IIn a survey^{1 https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/us-loneliness-index-report} of more than 20,000 Americans, 54% reported they always or sometimes feel as though no one knows them well. How can we be more understood and what can YOU do to stand out?

In this guide, I’m going to show you how to stand out from the crowd.

To help me with this article, I invited Srini Rao, founder of the Unmistakable Creative podcast^{2 https://unmistakablecreative.com/} and author of the wildly creative book, The Art of Being Unmistakable^{3https://www.amazon.com/Art-Being-Unmistakable-Collection-Universe/dp/1493746286} . Check out our video below:

What Makes a Person Stand Out?

There are four main characteristics that make someone stand out: people skills, creativity, an interesting life, and a great attitude. Let’s dive into each:

1. Excellent People Skills. What’s the difference between someone who gets that promotion and someone who doesn’t? It’s often the person who has the better interpersonal skills, according to 92% of respondents in a study by VitalSmarts^{4 https://www.vitalsmarts.com/resource-center/} . The more charismatic and captivating someone is, the more persuasive power they have.
2. Masterful Creativity. Creativity is an often undervalued skill, especially in the workplace. However, creatives excel where others do not because they seek out new experiences, opening up opportunities that others can’t see.
3. An Interesting and Active Life: Do you live an active life or a passive one? I don’t just mean active as in exercise, I mean a life where you take action on your ideas. Nothing speaks louder than actions, and if you want to stand out, you MUST take action. Those that excel in their purpose and work are the ones who truly stand out. But it’s not about being a “natural genius,” either. Standing out often comes from hard, consistent work..
4. An Additive Attitude. There’s no denying that positive people^{5https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/want_to_be_happy_make_your_relationships_exceptional} have better relationships. Keeping an upbeat attitude and being pleasant to be around can really make you stand out from everyone around you, especially if you’re surrounded by toxic people. Are you an adder? Are you adding to the people around you and making them better? Having an additive attitude makes you stand out.

With these characteristics mastered, you won’t just be another “somebody.” Instead, you’ll be so unique that people will be leaving events remembering exactly who you are.

But make no mistake: Standing out isn’t something you can do overnight. Sure, you can put on some fancy clothes and wing it, but true transformation requires consistent effort.

Luckily, in this guide you will learn both immediate tips you can do to stand out right NOW (say, if you’ve got a pressing job interview tomorrow or a big presentation), and other long-term tips that’ll build up these four key characteristics.

How do you feel about standing out at work and in public?

1. I love standing out! Uniqueness is my superpower.
2. I’d love to stand out, but I currently struggle at it.
3. I don’t like standing out, but I want to in order to differentiate myself.
4. I dislike standing out and don’t want to.
5. No opinion.

How to Stand Out From the Crowd and At Work

Cultivate a Signature Skill

How many people do you know who can solve a Rubik’s cube in under a minute? Or recite pi to 100 decimal places? Or maybe fold an origami crane while blindfolded?

When someone thinks of “the person who can do X,” you want to be that person.

Consider Chef Gordon Ramsay. He’s famous for his cooking and intense personality (and cursing like a sailor, but that’s just him).

Having a signature skill or quirk sets you apart. And it doesn’t have to be something difficult or something that takes years to master.

Here are some fun ideas:

• The Perfect Handshake: Firm grip, eye contact, and a smile.
• Remembering Names: Tricks like associations or repetition.
• Speed Reading: Quickly absorb information and stay updated.
• The Perfect Outfit: Signature style or go-to outfit.
• Signature Dance Move: Fun and recognizable at social events.
• Whistling a Tune: A catchy tune everyone recognizes.
• Creative Icebreakers: Unique and fun conversation starters.

Action Step: Time to find your signature skill! Here’s how to go about it:

1. Brainstorm a list of unusual skills. Think outside the box. The weirder, the better!
2. Choose one that intrigues you. It should be something you’re genuinely interested in learning.
3. Set a specific, measurable goal. For example, “Learn to juggle 5 balls within 3 months.”
4. Practice, practice, practice. Dedicate a little time each day to honing your new skill.
5. Once you’ve mastered it, look for opportunities to showcase it (appropriately, of course).

Be Productive, Not Busy

It’s 6 PM, you’ve been working non-stop since 8 AM, and yet… that big project? Still not finished. Your inbox? Overflowing. Your to-do list? Longer than when you started.

Sound familiar? Welcome to the “busy trap.” I was like that, until I had my “aha” moment. Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. Mind. Blown.

Imagine two people: Busy Betty and Productive Pete.

