and mores of the groups to which we want to identify.  Most people admit that this force to conform was strongest when they were in high school, but many people find that the urge remains long afterwards, and can continue to influence decisions well into adulthood.  Many would say that our society at large depends on our ability to maintain some sense of social order, and one thing that is great about it can be that it can give you a good foundation from which to grow.

 

But for some of us, the pressure to continue to blend into a larger group can sometimes stifle us — and become a real hinderance to achieving our own potential.

 

Because there is also a place inside us all that knows that we are unlike anyone else.  That we are unique and have a value, and gifts, and a spirit that is our own.  That we stand apart.  And this difference, although sometimes uncomfortable to express, can really matter when you’re making your way in the world, especially the corporate world.

 

Because who do you value most in your team?  Who do you want on your team when looking at a crowd of candidates? Who do you see advancing up the corporate ladder?  It’s not often that star players at work are people who consistently blend in.  More often than not, you see excellence in people who have found something very special about themselves and have found a way to bring that trait out and take advantage of it to excel in their career.  And if you think about it, there are actually very few jobs that don’t require excellence at something.

 

With people that we socialize or work with, we are often drawn into people with that extra something, a little something special.

 

Highly successful people know what makes them special — think about Oprah, Sting, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson. Clearly, these people have been on journeys to discover what they have to offer.  And each one’s story shows that identifying what your true skills are is as important as putting in the time to develop mastery in your chosen profession. So knowing your unique worth is a critical step in taking control of your future and becoming the master of your destiny.

 

Here are a few ideas about how to start learning how to stand out for all the right reasons:

 

Soul Search

 

Spend the time to think about what’s really important to you and where your talent and strengths lie.  What are you most fulfilled doing? Gallup research has shown that in the United States, only about 32% of all employees are “engaged” and get to use their strengths in their work everyday.  You’ll want to beat that average, and so you’ll need to know what keeps you going and gives you strength.

 

Get A Sounding Board

 

Try it out!  Ask some people who know you well to ‘check you’ on your chosen path, and give their feedback on what you have identified as your key point of difference.  “What makes me unique?” is a good way to start the conversation.  If you’re talking with a good friend, they’ll be able to answer and get you thinking.

 

Count It Out 

 

Start keeping track of your activities for a week or two, to see how often you’re getting to actively express your point of difference.  See how often you’ve been blending in, and how you’ve felt when you’ve been able to shine.

 

Connect, On Your Terms

 

When you’re ready, start trying to engage with what makes you unique, and begin actively bringing it out more often. One friend of mine that always had a gift for talking to people about their futures had to quit his job in sales to be able to pursue his dream of working in Human Resources — where he now directs training for his co-workers.  He’s happier than ever, and more productive to boot.

 

Watch For Changes

 

You’ll probably notice some changes immediately, but be sure to take note of how things start moving for you as time goes on.  Some shifts in your mood or how you’re perceived by those around you may change slowly, too, so be sure to watch out for signs about how things are going as you begin to bring forward more of your authentic and special self.

 

What makes you special?  Let me know with a comment!

 

MetaMorph Corporation is dedicated to creating the future of personal branding.

 

Original Article

 

Read More On Digital Doughnut

 

 

Please login or register to add a comment.

Contribute Now!

Loving our articles? Do you have an insightful post that you want to shout about? Well, you've come to the right place! We are always looking for fresh Doughnuts to be a part of our community.

Popular Articles

See all
How to Review a Website — A Guide for Beginners

How to Review a Website — A Guide for Beginners

A company website is crucial for any business's digital marketing strategy. To keep up with the changing trends and customer buying behaviors, it's important to review and make necessary changes regularly...

Digital Doughnut Contributor
Digital Doughnut Contributor 25 March 2024
Read more
The World Is Shrinking: 6 Degrees of Separation Is Now 2!

The World Is Shrinking: 6 Degrees of Separation Is Now 2!

Six degrees of separation is not just a party game, it's a reality. Everyone is the world is interconnected, and thanks to social media, that connectedness gets tighter and richer each day. See the research...

Scott Christley
Scott Christley 9 August 2017
Read more
The Impact of New Technology on Marketing

The Impact of New Technology on Marketing

Technology has impacted every part of our lives. From household chores to business disciplines and etiquette, there's a gadget or app for it. Marketing has changed dramatically over the years, but what is the...

Alex Lysak
Alex Lysak 3 April 2024
Read more
What Marketing Content Do Different Age Groups like to Consume?

What Marketing Content Do Different Age Groups like to Consume?

Today marketers have a wide choice of different content types to create; from video to blogs, from memes to whitepapers. But which types of content are most suitable for different age groups?

Lisa Curry
Lisa Curry 21 October 2016
Read more
Sales and Marketing Collaboration: A Recipe for B2B Success

Sales and Marketing Collaboration: A Recipe for B2B Success

In the world of B2B, the age-old rivalry between Sales and Marketing often overshadows the potential for a fruitful partnership. Yet, when these two departments align their goals, strategies, and efforts, the results...

Zsofia Raffa
Zsofia Raffa 12 September 2024
Read more