What Makes You Special? 11 Things That Show You're Different

Ever wondered, "What makes me unique?" In a world where we're often encouraged to fit in, embracing what sets us apart can feel uncomfortable. But here's the thing: each of us has a mix of talents, interests, and quirks that make us unique. It's not about some big achievements or being a superhero – it's the small, everyday things that create our uniqueness.

Think about it for a second. Maybe it's your love for making people laugh, your way of thinking and solving problems, or that one hobby that no one else gets quite like you do. These elements are your hidden 'superpowers'.

11 Things That Truly Sets You Apart

1. Your Smile is Like No One Else

Let's start with something you might not think about often: your smile. It's more than just a trait of happiness; it's a representation of your unique joy and way of seeing the world. Every time you smile, you're sharing a piece of your internal world with those around you. It's your signature, one that can light up a room and comfort your friend without saying a single word.

• It's contagious: Ever noticed how a genuine smile or laugh tends to spread? That's your personal brand right there!
• It's a communicator: Your smile shows your feelings and thoughts, often more than words could.
• It's unique to you: Just like fingerprints, no two smiles are exactly the same. Yours has a story, a style, and a sincerity that's all your own.

2. Stories Only You Can Tell

Now, think about the adventures you’ve gone through, the hurdles you’ve overcome, and the moments of bliss you’ve experienced. These stories aren't just memories of the past; they're the chapters that make your life unique.

1. Reflect on your past: Your history is full of stories that reflect your resilience, humor, and heart.
2. Embrace your narrative: Owning your story, including the struggles, will put the light on your strength and growth.
3. Share when you're ready: Whether it's having a chat with a friend or sharing it on a blog post, your story can inspire others.

See your personal anecdotes as a window into your soul, glimpses of the lessons you learned and the joy found along the way. Your stories are more than just where you’ve been; they're living proof of your unique essence and evolution.

3. Passions That Drive You

What gets you out of bed in the morning? What can you spend hours talking about without noticing the time fly by? These are your passions, the fire in your belly that fuels not just your day-to-day actions but also your biggest dreams.

• Identify what captivates you: Make a list of activities that make you lose track of time.
• Pursue with purpose: Dedicate time each week to spend time on these interests, whether it’s learning a new skill, deepening your knowledge, or simply enjoying the activity.
• Share your enthusiasm: Whether through social media, blog posts, or casual conversations, talking about your passions will lead you to unexpected connections and opportunities.

“Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” - Marc Anthony

Your passions make you who you are. They are as much a part of your identity as your name or your smile. When you're aligned with your passions, you're living truthfully and showing what really gets you out of bed in the morning.

4. How You Connect the Dots

Ever surprised someone with an answer they didn't see coming? That's because each of us has a unique perspective and lens. You may not realize it, but the way you face challenges: putting together information, relying on previous experiences, and even trusting your gut—is special to you.

• Embrace your approach: Pay attention to how you solve problems, big or small.
• Learn from others: Learning different problem-solving styles can improve your own methods and offer new insights.
• Stay open and adaptable: Every challenge is an opportunity to work on your problem-solving skills.

Your ability to handle obstacles, often in ways others might not consider, is proof of your unique sense of creativity and adaptability.

5. Only You Can Bounce Back Like This

We all have to face life's ups and downs, no exception here! Yet, how you handle them—how you bounce back—speaks about what makes you unique. Your resilience, the inner force that keeps you moving forward is as personal as your DNA. It's based on your past experiences, your history, and your mindset toward life's unpredictable nature.

• Track your triumphs: Keep a journal of moments you've overcome; it'll remind you of your resilience.
• Seek lessons in the lows: Aim to find growth opportunities in every challenge.
• Build a supportive circle: Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.

"Fall seven times, stand up eight." -  Japanese proverb

Keep in mind that resilience isn't about avoiding failure; it's about learning how to get back up every time we fall.