Busy Betty’s Day:

• Checks email 47 times
• Attends 6 meetings (mostly unnecessary)
• Starts 12 tasks, finishes none
• Works through lunch, fueled by coffee and stress
• Leaves work late, feeling exhausted and overwhelmed

Productive Pete’s Day:

• Tackles most important task first thing in the morning
• Attends 2 crucial meetings, declines the rest
• Completes 3 high-impact projects
• Takes a proper lunch break, returns refreshed
• Leaves work on time, satisfied with progress

Who do you think is more likely to get that promotion? (Spoiler: It’s not Betty)

Ready to channel your inner Pete? Here are some tools to get you started:

1. The Eisenhower Matrix: Urgency isn’t importance. Use this tool to prioritize tasks based on both urgency and importance.
2. The Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused 25-minute bursts, followed by short breaks.
3. The 2-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately. No more “I’ll do it later” excuses!
4. The Power of No: Learn to say no to low-value activities. Your time is precious—guard it fiercely!
5. The Deep Work Philosophy: Schedule blocks of uninterrupted time for your most important work, and consider doing your hardest task first (a.k.a. Eat That Frog). No distractions allowed!

Now, let’s get a little unconventional. Here are some off-the-wall productivity hacks that actually work:

• The “Airplane Mode” Challenge: Put your phone in airplane mode for 2 hours each day. Watch your productivity soar like a plane!
• Ugly Over Perfect: Start projects in their ugliest form. We’re talking notepad and MS Paint. Perfect is the enemy of done, folks.
• The “Shower Thought”: Keep a waterproof notepad in your shower. Some of your best ideas might come while shampooing!
• Go Starbucks: Work in a coffee shop (or play coffee shop sounds on YouTube). The ambient noise can boost creativity.
• Control Your Apps: Download a distraction-free app on your phone like ClearSpace, which forces you to take a deep breath before opening certain apps and restricting you from opening them too often.

Develop Your Own Lexicon

Words have power, and creating your own unique vocabulary can make you incredibly memorable. Think about how certain phrases become associated with specific people or characters: “Bazinga!” from Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, or “Yada yada yada” from Seinfeld.

By developing your own lexico—a set of words, phrases, or expressions that are uniquely yours—you create linguistic anchors that people will associate with you long after your conversation ends.

Action Step: Let’s start building your personal lexicon:

• Identify common situations or emotions you frequently encounter or discuss. Example: Feeling overwhelmed at work
• Brainstorm unique ways to describe these using metaphors, alliteration, or wordplay. Examples for “feeling overwhelmed at work”:
  • “I’m swimming in a sea of sticky notes”
  • “My to-do list is doing the tango”
  • “I’m juggling flaming deadlines”
  • “My inbox is having a population explosion”
• Test out your new phrases with friends or colleagues to see which ones stick. Example: Use these phrases in conversation over the next week. You might say to a coworker, “How’s your day going? I’m swimming in a sea of sticky notes over here!”
• Use your new lexicon consistently, but naturally. Don’t force it! Example: Once you’ve found which phrases resonate, incorporate them regularly. When your boss asks how you’re doing, you might respond, “I’m juggling flaming deadlines, but I’ve got it under control.”

Here are some examples to spark your creativity:

• Instead of saying “Let’s brainstorm,” you might say “Time to unleash the idea tsunami!”
• Rather than “I’m stressed,” try “My brain’s doing the chaotic cha-cha.”
• Instead of “That’s a bad idea,” you could say “That’s a thought-pickle.”

Pro Tip: Keep a running list of your lexicon on your phone or in a notebook. Regularly review and refine it, adding new expressions and retiring ones that no longer serve you. Your personal vocabulary should evolve as you do!

Bonus: Besides lexicon, there are more things you can do to improve your body language! Check out this resource:

Craft Your Pocket Ted Talk

Ever been caught flat-footed when someone asks, “So, what’s your thing?” Yeah, we’ve all been there. But what if you had a mini Ted Talk locked and loaded, ready to fire off at a moment’s notice?

We’re not talking about rehearsing a whole 18-minute spiel here or actually getting on stage (check out Science of People founder, Vanessa Van Edward’s, TEDx talk here if you’re interested).

This is about crafting a short, snappy, holy-cow-that’s-interesting talk that’ll make people’s ears perk up faster than a dog hearing a cheese wrapper.

Here’s the deal: Everyone’s got something cool they know or do. Your job? Package that awesomeness into a bite-sized chunk of conversational gold.

Action Step: Time to cook up your Pocket Ted Talk. Here’s how:

1. Pick your jam. What gets you fired up? Is it how AI is changing pet care? The psychology of dad jokes? Whatever it is, that’s your topic.
2. Craft a killer opener. Think less “Hello, ladies and gentlemen” and more “Did you know squirrels plan fake nut heists to fool thieves?”
3. Nail down 3 juicy points. Keep ’em short, keep ’em spicy.
4. Sprinkle in a personal story. People dig that human touch.
5. End with a bang. Give ’em something to chew on.
6. Practice, but don’t sound like a robot. You want smooth, not canned.

Now, here’s the kicker: prep versions for different scenarios. Got 30 seconds in an elevator? Bam, hit ’em with the highlight reel. Chatty seatmate on a flight? Time for the extended cut.

