At some point in our lives — we begin to gather and note the clues about what we are can do (and not do). For many of us this journey begins at university, where we explore major areas of study and learn how our dreams might be suited to our talents. In many cases, those two worlds do not mesh organically. So we adjust. We seek counsel. Hopefully, we land at the right crossroads.
Yet, even then, that journey is not yet complete. We have more to learn about our talents. Where will we truly excel? What defines us? How are we unique as a contributor? There is no playbook or users manual. There isn’t a simple, straightforward course that we can pursue, or even a book to read to help us capture these questions.
Because it is impossible to know ourselves and be truly distinctive — without embracing authenticity. To stop pretending or approximating someone else’s path. To step back to identify what makes us different. What skill? What perspective?
Your “only”.
So, what is your “only”?
It is what truly sets you apart. The concept originates from the Marketing realm where Marty Neumeier developed a method to hone in on a brands uniqueness. What sets one brand apart from the others? What feature? Is it a feeling? An emotion? A pull?
We just have to sit with this for a moment — the notion of the “only”. To truly look at our authentic self. To identify that thing that we do, that we might do better than those around us. Or is simply unique to us alone. That certain skill that sets us apart, makes us distinctive (in a good way) as a contributor.
That is your “only” within work life.
Check out this recent poll:
I discovered my “only”, core stability, after I realized that every thought I had about work life focused on foundations. As as a child I suffered through the trauma of an unstable parent, where the foundations were always slim to none. Initially,I didn’t initially realize the connection with my work. Yet, when I worked with a team, I was usually trying to find the areas of chaos to restore some kind of needed balance.
I didn’t know that this would become my “only”. My rasion d’etre, my reason to be as an I/O psychology practitioner. It has led me to a sense of contribution to the realm of work life.
So — have you found your “only”? Here is what to look for:
- What part of your job often gets you noticed? What task? What method? What strategy?
- What do you obsess about, talk about, read about and apply to your work that no one seems to see or share?
- What tasks do others seek you out to complete, because of your approach or unique competence?
- How does your contribution enhance how your team delivers a product or a service uniquely?
Do you have an “only” journey to share? Tell us about it in comments.
Every journey is unique.
Marla Gottschalk, Ph.D. is an I/O Psychologist & writer, who explores the dynamic nature of work life. A charter member of the LinkedIn Top Voice Program, she helps individuals and teams build stronger foundations. Her thoughts on work life have appeared at the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, BBC Work Life & The World Economic Forum.
Marla Gottschalk 