If you want to stand out in whatever you do you have to do something new. In business that means that when you seek opportunities you should invest your resources in new areas of a business because these areas are neglected and uncontested. When everyone is doing it then it is a standard and no longer good enough to differentiate yourself. To do this is not easy but well worth the effort because instead of following the market you can create your own market. This obviously has some challenges as well because you can't hide behind someone or something. You also need to have a strong personal drive and considerable confidence in your ideas. Generally many of us like to be judged by how well we do compared to others. I think it is good when you try to stop that urge and instead try to differeniate yourself from the group around you. Is it better for you to be No 5 in a large pool of players or do you prefer to be No 1 in a small pool? I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here by the way, it's a personal decision.
If your answer is that you prefer to be the No 1 player then you are in good company with many successful people. We don't have to be geniuses that transform the world every day but if you can find a way to make yourself more unique you will help yourself and the environment around you.