Pro Tip: Test drive your talk with friends. If their eyes glaze over, back to the drawing board. If they start asking questions? Jackpot. Want more? We got you: 9 Steps to the Perfect Elevator Pitch

Be A Good Story Teller

Jeremy Zimmer, CEO of United Talent Agency, says the first thing he asks a prospective hire to do is tell him a story. “If we’re selling something, we have to be able to communicate it in an elegant, intelligent way,” he explains^{6https://www.businessinsider.com/interview-hiring-storytelling-skills-2013-12} .

There’s a reason why the best storytellers can make even the driest stories—like going grocery shopping—sound like the most exciting thing ever.

Try this: Start by weaving small stories into your daily interactions. Look for these opportunities by brainstorming 5-10 stories you’ve come up with and rehearsing them beforehand.

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Share a story every day. For example, At the dinner table, tell your family about a memorable experience you had at work or during your commute. For instance, “Today at work, we had a surprise visit from a dog adoption agency. I got to hold a little puppy named Max who kept licking my face!”
• Have a clear beginning, middle, and end. For example, in the beginning, you can say something like “Last weekend, I went hiking.” and followed by “I saw a deer but tripped over a root and fell into a mud puddle.” and end with some lines like “I laughed it off and continued my hike, feeling more connected to nature.”
• Use vivid language to paint a picture. It might be easy to just cut to the chase, but in storytelling, drawing out scenes can transport the listeners to your world.
• Create your own story bank. This step is key. Coming up with stories on-the-spot can be hard. That’s why some of the best stories have been rehearsed. Jot down your own stories, ranging from funny, to accidental, to scary and many more.

Level Up Your Question Game

Ever notice how some people can turn a boring chat into a fascinating discussion? It’s all in the questions they ask.

Most folks stick to “How’s it going?” and wonder why conversations fizzle out. But with a few tweaks to your question arsenal, you can become the person everyone wants to talk to.

Here’s how to upgrade your question game:

1. Ditch the basic stuff. Instead of “How are you?”, try “What’s the highlight of your day so far?”
2. Get specific. “Read any good books lately?” becomes “What’s the most thought-provoking thing you’ve read recently?”
3. Tap into passions. “What do you do?” turns into “What part of your work gets you most excited?”
4. Encourage storytelling. “How was your weekend?” becomes “What’s the most interesting thing that happened to you this week?”
5. Follow up. Don’t just nod and move on. Ask “What made you think that?” or “How did that make you feel?”

Action Step: Before your next social event, come up with 3-5 unique questions. Test them out and see which ones get people talking. Keep the winners in your back pocket for future use.

Go The Extra Mile

People who stand out are willing to put in the extra work.

They might stay late at the office, work until midnight on their side hustle, or spend extra time with their clients to provide excellent service.

Or, in the case of Samsung^{7 https://www.cnet.com/news/the-best-thing-samsung-ever-did/} , draw a kangaroo.

What Samsung did was truly amazing—when loyal fan Shane Bennett emailed Samsung and asked for a free Samsung S3, he also attached a drawing of a dragon.

Samsung, replying that they’d probably go out of business if they gave everyone a free Samsung S3, also replied back with a drawing… of a kangaroo on a unicycle.

Shane was so happy that he posted the email conversation and it went viral—so viral that Samsung decided to send Shane a free Samsung S3, with an engraving of his very own dragon on it. How cool!

Action Step: Think of the areas in your life where you could go the extra mile:

• your projects at work
• managing your employees
• household chores
• reaching out to your old friends
• emails with your clients (even the annoying ones!)

Once you’ve got a list of at least a few items, write down how you could go the second mile (but be sure you don’t go overboard and into burnout territory). Be as specific as possible! It might look something like this:

• proactively go to my teammates to discuss next months projects
• help my partner by doing the chores that never get tackled—cleaning the coffee filter, emptying the gutters and vacuuming under the couch
• set a reminder to call mom every week and visit every month
• make sure to send thoughtful emails and avoid angry/rude words. Have a friend reread the email before I send it through
• ask my friends about their important projects or hobbies

Be a Connector

Connectors are people who bring others together. Think of those colleagues who introduce you to the rest of the team on the first day of work or those who just seem to have every connection under the sun.

Being a connector elevates your own status as an indispensable member of the team.

Here’s how to become a connector:

1. Identify Opportunities: Pay attention to your colleagues’ strengths, interests, and needs. Who could benefit from knowing each other?
2. Make Introductions: Start by introducing colleagues who can collaborate on projects or share insights. Explain why you think they should connect.
3. Organize Events: Arrange casual meetups, lunches, or coffee breaks where team members can get to know each other better.
4. Follow Up: Check in with the people you’ve connected to see how things are going. This shows you care and keeps you in the loop.

Pro Tip: Keep track of your connections in a simple spreadsheet or contact management app. Note who you’ve introduced, why, and any outcomes that resulted from the connection.

