Day 27: It’s easier to stand out than you think

If you think you’re funny, don’t become a standup comedian.

Because you might be funny to your friends, but the moment you step into the industry, you are average. (If you’re extremely funny, then consider it.)

If I’m choosing a profession, I’m not gonna choose one that I’m just average in.

If I pursue standup comedy, it will take me years to get to the top. Because I’m simply not funny enough for the industry’s standard.

But if I'm a teacher who’s funny, that could put me up there. In the top 10%. Because sadly, most teachers are not funny or passionate enough about what they are teaching.

The education industry standard for funny is lower. Or simply, different.

In choosing a career to pursue, knowing your strengths isn't enough. You need to know your strengths relative to the industry's standard.

If you can become the top 10% in any industry, you're set for life.

If you're not the funniest in the comedian world, try to become a knowledgeable comedian. If you’re not the most knowledgeable in the teacher world, try to become a funny teacher.

The point is: niche down. Be more specific about who you are.

Are you a really knowledgeable comedian?
A super funny teacher?
A data scientist who can ace a presentation?
Or a great communicator who can understand numbers?

Whatever you are, being more specific helps. Because the more specific you become, the easier it is for you to stand out.

In life, it's very important to know what game you're playing.
Not just how well you can play it, but also, what's your chance of standing out?

People go to a standup show, expecting to get a good laugh.
People go to a class, expecting to be enlightened.

Can you surprise your audience, and deliver both?

So your choice: an average comedian, or a really funny teacher.