On differentiation

In the first scene of The Social Network, Mark asks, "How do you distinguish yourself in a population of people who have 1600 on their SATs?"

It's a question I frequently think about. Differentiation.

How do you distinguish yourself in a sea of people who are as smart as you or who hustle as much as you?

In a population of 1.4 billion people, being 1 in a million means there are 1400 people just like you.

Many people have the same degree as you. Same top-tier college even. Same certifications. Same job title. Same reputed consulting firm.

Then, what do you do to set yourself apart? Build a personal monopoly.

This is why Packy McCormick's piece on differentiation, which I read, really hit home. It felt like someone had put on pen and paper what I'd been discussing with myself in my head.