Your Infinite Potential: Uniquely You

Every snowflake is unique. Even though two snowflakes may form in the same cloud, their different journeys to the ground will affect their shape and size, giving each snowflake its own unique identity.

Just like you. You are unique, and your journey has been different to everyone else’s. Although genetically humans are all 99% exactly the same, it is that 1% that separates ordinary people from extraordinary people. All your billions of tiny experiences every single day have impacted your personality, your perspective, your talents - making you who you are. To strive to reach your potential, you really need to recognise and embrace what makes you ‘you’. 

By understanding and welcoming your uniqueness a whole new world could open up for you and contribute to how fulfilled you feel and how you can make a difference to others. Think of every remarkable person you know. Were they unique or just like everyone else? In general, we don't think about all the ways they fit in. We remember them for what they did, or who they are, that is different, distinctive, special. We remember that 1%.

Now take some time to think about you:

What do you love doing? When does time fly because you are so focused on an activity? How can your perspective on a situation help others? What can you contribute? When and why do people seek you out?

Do you know what makes you unique? And do you embrace, improve and capitalise on your uniqueness? Your professional and personal success relies on you being yourself and focusing on what makes you special. Here are some ideas for ten ways to discover your unique gifts.

Uniqueness vs Fitting In

Even if we do recognise that we have something special to give, why do so many of us not use this to the full? Sometimes, in an attempt to better fit in, we might not even pursue opportunities that would be perfect for us. We may be afraid of standing out, looking foolish or being rejected.

Amir Goldberg, professor at the Stanford School of Business, states that both fitting in and standing out are important for career success, but the aim lies in not being seen as bland and unremarkable nor perceived as odd and threatening. The goal is to find a balance between the two. “You want to distinguish yourself from the pack without making anyone in the pack uncomfortable.”

Belonging vs Fitting in

However, there is a difference between belonging and fitting in. Social scientist Brene Brown states "Fitting in is the greatest barrier to belonging. Fitting in, I've discovered during the past decade of research, is assessing situations and groups of people, then twisting yourself into a human pretzel in order to get them to let you hang out with them. Belonging is something else entirely—it's showing up and letting yourself be seen and known as you really are—love of gourd painting, intense fear of public speaking and all. Many us suffer from this split between who we are and who we present to the world in order to be accepted. But we're not letting ourselves be known, and this kind of incongruent living is soul-sucking."

Belonging occurs when we own our unique gifts and find settings where they can flourish. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece is uniquely shaped and has its own place. Without it the picture is not complete. Belonging means we have to be different, we have to have a unique purpose. But that doesn’t mean we have to be larger than life, or overtly brilliant. Like each puzzle piece, we can be small but significant, special, essential.

As an example, I work in a company where I am different in many ways from the typical employee and therefore may not 'fit in’, in the traditional sense. However, I do feel I belong. A vast number of my colleagues are young, British, analytical, male engineers with different ways of working and different interests from me. But the skills and insights I bring help me contribute to the team, without having to become someone I am not.

Be you

Every human being is a unique individual, yet often we try to copy others, out of our desire to conform, believing that we are not enough just the way we are. But we can't reach our true potential only by imitating those we admire. If we continuously compare ourselves to others, we will never feel content or authentic. We cannot reach our true potential if we are just carbon copies of someone else.

Your unique talents are natural and instinctively linked to you. You love them, you do them better than others, they challenge you in a positive way, inspire you and give you energy. Your uniquness is also transferable, meaning that no matter what walk of life you choose or what job you have, your unique ability will always stay with you. It is how you apply it that brings it to life.

Identifying your unique talent is no easy task. It is difficult to internalise and it usually requires input from those people who know you well, both personally and in a business setting. It requires reflection and action. But it is worth it - for your happiness and fulfilment.

Be proud of who you are, experience new things, challenge your life.

Diane is Head of People Development at Newton Europe

This is the 14th in the Series: Your Infinite Potential:

1. Your Infinite Potential: Living to the Max
2. Your Infinite Potential: Prune for New Growth
3. Your Infinite Potential: The Power of Morning Ritual
4. Your Infinite Potential: Lies Outside Your Comfort Zone
5. Your Infinite Potential: Making the Most of Your Time
6. Your Infinite Potential: Are you Holding You Back?
7. Your Infinite Potential: Through Helping Others
8. Your Infinite Potential: Stay Curious
9. Your Infinite Potential: Be Less Busy Being Busy
10. Your Infinite Potential: Recharge Yourself
11. Your Infinite Potential: Learn to Listen and Listen to Learn
12. Your Infinite Potential: Getting Back on Track
13. Your Infinite Potential: Baby Steps