Are you different because you are unique, or are you unique because you are different?

We are all unique in the fact that God has created us in a different mold from everyone else. Even in most cases brothers and sisters do not act exactly alike, but predominately have the same set of parents. Yet we all have similarities, traits and personalities comparable to or just like our parents. We all face the same basic issues as that we all want to be different and carry a unique blend of affordable capabilities that allows us to be perceived as more valuable than the next person seeking our potential income from an employer.

Having laid that load of mumbo jumbo on you, let's examine what effects being different and being unique can mean to our everyday walk. I prefer to at least confer with Webster see what the definitions are for these two characteristics. By definition "different" is an adjective meaning unlike, changed or diverse. "Unique" (an adjective as well) is to be one of a kind; without equal, remarkable. So which would you rather be?

If we are unique, and I believe we all are, then what holds our capabilities is to be different. We are without argument one of a kind. There has never been or ever will be again another you. You hold your cards of destiny in the fact that no one will ever be able to take you from you. How you feel, think, act, etc are all because of who you are. I remember growing up and as a little boy with a vivid imagination, at any given time I could have easily have been Johnny Bench one minute, and Walt Garrison the next. We all wanted to be someone else from time to time as we grew up. The people at Mattel counted on it.

At some point in time we also realize that we all have a special gift to be something, not someone else. We cannot all be sports heroes, or famous actors? Who would by the tickets and see the shows if we were all from the same industry? It takes us all to be the World. We all make the spices of life. If we now agree (and I am not saying we all do) that we are all unique, how do we improve and get paid for our differences? I am considered an expert in the art of cold calling by some people. I love the opportunity to meet new people and get them to become my customers. It is a thrill to go out and make a call on someone or some company and they have no idea they are about to have visit from me.

Most people I meet dread the thought of making cold calls. In that fact, I am different. Therefore, people look to me to help with their inequities in cold calling and help them to build a confidence in this field of opportunity. Being different has allowed me to create a niche in a marketplace to help others grow in their sales efforts and in their marketplace.

So, I think being different enhances everyone's uniqueness and creates an opportunity for success. Go ahead, dance to your own tune and make everyone think that not only are you different, but that you are a very special individual with unique characteristics and personality. Dare to be different and see what happens. You may find yourself with a reward of extra income you had not counted on. If you do, go buy yourself something that shows off your difference to the rest of our World. Have fun being different and make the rest of us wonder what it is you know that we don't about that magnificent YOU!

"Act as if what you do makes a difference" William James

Learn more about this author, Danny Clemens.
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