6. The Songs Only You Sing

Creativity can manifest in countless forms, from painting and writing to problem-solving and innovating. Within you lies a sort of melody of creativity unique to your experiences, talents, and perspective. The "songs" you sing—the projects you start, the stories you create, the ideas you bring to life—all carry your signature, your essence.

• Explore your medium: Experiment with different forms of creative expression to discover what feels right.
• Embrace your voice: Let your personal style shine through your work; it's what sets it apart.
• Share your creations: Whether it's through social media, a personal blog, or community events, share what you do. It will inspire others and hone your skills.

7. The Values That Guide You

At your core are the beliefs and values that influence every decision you make and action you take. These principles are giving you directions through life's challenges. They can range from a strong commitment to honesty, and a passion for justice, to a belief in the power of kindness. Identifying and living by these values not only sets you apart but also adds meaning to your life.

• Identify your core values: Reflect on moments you felt proud or fulfilled to uncover your guiding principles.
• Live intentionally: Make choices that align with your values, even when it's difficult.
• Influence and inspire: Your actions guided by your values can serve as an inspiration for others.

"Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny." - Mahatma Gandhi

Your values shape your thoughts, actions, and interactions. They're a distinctive part of you that influences how you see the world and how the world sees you.

8. The Way You Leave Your Mark

Each interaction and adventure brings a unique opportunity to leave our mark on the world. Whether it's through kindness, innovation, leadership, creativity, mentoring, volunteering, or simply being someone we can rely on, these actions define your legacy. The same legacy that will be a reflection of your unique personality, values, and skills.

• Small acts, big impacts: Remember, impactful marks are often made through small, everyday actions.
• Pursue meaningful projects: Go for work that truly aligns with your passions and values.
• Build lasting relationships: Invest time and energy in building meaningful connections.

9. Curiosity That Keeps You Growing

One of the most important traits that defines us is our curiosity (no gossip here!). It's what drives us for knowledge, makes us step out of our comfort zone, and sparks our creativity. Just think about it – every book you've read, every documentary that caught your eye, every new hobby you've tried – it all comes from that same curiosity. This desire to understand the world, to ask "why" and "how", is what makes you so unique.

• Stay inquisitive: Challenge yourself to learn something new every day, no matter how small.
• Feed your interests: Go deeper into topics that catch your attention. You never know where they might lead.
• Embrace the unknown: Step out of your comfort zone and go for new experiences with an open mind.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

10. When You’re The Rock in Turbulent Waters

During challenging times, your unique ability to stay calm, provide support, and lead others through tough situations makes you stand out. This ability to be the rock for those around you reflects your resilience, compassion, and wisdom. It's proof of your character and the depth of your emotional intelligence.

• Stay rooted: Ground yourself in your values and beliefs. They provide the stability needed in turbulent times.
• Be a listener: Sometimes, simply offering a listening ear can be the most powerful form of support.
• Offer guidance, not directions: Help others find their path by encouraging them to make decisions that resonate with their values.

11. Your Unique Ambitions, Goals and Purpose

What drives you? What are you aiming to achieve? Your ambitions, goals, and purpose are not just bullet points on a to-do list; they are the essence of your unique journey. These aspirations, based on your personal experiences, values, and passions, guide your path and reflect what you find truly meaningful in life.

• Define your ambitions: Spend some quiet time reflecting on what success looks like to you, beyond societal expectations.
• Set tangible goals: Break down your ambitions into achievable steps. Be proud of each milestone, no matter how small.
• Seek your purpose: Look for the intersection between what you love, what you're good at, and what the world needs. That's where you’ll find purpose. 

Your ambitions and goals are both what you want to achieve and who you want to become in the process. They're a significant part of what makes you special, they are a glimpse into your dreams, your challenges, and the impact you wish to have on the world.

Final Thoughts

From the way you smile to the goals you chase, what makes you special is a beautiful blend of your experiences, traits, and choices. Welcome all these elements. Let them guide you in building a path that’s uniquely yours. Remember, the journey to find out what makes you so special is always ongoing. It's filled with growth, self-discovery, and so many opportunities to leave your mark.

Frequently Asked Questions