Don’t Copy Others

Imagine you’re at your high school reunion.

You see all your old classmates and everyone’s doing well for themselves… except that one person.

That one person who always copied others’ style, or copied their attitude, just to blend in. And even after all these years, they’re still trying to copy others.

And now, at this reunion, they’re going on about some “wild new invention” they made that spins effortlessly on your fingers.

Hmm, that sounds familiar…

Here’s a confession: I was this person.

Well, without the fidget spinners. I was trying so hard to stand out copy others, that I impressed no one.

Have you done this before?

Put it this way—If someone copies a website word-by-word, block-by-block, and doesn’t change a thing… Does that truly make them stand out?

I don’t think so!

Now this doesn’t mean to not take inspiration. As Austin Kleon, author of Steal Like an Artist^{8 https://www.amazon.com/Steal-Like-Artist-Things-Creative/dp/0761169253} put it:

“Don’t just steal the style, steal the thinking behind the style. You don’t want to look like your heroes, you want to see like your heroes.” — Austin Kleon

Action Step: Are you trying too hard to stand out, but stealing someone’s ideas? Don’t live someone else’s reality! Be aware of who you’re copying and if you can just slightly tweak it. For example, if your favorite CEO wears black turtlenecks all the time, why not switch it up to a blue plaid T?

Here’s another unique tip that hasn’t been mentioned yet:

Discover Your da Vinci

Leonardi da Vinci allegedly never slept^{9 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/14-bizarre-sleeping-habits-super-successful-people-a7002076.html} for more than 2 hours a day. And he probably spent most of his waking hours perfecting his craft.

And if you think you’re not the creative type—think again. We’re ALL creative—it just depends on how in-tune you are with your inner creative genius.

So, I want you to channel your inner da Vinci. What kind of art do you love to produce? What makes you feel creative? What are you passionate about?

Here are some amazingly creative ideas:

• write in a journal
• take a picture every day
• learn to dance
• sewing
• glass art
• bonsai tree gardening
• type up blog posts
• paint pictures
• learn to meditate

Action Step: Once you’ve found your creative thing, try practicing it daily. Over time, your creative ability will make you stand out from the crowd.

Be The Diffuser

Have you ever played the game Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes? It’s a fun little party game where the bomb diffuser (let’s say you) needs to gather instructions from friends to diffuse a bomb before it explodes.

In your professional and personal life, which environments are you the bomb diffuser?

Check these questions and see if any apply to you:

____ You’re essential to the team or company you work for.

____ Your close friends can depend on you if something goes wrong.

____ You are the leader of a group of people.

____ There are others who depend on your knowledge or skills to solve their problems.

If you have a hard time checking some of the boxes above, let’s start with the 2 important skills needed to become a diffuser:

1. doing what you’re good at, and
2. leadership skills

If you aren’t great at something, people won’t give you credibility. And you don’t even need to be exceptional—just better than those around you (this part’s quite easy!). The second part is a bit harder—building leadership skills.

Diffusers are experts at what they do and everyone knows it.

Diffusers absolutely need to be an expert in their field and lead a group to safety (or, in professional settings, success!). And leading people as an expert is no easy task, especially if you haven’t led before! But there’s an easy way…

Action Step: Let’s work on building your exceptional ability and leadership skills:

• Find what you’re the best at and work on your skills! This should ideally be a professional skill like programming, consulting, or interior design.
• Work on your own leadership abilities. Read up on the books, attend courses, but most importantly get the practice you need to lead teams.
• Learn the essential people skills, from reading body language to learning how to start conversations.

And if you want to take your skills even further, here’s a goodie for you:

Find Your Contrasting Flavor

What are you known in your community for?

For an elderly man in Tokyo named Mitani Hisao, he was known as the owner of “Bon-chan,” a giant African spurred tortoise. This dynamic duo couldn’t be mistaken for anyone else—after all, how often do you see an elderly man walking his giant turtle down the street?

Mr. Hisao and Bon-chan are a great example of contrasting flavors, or 2 things that you wouldn’t normally pair together.

Action Step: Take out a journal or open up Google Docs and write down the characteristics and hobbies that people would normally associate with you. If you’re having trouble, try asking close friends or family.

Now, write down the complete opposite hobbies and skills associated with the words you wrote down:

• IT guy at the office? —-> Rockstar by night.
• Super introverted and shy? —-> Adrenaline-filled skydiving.
• Heavy gym rat? —-> Graceful ballet and/or tap dancer.
• No full-time job? —-> Side-income hustler.
• Bubbly, fun-loving cheerleader? —-> Finance and data wizard.

Have fun with your list! Come up with many different ideas for your traits. And when you find something that sounds great and resonates, try implementing that new skill into your arsenal.

When your contrasting flavor becomes part of your identity, you’ll be truly unforgettable!

Embrace Your Quirks

Ever wonder why some people just seem to stick in your memory? It’s often because of their quirks—those little oddities that make them uniquely them.

