In our quest to become unique or outstanding, the instinct often is to focus on one skill or area and strive to become the best at it, to be that one out of a million. However, this approach can be both daunting and statistically challenging. A different, and perhaps more approachable way, emerges when we consider the power of synergy and the compelling logic of mathematics.
Rather than aiming to be one in a million in a single skill, consider becoming one in a hundred in three different yet synergistic fields.
Here's where the mathematics comes into play:
If you can become the top 1% in three different but interconnected fields, you've hit the jackpot.
This is because 1% of a hundred cubed (1% * 1% * 1%) equals one in a million (100^3 = 1,000,000).Two Paths to Becoming One in a Million
The Professional Path:
Select one field to master.
Try to be the absolute best out of potentially millions.
Face high competition and invest a considerable amount of effort and time, with the risk of not reaching the top.
The Polymath Path:
Choose three related fields to specialize in.
Aim to be among the top 1% in each field.
Combine your skills to create a unique intersection.
Face reduced competition and invest a balanced amount of effort and time, with higher chances of success due to diversity and synergy of skills.
The key advantage of the synergistic path is the creation of a unique skillset that stands out in a crowd. This strategy is not about being a jack of all trades, nor is it about mastering a single trade. Instead, it's about blending three intersecting skills to create something uniquely valuable.
For instance, if you can become proficient in singing, acting, and dancing, you create an intersection that can lead to a standout performance on a Broadway stage, positioning yourself as one in a million in this niche.
Synergistic Differentiation: The Three-Part Formula
Identify Three Synergistic Skills: Find skills that, while distinct, can complement and enhance each other when combined.
Strive for the Top 1%: Work towards achieving proficiency in each of these skills, reaching the top 1%.
Synergize to Differentiate: Fuse these skills into a unique set that differentiates you from the rest.
This approach is about synergy - where the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. It offers a more manageable way to differentiate oneself in a crowded field. The path to becoming one in a million becomes less about competing with a massive crowd and more about complementing one's own abilities. It encourages us to embrace our multifaceted nature, explore different avenues, and create a unique, synergistic blend.
Becoming one in a million is not a daunting, improbable task. With the right synergy of skills, the creation of a unique meta-skill is well within reach, allowing you to take your unique place in the constellation of a million stars.
Thanks to Max Marchione and Josh Constine for helping me work through this idea.