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.
The only answer is differentiation. Call it novelty, creativity, mutation.
Follow curiosities down deep rabbit holes and emerge with unique ideas. Partake in vivid and varied adventures to build up a set of experiences that is unique to you. Run away from the areas in which you are average and towards those where you might be special. Start a company because the world needs it, and because if you don't start that specific company, no one else will.