Just admit it...

We often hear people say, “the world is your oyster” but one cannot argue that in that “oyster, there are many other pearls. And mind you, these pearls have distinct characteristics that  may be striking and can pique the market’s interest. How, then, can you stand out when everywhere you look, there is competition?

It’s easy to assume that you can beat whoever and be at the top but we all know that’s not always the case. In this world, you cannot be complacent. You have to keep in mind that you are dispensable. There is always someone better than you and that is something you have to learn to accept.  Admit it, everyday, a new breed of generation springs out. The position you’ve been holding and putting much effort into will someday be passed on to someone younger and better. So while you’re at it, what can you do to make you last in that position that you can eventually leave a legacy to?

So, the question now is, how do you thrive in a competitive world?

Don’t sleep on your dreams.

Dreams remain unseen and intangible if you sleep on it. Don’t get me wrong, it all starts with a vision, with a dream but don’t let it end there. You have to work really hard to make it a reality. Otherwise, you will not see the realization of whatever you have in mind.

Bank in experience

It pays to have the necessary and relevant experience to get you where you want to be. If you aspire to go higher and further, you have to invest your time and effort to acquire experience. It takes time but you’ll get there if you put your mind to it. Nothing comes quick and easy, anyway.

Up-skill and Re-Learn

If there is an opportunity for you to learn new things, grab it. Don’t settle on stagnancy. As mentioned, there is someone who can do a lot better than you. You can’t afford to lose an opportunity just because you were too complacent. Don’t allow yourself to wallow and be left out. Opportunities for learning are everywhere, you just have to be patient and persevering.

Know your niche and invest in upgrading your knowledge

What are the things you are good at? What can you contribute?If you find yourself enjoying and excelling in a certain field, stick to it and upgrade. You can also opt to be a “Jack of all trades” but it takes a lot of courage and determination to stay in the game if you have no sole representation of who you are. While it won’t hurt to have multiple fields of expertise under your name, it would be beneficial to have at least one thing you can confidently pull. 

Branding is essential to keeping an image you would want to portray.

This goes hand in hand with knowing your niche. How would you want to be known? In your resume, what are the strongest suits that you can associate with? Let’s say you are a graphic designer, then that is your brand. Your name / your brand are what the crowd will first see and keeping with the brand is as essential as knowing your niche. 

Grow your network. 

Expand your network and grow your brand. Do not settle on your confinements. Go out of your comfort zone and be willing to spread your wings to unknown territories. Build a network and surround yourself with people who can help you realize your potential. Word of mouth goes a long way. 

Be kind and humble yourself.

Attitude is ten times more important than skills. Skills can be learned but if you have a foul attitude, then that could potentially pose a problem. In a very competitive world where skills and expertise play a vital role, personality is often overlooked. But who cares, you can always start being the best version of yourself not just in skills and what-have-you but in your attitude, as well.

These are the proven effective strategies that you can adapt and employ to keep you moving forward and upward. Be on the lookout for opportunities following these tips and see yourself succeeding. With these in mind, you know you are on the right track.