To be extraordinary, STOP being part of the rat race, stop following fashion blindly, and stop aping others just because you admire them. Become the person people will take inspiration from, strive every day to be a better version of yourself. Make yourself matter and make your identity unique because there is no one like you in this world and that alone is your superpower.

Being different is often rooted in the path you follow. Following a trend doesn’t really set you apart, instead only blends you with everyone’s way of leading life. And as per the words of Robert Frost, the road less traveled by isn’t always the wrong road. Why? Because being extraordinary needs courage, a long-time goal, and a zeal to do something new.

To stand out from the crowd and be recognized as a special person, you should start by developing yourself.  Personal Development is the key to success. “Extraordinary people often see the world differently; they listen to their own self rather than follow the general opinion of others.” Being extraordinary is more than the title in a workplace. It is more than the name you’ve gained while climbing the corporate ladder. Extraordinary is not defined by the fame you have harvested, but by the wellness you have cultivated within your mind.

So, what does it take to be extraordinary?

Surprisingly, the qualities that make a person stand out aren’t related to their level of education, income, or talents. It is their manners and etiquette that sets them apart. Possessing the right emotional intelligence and situational awareness makes a person extraordinary. 

Being kind is the greatest virtue. Nobody should be your punch bag. Pause, stop, react, wake up, and be in a good mood. But, don’t let your mood dictate your manners. 

Follow these simple rules and take the 1st Step towards your transition from Ordinary to Extraordinary.

• Communication – Exceptional communication skills elevate the quality of your relationships. It’s not about communicating ideally, but rather effectively — and that builds trust.
• Punctuality –Show respect for your and others’ time. Being on time helps you be cool, calm, and composed and lets you make a great impression. Respecting time is a sign of professionalism and helps you stand out as reliable and trustworthy.
• Style – Build your own style, you are unique – make it your strength. Work every single day to learn and become the best version of yourself.
• Grooming – Good dressing leads to great confidence. A good body image leads to success in professional and social settings.
• Chivalry – Showing respect is a token of kindness. Being chivalrous is not old-fashioned. Chivalry isn’t alone limited to holding or opening the door for women, but showing kindness to everyone who deserves it. Offering help when asked does not pull your character down, but pushes it higher.
• Bring about your A-game – You only get one chance to create that 1st impression, make sure to do it right.

• Network is Networth – Building relationships, forming good connections, and opening doors of communication with others can create ladders of opportunities. Invest time in building relationships with those who inspire your morale, share the same values as you do, and help you on your path to building a better identity.
• Transition – Transforming and transitioning from ordinary to extraordinary isn’t achieved within a fortnight. It takes time, patience, and a zeal to grow. You can be scared because that is just part of the journey. Don’t be afraid to step out of the bubble. Take as many risks as possible. Because, if not now, when? Embrace your identity and tell yourself, time and again, “Fight. You are capable and worth it.”
• Personal Branding – Your individuality counts. It’s your reputation, your values, and your unique characteristics that make you stand out. By creating a strong personal brand, you can differentiate your identity, and show who you really are and your expertise, skills, and talents.
• Continuous Learning – Being extraordinary translates to having a lifelong appetite for learning. Your surroundings are evolving, making wisdom an imperative and impactful path to remain relevant. Continuous learning comes in the shape of reading books, attending webinars and workshops, or seeking advice and mentorship from experts in your field. Investing in growth has never harmed anyone, only making you a more well-rounded and knowledgeable person, which will make you stand out from the crowd.
• Take Calculated Risks – Those who believe in being extraordinary aren’t afraid to go the extra mile. Taking risks yields greater rewards. By taking risks, you’ll challenge yourself, learn new things, and grow as a person.
• Embrace failure – Failure is an inevitable learning curve aiming to take you higher. Being afraid of it will never sow the seeds of victory. The taste of failure with the “head held high” is what makes you extraordinary. It doesn’t define you because it is a stepping stone towards success. When you fail, take the time to reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve. By embracing failure, you’ll become more resilient, adaptable, and persistent.

Being extraordinary is about developing the qualities and traits that make you stand out from the crowd. So, go ahead and take the first step towards being extraordinary today. Because as Albert Einstein said, “If you want different results, you got to do things differently”.