When I started my career, I was eager to make a difference. I tried to be everywhere—attending every meeting, volunteering for every opportunity, and using all my free time to contribute beyond my role. Eventually, I burned out. My very first job was as a courier, delivering newspapers and magazines when I was 17. After that, I joined the armed forces and spent five years serving in various positions. Once I left the military, I decided to pursue a career in advertising. From the very beginning, I worked overtime—late nights, countless activities, and no personal life. I was inspired by David Droga, who famously lived in his office during the early years of his professional life. Working hard and working smart are entirely different worlds, you know.
To be successful you need to do two things.
First, you need to be good at the basics—what was assigned to you in your job offer. This doesn’t mean you should underperform or be less proactive. However, the KPIs outlined in your were agreed upon with you, and achieving these is your main goal within the organization you work for.. In large organizations, every individual must meet these goals to contribute to the company’s overall success. These KPIs are thoughtfully designed to align your efforts with the corporation’s strategy. By helping the organization achieve its objectives, you’ll also move closer to your personal success. Never underestimate the effort of the people who created these goals for you.
Second, once you are good at your basics, you need to develop something unique—your X-factor. For example, if you’re a software engineer, you could excel at organizing internal events or hosting technical discussions within and outside the company. Or, if you work in marketing, perhaps you’re skilled in managing social media, which you can leverage to boost brand awareness.
Let me explain using football as an example. I’m a big fan of football. Take David Beckham—he’s a world-famous football player. Was he good at everything? No. Was he the best at dribbling, ball control, or defense? Not necessarily. He was above average in those areas but highly proficient in the basics of being a right midfielder. His standout X-factor was his ability to deliver long, precise passes and exceptional free kicks. Beckham recognized this strength, honed it, and became one of the greatest footballers known for long passes.
Another example is Sergio Ramos, formerly of Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He’s an excellent defender. But to become one of the greatest defenders, he needed more than just defensive skills. Ramos developed a unique ability to score goals, which is uncommon for a defender. His aggressive defensive style, combined with his goal-scoring prowess, made him a leader and a world-renowned player.
The lesson here is clear: Don’t neglect your core duties in favor of extras. If your basics are weak, even multiple X-factors won’t save you from failure. But if you excel in your core role and contribute in other areas, it will shape a positive image of you in the eyes of your teammates, earning you a strong reputation. No one will remember all the initiatives you started or participated in, but they will remember the ones where you achieved something.