Take Steve Jobs and his iconic black turtleneck. Or Einstein and his wild, unkempt hair. These weren’t just random choices. They became part of their personal brand, making them instantly recognizable and memorable.

But here’s the kicker—your quirks don’t have to be physical. Maybe you have an unusual hobby, like competitive cup stacking. Or perhaps you have a habit of using obscure words in everyday conversation. These little idiosyncrasies can set you apart in a sea of sameness.

Action Step: Time for some self-reflection. Grab a notebook and jot down answers to these questions:

1. What do your friends tease you about in a good-natured way?
2. What habits or interests do you have that others find unusual?
3. Is there something you do differently from most people in your field or social circle?

Once you’ve identified your quirks, think about how you can amplify them (within reason, of course). If you’re known for your colorful socks, why not start a “Sock of the Day” social media series? If you have an encyclopedic knowledge of 80s movies, work those references into your presentations or conversations.

Pro Tip: While embracing your quirks, make sure they don’t overshadow your competence or professionalism. The quirk should be the cherry on top of your awesome sundae, not the whole dessert!

Pivot From Your Competition

Imagine it’s a hot summer day, and you’ve decided to open an ice cream stand.

Business is booming, but all of a sudden someone opens a shop next door.

Uh-oh. THEIR ice cream shop became a hit with their new Always-Frozen^© secret formula, and they’ve taken away 90% of your customers!

Bummer. Now what?

Do you:

1. Grind it out! Come earlier and stay later to increase output.
2. Give up and leave. There’s no way to beat your competition now.
3. Sabotage their plan. Steal their secret formula and gain back your customers!
4. Pivot. Instead of doing the same thing, find another idea to outbeat them.

If you answered D, amazing! You’ve got the right mindset.

When it comes to standing out from your competition, innovation is key. Innovators are always anticipating their competition to be smarter and more creative than them—so they do their best to come up with novel ideas first.

Action Step: Get to brainstorming. Assume your competition is out there, working tirelessly and harder than you to win. What could you do differently—for less effort—that would give you the biggest win? For example, you could rebrand and go all vegan, sell exclusively ice cream from a coconut, or pivot to ice cream parties.

The ideas are endless!

Pro Tip: Test your special thing! Don’t dive in straightaway with 110%. Run A/B split tests, send out a survey to internet strangers, ask your friends and family (if it’s a product, don’t just get their word for it—if they say yes but don’t pay, they aren’t interested), make sure you know you have a problem before setting out.

Give Credit Where It’s Due

I once worked with a guy we’ll call “Glory Gary.” Gary had a special talent for taking credit for everyone else’s work. Team morale? Plummeting faster than a lead balloon. Productivity? Slower than a sloth on vacation.

Don’t be a Glory Gary, folks. It’s not a good look on anyone.

Instead, here’s how to actually give credit to others so they like you:

1. In meetings, redirect praise to team members. “Thanks, but it was really Sarah’s idea that made this project successful.”
2. CC the boss when praising a colleague’s work. “Just wanted to let you know that Tom’s extra hours really saved the day on this project.”
3. During presentations, name-drop your helpers. “This slide? That’s all thanks to Alex’s number-crunching wizardry.”
4. Leave surprise thank-you notes on your colleagues’ desks. Bonus points for specific praise!
5. Develop a go-to phrase like “I couldn’t have done it without…” Use liberally!

Pro Tip: Ever tried to give credit and it backfired? Maybe you forgot someone, or your praise came off as condescending? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. Be thorough and sincere in your credit-giving, anyway. And if you mess up, own it and make it right.

Become a Mentor or Teacher

Want to instantly boost your reputation and visibility at work? Become a mentor or teacher and teach others what you know!

Action Step:

1. Identify Your Expertise: What are you particularly good at? Whether it’s project management, coding, or public speaking, pick a skill that you can teach others.
2. Offer to Help: Know someone who could use your expertise? Offer to give them advice (only if wanted!) and teach them a thing or two.
3. Provide One-on-One Mentoring: Want to step it up? Offer to mentor new hires or colleagues looking to develop their skills. Regular check-ins and personalized guidance can make a big impact.
4. Create Helpful Resources: Even further? Develop cheat sheets, guides, or video tutorials that colleagues can refer to.

Pro Tip: To really stand out, focus on being approachable and supportive rather than focusing on getting things done correctly. People are more likely to seek out your mentorship if they know you’re open and willing to help. If you want more guidance, check out our article and video below: How to Find a Mentor (& Everything You Need to Know!)

Stay a Step Ahead of Your Critics

I’ve been there, sweating bullets in front of a room full of skeptical executives, scrambling to defend my ideas. But now? I can practically read minds, anticipating objections before they’re even voiced.

My secret? I learned to stay a step ahead. Or more like three, four, five moves ahead.

