Stand Out

To stand out often means being first.

General Warren sees the opportunity and decides to take the chance. Without wasting any time, he charges up a hill, leading his troops with courage and determination.

Because he was the first to seize the hill, he gained a big advantage over the opposing side. From the top of the hill, he could see the whole battlefield, plan his strategy, and have a better position to defend.

A hill is the most valuable piece of real estate in battle. As a result of General Warren's quick thinking, the Union army was able to achieve a win at Gettysburg.

By being the first to take action, to seize that hill, he changed the course of the battle and turned the tide in their favor.

Major corporations are successful by being first. For example, Apple is first to create a new electronic product every year, Amazon is first to add the fastest shipping experience, and Walmart is first with multiple locations and lower prices to make them the world’s largest retailer.

Let's apply this lesson to our own lives. Being first in anything means taking the initiative. It's about having the courage to step up and try something new, even if it's uncertain or challenging.

Just like General Warren had a better view from the top of the hill, being first allows you to see things from a unique perspective and make better decisions.

Being first means being prepared, observant, and willing to take action when the time is right.
To increase your chances for getting a job that’s just been posted, be the first to apply for it.

To increase your chances for admission to the college of your choice, be the first to present yourself with a unique ability or hobby, instead of focusing on grades and test scores. To increase your chances of getting the ideal prom date, be the first to ask with an attention-getting maneuver.

Put another way, make the effort to stand out.

Someone once said the world will accommodate you for fitting in, but it will only reward you for standing out.

And who comes to mind for being first sand standing out? Apple, Amazon, and Walmart.

Embrace the value of being first, and you might find yourself achieving great things and inspiring others along the way.