Standing out is never easy, especially in a world as crowded and competitive as our own. While difficult, however, it’s certainly not impossible. Whether it’s in the workplace, a social setting, or their personal life, we’re going to share 18 simple ways that men can stand out from the crowd and shine on their own.
Master the Art of Conversation
One good way to stand out is by learning to initiate and sustain engaging conversations with other people. There are plenty of online guides and videos that can help you learn how to do this, but we think the best way to master this is with practice, practice, practice. A good place to start is using open-ended questions and listening actively when others are speaking.
Dress with Purpose
You’ve got to develop your own personal style—one that really reflects your personality (and profession, if you wish). Go through your closet and get rid of anything that you don’t absolutely love. Then, invest in some good quality clothes, paying attention to the fit and feel. Making an effort in this department will really help you shine!
Show Consistent Reliability
“Reliable people don’t just talk about what they plan on doing – they actually start doing it,” as per HackSpirit. This is just one of the many good traits of a reliable person. If you can show people that you’re always punctual, follow through on promises and commitments, and have a reputation for dependability—you’re definitely going to stand out.
Cultivate Emotional Intelligence
It’s also a good idea to work on understanding and managing your emotions if you want to stand out from the rest, as many men aren’t the best at this skill. You can do this by practicing empathy and trying as hard as you can to respond appropriately to the emotions of others.
Develop a Signature Skill
A unique signature skill is a surefire way to get people’s attention. First things first, you’ll need to identify and refine a skill that sets you apart. Perhaps you want to learn a new instrument or become excellent at baking and decorating cakes. You can then share your expertise through mentoring or content creation.
Be a Connector
People really do appreciate a good connector—someone who introduces people in their network to others they know when it’s beneficial. You could organize or attend networking events and use social media to enhance connections until everyone recognizes and remembers you as the guy who can connect anybody!
Stay Physically Fit
According to the CDC, “In 2020, about one-quarter of adults aged 18 and over met the physical activity guidelines.” So, if you’re able to maintain a regular exercise routine and practice good nutrition and sleep habits, you’ll definitely stand out! You can also use fitness as a way to boost energy and confidence.
Volunteer and Give Back
Have you considered engaging in community service or charity work? Why not offer your skills for free to non-profits or community groups? Make philanthropy a part of your life to inspire others. This is an increasingly rare thing to do, making you both unique and sure to stand out.
Maintain a Positive Online Presence
You could also try to curate a professional profile on social media, sharing content that’s aligned with your personal and professional values. We bet you don’t personally know many people doing this! When you engage positively with others online, you can really make a difference in their lives, which helps you, in turn, become memorable.
Embrace Creativity
Taking up creative hobbies like painting, music, or writing is also a smart way to set yourself apart from the rest—but this isn’t the only way you can embrace creativity. You can also apply creative thinking to solve problems at work and encourage creativity in others around you.
Develop a Global Mindset
Hult states that “having a global mindset is the belief that anyone, from anywhere, can teach you something new because of the unique life experience they have had.” So, do your best to learn about different cultures and global issues. Travel or work internationally to gain new perspectives and adapt to and respect diverse viewpoints.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
How many men do you know who practice mindfulness and meditation? We’re going to guess not too many! With that said, if you want to stand out, use mindfulness to improve your focus and reduce stress. You can incorporate meditation into your daily routine and share the benefits with others to spread peace and relaxation.
Be Financially Savvy
Combined with some of the other attributes on this list, being financially savvy is a great way to shine! Do your best to manage your finances responsibly and plan for the future. You can do this by continuously making an effort to learn about finances and then sharing your top tips with others too.
Support and Promote Others
Being known as someone who recognizes and commends the achievements of others is a great honor, and is sure to make you stand out. Even better, you can go out of your way to help colleagues or friends in achieving their goals—and always be generous with praise and constructive with feedback.
Take Intelligent Risks
Don’t shy away from opportunities that might seem daunting. If you’re not sure, Psychology Today suggests, “Look at what value you will get from taking the risk and then weigh that against the value of not doing it.” You can then share stories of risks that led to your personal growth.
Keep Up with Technology
Another way to stand out is by keeping yourself informed about the latest technological advancements. You’ll be able to use exciting new tools to enhance your productivity and creativity, and you’ll seem like an expert to others. You could even teach other people how to leverage technology if you really want to shine!
Advocate for Important Causes
Stand up for issues that matter to you. Most people aren’t brave enough or willing to risk their “reputations” to advocate for what’s right, so people will definitely take notice. You can use your influence to promote social or environmental change or protest against wrongdoing.
Develop Leadership Qualities
Finally, try to lead by example—both in personal and professional settings. If you successfully manage to develop the ability to inspire and motivate others, leading them toward success, you’re going to stand out. Study leadership strategies and start applying them to your life!
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