So, let’s break down the types of critics you might encounter:

Critic Type	Their Game	Your Counter-Move
The Nitpicker	Focuses on minor details	Have your facts triple-checked
The Devil’s Advocate	Argues the opposite viewpoint	Prepare counterarguments for all angles
The Skeptic	Doubts everything	Come armed with solid evidence and case studies
The One-Upper	Always has a “better” idea	Acknowledge their input while standing firm on your proposal
The Silent Assassin	Says nothing, then complains later	Actively seek their input during discussions

Action Step: Identify which type of critic gives you the most trouble. This is your priority target for developing counter-strategies!

Wear Your Standout Piece

The verdict is in: you ARE what you wear.

You see, what you wear affects:

• how much power you wield
• how much influence you have
• how smart you are
• how much you earn

…And even make you stand out. Clothing researchers have studied the effects of fashion psychology and have determined that what we wear can change our identity (and even make us unforgettable).

Think of Harry Potter’s iconic glasses, Cleopatra’s jewelry, The World War 2 woman with the iconic headband, or James Bond’s tuxedo.

All these characters have their standout piece, or the piece of clothing that makes them unique. In professional settings, this works wonders—a unique set of cufflinks or a fabulous suit and jacket can get you noticed.

So, what should you do to find your standout piece?

Action Step: First, take a look at the following list of adjectives. Which one(s) do you want to portray the most?

• formal
• stylish
• professional
• edgy
• athletic
• attractive
• powerful

Next, we’re going to do some Google-fu. Open up Google and type in your adjective followed by “accessories.” So if you wanted to be more formal, you’d type in “formal accessories.” Head on over to the images tab and you’ll find something like this:

Great! Now you’ve got a list of unique accessories to pick. Choose the best one and incorporate it into your wardrobe. Interested in how colors affect how people perceive you? We got you covered: Color Psychology: How Color Affects Your Emotions And Why

Stop Underestimating Yourself

For many of us, we’re severely limiting our potential because we’re:

• too afraid of change
• not motivated enough
• afraid of uncertainty

… But that very limiting belief is like a potential-blocking concrete wall, stopping us from truly standing out and realizing our potential.

We need to take down this wall.

Action Step: The best way to break down your mental handicaps is to take action. The more action you take towards your goals, the more you’ll realize how achievable it is to overcome your obstacles.

And it doesn’t have to be large actions, either. Small wins build up, creating “success momentum.” Small wins include:

• going for a run in the morning
• tracking your budget and finances
• writing down daily grateful thoughts in your journal

Want to learn more about small wins? Learn to boost your self-esteem: How to Build Rock-Solid Self-Esteem in 10 Weeks (or less!)

Personalize Your Interactions

Over the last years, I’ve worked with big names like Google and Microsoft.

I’ve talked with world-famous CEO’s and VIP’s (and made a great impression).

My secret?

As Dale Carnegie says, it’s all about winning friends and influencing people… Through social skills!

“A person’s name is to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.” — Dale Carnegie

If you want to make an impact, here are a few quick tips:

• Say their name. Just mentioning someone’s name has a likability effect and helps you become more memorable. Try repeating their name once you hear it (“Nice to meet you, Arnold!”). You can also associate their name with a hobby or adjective that describes them (if you find out Arnold plays a lot of sports, you can repeat in your mind, “Active Arnold”).
• Find your sparkline. Your sparkline is a one-liner that answers the question, “What do you do?” This is your moment to say something witty/fun/interesting and not something generic like, “I fix computers to pay the bills.” Try something like, “I teach soft skills in a hard-skills way of thinking.” For more ideas on sparklines, check out our guide on the best elevator pitches
• Body language mannerisms. How does your body operate? The body speaks its own language, and we often forget what we’re doing when talking to others. If you record yourself speaking to others, you might notice odd behaviors—like leaning away from someone or rubbing the back of your neck—that indicate insecurity or being closed off. This is anti-standing out behavior! What you want to do is open up by uncrossing your arms and legs and fronting them. What is fronting? Read more on mirroring body language.
• Write a handwritten note. This one works especially well after an interview. Instead of sending in an email like everyone else, go personal! Grab the contact information of your job interviewer and send them a short, personalized message for additional brownie points.
• Gift-ercize. Have you ever received a generic birthday gift from someone? You’re not alone. Send a unique, one-of-a-kind gift to someone to stand out. Think of what they like to do—if Arnold likes to exercise, try a group class membership or protein powder. For a list of more gift ideas, check out our favorites: Unique and Hilarious Gifts For Everyone On Your List

Social interactions can be incredibly powerful, if they’re done right! Think of each interaction as a chance to stand out and make a great first impression.

Probability Versus Possibility

We love to hear about the people who “make it” and get rich, become all-star athletes, invent viral products, etc.

However, these people are outliers. Outliers are the ones on the opposite ends of the curve. They’re the naturally gifted ones, the ones who got really lucky, or the ones who’ve trained in a skill since they were 3.

