Option 1 (you already have a job)

Think about the job you do right now. There are likely one or two specific skills that everyone else in the same field are also proficient in. These skills are basically your entry ticket into the field. They show everyone else you belong.

Now, think about some of the problems, tasks, or other issues that come up in your day to day. There are likely a number of additional technical skills that that you could add to your skill stack that will help you elevate your performance. You don’t need to be the best in these complementary skills but you do need to move into the top 25%.

Finally, you have a final layer of skills worth considering—the skills that don’t even seem connected to what you do but that act as a type of supercharger to the skills you already possess. These are the skills that will make you stand out.

This is more of the Scott Adams approach - look at the intersection of your skills and then look at what projects you might pursue.

Everyone should try this at some point. Step back from what you’re doing and look only at yourself as a collection of skills and interests. For now, don’t worry about how good or bad you are at any of them, just find 5-10 things you are either deeply interested in or possess some degree of skill in.

Once you have your skills, start looking for possible projects or jobs that might exist at the intersection of some or all of your list. It’s not a perfect science but the thing I like about it is that it will get you thinking beyond the standard career catalog of choices most people get stuck in. It will also help you see yourself differently.

Give it a try this week and think about the skills in your stack!