Your "X" factor!

Be yourself! While it's a great study to mimic influencers, leaders and thought provoking individuals in the industry, understand that no one can create, think and problem solve like you! 

While there may be more "successful" designers, artists or engineers out there, understand that skill sets alone don't truly define a person or bring that unique X factor to the table. How those traits and experiences are "applied" including how they bring others around, is the true definition of  your unique qualities, problem solving abilities & interpersonal skill sets you have that others may not (or have thought about).

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ― Oscar Wilde

Knowing who you are and what you bring competitively to the industry is the first "revelation" in the process towards your success and winning people over in feeling secure & appreciating who you are (not only as a professional but someone they can work with)! In a world where so many are allowing others (or their environment) to define them, knowing who you are, where you're going and what qualities (creative or technical) you have, are important for your story & branding!

How are you different? What motivates you? Why do you do what you do? What separates you from the legions of other qualified creators? Tough questions I know but they are absolutely necessary to answer as you WILL be asked. 

People not only want to hire the most competent, but they also want to hire the most confident as well! How do you problem solve? How do you integrate or involve others in your process? Do you play well with others? Great, how? Can you think on your feet or are you a processor? What is your greatest strength and what do you "feel" is your greatest weakness? (that's a tough one which may require some thought and a humble answer)!

So getting a grip on who you are is absolutely key in bringing you around towards confidence and a type of connectivity for others to grab hold of. Understand that people aren't always looking for the route or typical answer. Remember, we're talking about your "X" factor. The chance for you to be YOU! Like any good story, people want something new, fresh and original (seasoned with just enough typical to provide some familiarity & context).

So in conclusion, know who you are. Appreciate that you are unique and have an X factor that makes you truly intertesring, even if your trying to create work that looks, feels or performs just as good or better then the influencers out there. Don't feel apologetic because you may do things a bit differently or unorthodox. The industry is actively searching for the unique, original and fresh. So finding out what that is in you and bringing that to the industry with shoulders back and head held high is your personal & professional mission!