In other words, you can follow Lebron James’s diet, workout routine, and habits to a tee. But chances are, you’re never going to be able to play pickup with Lebron no matter how hard you try.

This means you’re NOT an outlier.

But that’s OK! You can still achieve greatness while not being an outlier.

How?

This is where the concept of possibility and probability comes in:

• Possibility is seeing what CAN be achieved in your lifetime—becoming a Nobel Prize winner, a quarterback for the NFL, or a top-paid actor/actress.
• Probability, on the other hand, involves what can LIKELY be achieved in your lifetime—becoming a millionaire in X years, a fantastic public speaker headlining at live events, or a YouTube star.

The point isn’t to kill your dreams and set your standards low. The point is to make your dreams more attainable, and set your standards high, yet realistic enough so you can actually reach them.

Action Step: Time to nail down the probabilities. What CAN you do that others can’t? What are you exceptionally great at, that your chances of succeeding if you gave it your all are higher than most others’? You might find one or two things in particular stand out to you the most. If this happens, it’s a good sign you’ve found your one thing. Now ask yourself—are your goals within the realms of probability?

Have Realistic Role Models

Who do you look up to?

Whether your role models are influencers like Oprah or real-life heroes like your mother…

To achieve true uniqueness, you need to separate your realistic role models from your outliers.

Here are some examples of realistic role models:

• your millionaire friend who runs a 7-figure digital marketing company
• the popular professor who is a fantastic public speaker and well-loved by his peers
• the single mother who raises 3 kids, runs a successful side hustle, and still manages to keep a full-time job
• your distant uncle who is a retired soccer coach and won various medals and awards

Action Step: Write down a list of your realistic role models. Once you have that down, come up with a list of WHY they are your role models. Are they entrepreneurial? Disciplined? Intelligent or compassionate? These characteristics are the values you admire. Try to write down at least 5 values.

Create a Game Plan

Take your values you’ve written down in the previous step—it’s time to create a game plan in just 5 steps. Your 5-step game plan will help you get to where you need to achieve your realistic goals.

“How are you going to make a large, unignorable statement?” — Ryan Holiday

1. Break down your values. Let’s say you are “hardworking” and “independent.” Remind yourself why these values are important, and how they will help you stand out.
2. Create action steps. If you’ve labelled yourself as lazy, how do you get to a place where you’re hardworking and dependent? What exact steps do you need to take, and what habits do you need to build? It could be things like: Work on your side hustle an extra 30 minutes per day, make your bed every morning, go to the gym 3 times a week, or plant tomatoes in your garden.
3. Set accountability. Start a task list, download a to-do app, join a mastermind, or donate money to your best friend if you don’t complete your goals. Whatever your actions are, find a way to be accountable.
4. Start a success journal. Write down the actions you’ve successfully completed in a journal or your phone notes. This step is crucial because it’ll help you visualize the progress you’ve made so far.
5. Keep playing ball. As Brian Fabes, CEO of Chicago’s Civic Consulting Alliance, says, “If a leader isn’t reaching toward big goals, which is core to getting ahead, he or she will soon find himself or herself behind.” And in order to truly stand out, you’ve got to keep at it, one day at a time.

Now that you’ve got your game plan, no excuses! Let’s give it all you got. I know you got this!

Develop Your Unique Sense of Humor

Ever been to a party where someone cracked a joke and the whole room erupted in laughter?

Meanwhile, you’re standing there thinking, “I wish I could do that…”

Well, guess what? You can!

One 2014 study^{10https://www.yorku.ca/mar/moran%20et%20al%202014_JRP_humour%20production%20and%20comprehension.pdf} even found that people who use humor effectively are perceived as more confident and competent.

First things first, let’s break down the types of humor. Think of these as different tools you can use—they all accomplish the same thing, but you might find one humor type more suited for you than others:

Humor Type	Description	Example
Sarcasm	Saying the opposite of what you mean	“Oh great, another meeting. Just what I needed to brighten my day.”
Wordplay	Playing with the multiple meanings of words	“I used to be a banker, but I lost interest.”
Observational	Pointing out the absurdities of everyday life	“Why do we park on driveways and drive on parkways?”
Self-deprecating	Making fun of yourself	“I’m not saying I’m Wonder Woman, I’m just saying no one has ever seen me and Wonder Woman in the same room together.”
Dry humor	Delivering jokes with a straight face	“I have a lot of growing up to do. I realized that the other day inside my fort.”

Want to see these types of humor in action? Feel free to Google these real-life comedy champions:

1. Sarcasm: Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) from “Friends”
2. Wordplay: Groucho Marx
3. Observational: Jerry Seinfeld
4. Self-deprecation: Conan O’Brien
5. Dry Humor: Steven Wright

Action Step: Identify which type of humor resonates with you the most. This is your starting point! And if you want a deeper dive into humor types, we got you covered: How to Effortlessly Develop a Sense of Humor (& Humor Types)

Action Step 2: Watch clips of the above comedians in action. Pay attention to their timing, delivery, and how they construct their jokes.

