Dare to be a standout | April 13, 2009

I spoke at a college recently where a student told me she was excited about her dream, but she was a little concerned that she would have difficulty reaching it. One of her challenges? She didn't see a lot of people who looked like her in her chosen field. She was good at what she did, but she was not sure how to take it to the level she needed so she could stand out.

This young student's concern is the same concern many people have. Often, we have a dream in mind, but because we don't see examples around us of people who have achieved it, we begin to think it's impossible or unattainable for us.

But that's simply not the case. Whether you're one of the only pursuing a certain path or the only one you know of, consider this: For every first, there had to be someone willing to be an only. Every invention, every new technology, every new idea. Somebody had to risk being the "only" one.

So don't be afraid to be the only. And another thing: You may feel as if you're the only one doing a certain thing, but chances are, you're not. If you don't see other examples in your family, community, city or region, consider that there are others out there, just outside your view. Make it your business to find that community of people, if that's important to you. Finding others like you can give you a confidence boost, provide mentoring opportunities to you and even create opportunities for partnership or exchange of ideas.

You can find others in your field or area by doing a search on the Internet, asking others in related fields and even finding publications that serve people like you. Once you begin looking for others, you'll be amazed at just how connected you truly are.

Whether it's stereotypes that tell us we can't be or do a certain thing or lack of opportunities, too often these barriers separate good people from great dreams.

Whether you find a large community of others pursuing a dream similar to yours or not, stay true to what you are doing. Keep working hard at it and doing your best, even if you don't see others of your gender, race, community or group pursuing it.

Be the standout.

One last thing. Remember that just by pursuing a path of excellence or choosing to be a standout, you will be in the minority. Get used to it.