Data Analysts: The ONE Thing ALL Greats Have in Common (And Why You Should Embrace It)

Have you ever read about someone, watched someone on TV or the internet, and thought to yourself, "Who do they think they are?" Maybe you’ve even gone as far as calling them arrogant. Be honest! I know I have. If you haven’t, maybe this isn’t for you. That said, I’d still recommend you read on—you might pick up a thing or two.

My perspective completely changed as I started listening to successful people across various spheres of life: business, entertainment, or sports. Sure, some of them come across as arrogant, but often, it stems from a profound belief in themselves. So, what is the one thing they all have in common? They wholeheartedly believe that no one is better than them. And guess what? They’re absolutely right.

You might be thinking, What on earth is this about? Hear me out—you’ll soon see the truth in it, I hope!

The Myth of Being Replaceable

For years, many of us have been told that someone is always ready to take our place. For some, this started at home, with well-meaning parents saying, "Why can’t you be like X or Y?" It’s not their fault, and it’s not yours either. Society has conditioned us to see others as threats, to believe that there’s no space for everyone.

Let’s set the record straight: we’re not talking about skills here. Sure, someone you know might perform certain tasks better than you, but that doesn’t make them better than you. You are irreplaceable—not because of your skills alone, but because of your unique journey, perspective, and identity.

The challenge is that many of us don’t know who we are. If you truly understood who you are, you’d realise that no one—not a single person—can be better than you. Everything you’ve experienced, from birth to now, has shaped you to be uniquely you. And that’s why copying someone else is never a wise idea. A copy will always remain a copy.

Who Are You, Really?

Most people carry three distinct "personalities," or self-perceptions:

1. Who You Think You Are Right Now

This is the image you have of yourself based on your experiences and what people have told you. Maybe you just had a tough performance review at work and now believe you’re not very good at your job. Or maybe you’ve been doing exceptionally well lately and now think you’re unstoppable.

Here’s the thing: neither of these is truly who you are. Feedback is just a small snapshot of your skills—not even your life. You are bigger than those skills.

2. Who You Think You Could Be Someday

This is your "ideal self," the version of you that seems almost within reach but remains elusive.

You might think, If only I had a supportive boss, I’d perform better. Or, Once I pass this certification, I’ll finally succeed. Perhaps you believe your circumstances—like where you were born or your current responsibilities—are holding you back.

While striving for improvement is good, this version of yourself isn’t the whole picture. Even this "ideal self" is not who you truly are.

3. Who You Are (But May Never Fully Embrace)

This is your true self—the person you were born to be. It’s the version shaped by your life’s unique challenges, circumstances, and experiences. Being a data analyst may not define you entirely, but it could be the path to fulfilling your greater purpose.

Until you embrace this person, you’ll never find true satisfaction. This doesn’t mean you won’t face trouble or challenges—of course not. But when you find who you are, you’ll be at peace. You’ll realise that no matter where you are, you have a place.You’ll understand that you’re not just different—you’re unique. This is the version of yourself that the world needs most. There are people whose lives depend on you. When you refuse to become who you are, they miss out.

The Magic Happens When All Three Personalities Merge

The real magic happens when these three personalities align into one cohesive identity. Of course, this doesn’t happen overnight. It will take effort and introspection, but it’s worth it.

How can you start moving toward your true self?

• Show Up: Not just at work, but in every facet of your life. Commit to discovering yourself in every possible way.
• Seek Contentment, Not Satisfaction: When you’re satisfied, you stop trying. It’s like eating your favourite meal until you’re full—once you’re full, nothing else matters. But when you’re content, you acknowledge the progress you’ve made and seek to get even better.

The Difference Between the Greats and the Rest

This, my friend, is what separates the greats from everyone else. They understand who they are and refuse to apologise for it. Why should they? No, they don’t have everything figured out—nobody does—but they’ve struck gold by embracing their uniqueness.

You, too, are on the verge of a transformative journey. Go out there, be yourself, and own it, because you are worth it.

Your Turn

What struck you most about these different personalities? Did any of them surprise you? How do you plan to integrate these insights into your own life? Whatever happens, remember this: no one is better than you.