Be the Master of the Micro-Moment

Ever notice how some people just seem to nail those tiny interactions? Yeah, that’s no accident.

These micro-moment masters have a secret weapon: they’ve turned the small stuff into an art form.

The elevator ride, the coffee line chat, or the quick hello in the hallway. Most people sleepwalk through these, but not you. Not anymore.

Action Step: Time to level up your micro-moment game. Here’s how:

1. Craft your go-to conversation starter. Ditch the weather talk. Try something like, “Read any good books lately?” or “What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned this week?” For more, check this out: 68 Killer Conversation Starters So You Can Talk to Anyone
2. Perfect your exit line. Don’t just mumble “see ya.” Go for something memorable like, “Stay awesome!” or “Go conquer that day!”
3. Master the art of the compliment. But make it specific. Not just “nice shirt,” but “That color really brings out the intensity in your eyes.”
4. Develop a signature gesture. A unique handshake, a quirky salute, whatever fits your style.
5. Be present. Like, really present. Put that phone away and give ’em your full attention.

Pro Tip: Practice these in low-stakes situations first. The barista doesn’t know you’re trying out your new micro-moment skills. Use them as your guinea pigs (just don’t be creepy about it!).

Roll the Dice (But Peek Under Them First)

Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a cliff. Below you, a crystal-clear lake beckons. Your friends are egging you on to jump. Do you:

A) Turn around and head home for a nice, safe cup of tea?

B) Close your eyes and leap without looking?

C) Check the water depth, calculate the trajectory, then make your move?

If you picked C, congratulations! You’ve got the makings of a calculated risk-taker.

Now, I’m not saying you should go jumping off cliffs (unless that’s your thing). But in life and business, sometimes you’ve gotta roll the dice to win big. The trick? Peeking under those dice first.

Let’s take a quick tour through two of my favorite calculated risk-takers:

1. Oprah Winfrey: Left a cushy news anchor job to start her own production company. Result? Media empire, anyone?
2. Richard Branson: Started Virgin Atlantic with one leased plane. Now owns an island. Not too shabby.

Yes, there are way, way more examples—even those not-so-famous. And these folks didn’t just leap blindly. They looked before they leaped, then leaped with gusto!

So, what makes a risk “calculated”? Let’s break it down:

1. Research: Do your homework. Know your stuff inside out.
2. Analysis: Weigh the pros and cons. Use that beautiful brain of yours.
3. Gut Check: Does it feel right? Don’t ignore your instincts.
4. Preparation: Have a plan B (and C, and D…).
5. Action: When you’re ready, jump in with both feet!

Heads-up: Yes, failure is a reality. Remember New Coke? Or Google Glass? Even the big players sometimes swing and miss. But here’s the kicker: They learn from it and come back stronger.

Take Amazon’s Fire Phone. Total flop, right? But did Bezos curl up in a ball and cry? Nope. He took those lessons and created the Echo, which is now in millions of homes.

The moral? Failure isn’t fatal. It’s feedback. So here’s your training regimen:

Week 1: The “Small Risks”

• Try a new food you’ve been hesitant about
• Strike up a conversation with a stranger
• Take a different route to work

Week 2: The “Professional Risk”

• Pitch that wild idea in your next meeting
• Apply for a job you’re not 100% qualified for
• Ask for a raise (gulp!)

Week 3: The “Personal Growth”

• Sign up for a class in something you know nothing about
• Plan a solo trip to a new city
• Tell someone how you really feel (you know who)

Week 4: The “Big Leagues”

• Start that side hustle you’ve been dreaming about
• Make a major career shift
• Invest in that opportunity you’ve been eyeing

Repeat after me: “I am informed, I am prepared, I am brave. I embrace uncertainty as opportunity. I learn from failure and celebrate success. I am a calculated risk-taker, hear me roar!”

(Okay, maybe skip that last line in public.)

Action Step: This week, I challenge you to take one calculated risk. Big or small, doesn’t matter. What matters is that you do it.

Remember, in the words of the great Wayne Gretzky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So take that shot. Who knows? You might just score the goal of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) To Stand Out Personally & Professionally

Bonus: Being Unique in America vs. Japan

Did you know where you stand out makes a difference?

A 2014 study by researchers at Shiga University in Japan found that being unique can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on where you are.

Americans, on the other hand, highly value uniqueness. Americans thrive on being unique because our culture is more open to replacing social relationships. That uniqueness helps people stand out and make new friends.

In other words, in countries where relationships have a higher turnover rate, uniqueness helps people develop their unique “selling points.” Contrast that with a more closed society like Japan, however, and those selling points may cause someone to be ostracized. Yikes!
So, how do YOU stand out? What makes you unforgettable? And, do you feel amazing about your uniqueness? For further reading on how your personality can make you unique, check out: Big 5 (OCEAN) Personality Test