12 Ways to Be an ‘Extraordinaire’ as a 9-5

February 9, 2025

We all need to agree that it is not everyone that would be an entrepreneur, because if we are all entrepreneurs who then will do the job, that’s on a lighter note, i know sometimes we hear motivational speakers say that wealth cannot be achieved through a traditional 9-to-5 job. But the truth is, not everyone aspires to be extraordinarily wealthy—many people simply desire a comfortable and fulfilling life. Being an employee doesn’t diminish one’s ability to make a meaningful impact or shine brightly in their chosen path.

In a world where mediocrity is the norm, being extraordinary in your 9-5 job can set you apart, open doors to new opportunities, and give your career a significant boost. Many professionals settle into routine work habits, doing just enough to get by. However, those who rise above and demonstrate excellence position themselves for career advancement, financial growth, and deep personal fulfillment.

So, how do you become an extraordinaire in your profession?

1. Develop a Purpose-Driven Mindset

A job can be more than just a paycheck—it can be a platform for impact, growth, and fulfillment. To stand out, align your daily tasks with a greater purpose. Ask yourself:

What unique value do I bring to my role?
How does my work contribute to my company’s success?
What legacy do I want to leave in my organisation or industry?

As Simon Sinek famously said, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” Having a strong ‘why’ in your career will make you stand out.

Action Point: Write down your professional mission statement and revisit it regularly to stay aligned with your purpose.

2. Cultivate a Growth-Oriented Attitude

Being extraordinary requires continuous learning and self-improvement. The best professionals are those who never stop growing.

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

The late Steve Jobs was known for his relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. His obsession with learning and improvement led Apple to become one of the most valuable companies in the world.

Here’s how you can do the same:

Invest in Learning: Take online courses, attend industry conferences, and read books to stay ahead.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for constructive criticism and use it as a tool for improvement.
Develop New Skills: Don’t just be great at your job—become versatile by learning new skills that add value to your role.

A growth mindset ensures you remain relevant, adaptable, and ready for the next big opportunity

Action Point: Set a goal to read one professional development book each month and apply at least one new concept in your work.

3. Master the Art of Proactivity

Most employees wait for instructions; extraordinary professionals take initiative. Proactivity means anticipating challenges, seizing opportunities, and thinking ahead. Being proactive means;

Identifying problems before they escalate.
Offering solutions instead of just pointing out issues.
Taking on responsibilities outside your job description when necessary.

Employers and leaders appreciate individuals who show foresight and take ownership of tasks without being asked

Opportunities don’t happen, you create them. – Chris Grosser

Action Point: Identify one process in your workplace that can be improved and propose a solution to your manager.

4. Develop Exceptional Communication Skills

Being extraordinary at work requires more than just technical expertise—you need to communicate effectively.

Warren Buffett once said, “The one easy way to become worth 50 percent more than you are now is to hone your communication skills.” He took a Dale Carnegie course to improve his public speaking, which he credits as one of his best career decisions.

Strong Communicators

Listen actively and understand different perspectives.
Articulate their ideas clearly and confidently.
Write concise, impactful emails and reports.
Build meaningful relationships through networking.

Mastering both verbal and written communication will make you a go-to person in your organisation

Action Point: Practice active listening in your next meeting and summarise key points to ensure understanding.

5. Build a Strong Personal Brand

Your reputation precedes you. Being extraordinary means people recognize you for something valuable. Elon Musk built a personal brand centered around innovation and futuristic thinking, making him one of the most influential leaders today.

Here’s how to build your personal brand:

Become Known for Excellence: Always deliver high-quality work.
Engage on Professional Platforms: Share insights on LinkedIn and participate in industry discussions.
Network with Purpose: Build relationships with colleagues, industry leaders, and mentors.

A strong personal brand makes you indispensable and attracts new career opportunities

Action Point: Update your LinkedIn profile with your achievements and insights to reflect your expertise.

6. Develop Leadership Qualities

You don’t need a leadership title to be a leader. True leaders influence, inspire, and bring out the best in those around them.

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

Develop leadership skills by:

Mentoring and helping colleagues grow.
Being a problem solver, not just a task executor.
Taking responsibility for your work and decisions.

Leadership qualities will make you stand out, whether you are an entry-level employee or a senior executive

Malala Yousafzai, despite being a young student, became a global leader in advocating for education.

Action Point: Mentor a junior colleague or intern in your organization.

7. Master Time Management and Productivity

Extraordinary professionals are not just busy; they are effective. To enhance your productivity:

Prioritise high-impact tasks.
Use productivity tools like Trello, Notion, or Asana.
Learn to say no to distractions and unproductive meetings.

Maximising your efficiency makes you more valuable and gives you room for creative and strategic thinking

“Don’t confuse activity with productivity. Many people are simply busy being busy.” – Robin Sharma

Action Point: Use the Pomodoro technique—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break—to stay focused and efficient.

8. Embrace a Problem-Solving Mentality

Challenges are inevitable, but extraordinary professionals see them as opportunities for growth. Rather than getting stuck on problems, develop a solution-oriented mindset by:

Analyzing situations objectively.
Exploring different perspectives before making decisions.
Thinking innovatively to come up with effective solutions.

Problem-solvers become trusted advisors and are often promoted faster

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. – Albert Einstein

Action Point: The next time you encounter a workplace problem, propose three possible solutions instead of dwelling on the issue.

9. Maintain a Positive and Professional Attitude

Attitude is everything. A positive attitude enhances teamwork, boosts morale, and strengthens your professional relationships. People naturally gravitate towards individuals who are:

Enthusiastic and optimistic about work.
Resilient in the face of challenges.
Approachable and easy to work with.

Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. – Zig Ziglar

Action Point: Start each day by listing three things you’re grateful for at work.

10. Align with Organisational Goals

Employers appreciate individuals who align their efforts with company objectives. One of the fastest ways to be seen as extraordinary is to align your efforts with your company’s vision and objectives. Employers appreciate individuals who:

Understand the company’s goals and contribute proactively.
Think beyond their department and see the bigger picture.
Offer ideas that drive revenue, efficiency, or customer satisfaction.

When your contributions directly impact business success, you become an invaluable asset

Satya Nadella transformed Microsoft by focusing on a culture shift that aligned with the company’s broader vision.

Action Point: Review your company’s annual report or strategic goals and identify ways your role contributes.

11. Stay Resilient and Adaptable

The modern workplace is dynamic, and the ability to adapt to change is crucial. Whether it’s a shift in company strategy, new technologies, or economic downturns, staying flexible and resilient will keep you ahead. Key adaptability traits include:

Embracing new challenges with a learning mindset.
Being open to feedback and making adjustments.
Quickly recovering from setbacks and staying motivated.

Resilience makes you indispensable, especially in times of uncertainty

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. – Charles Darwin

Action Point: Develop a habit of journaling to track challenges and how you overcome them.

12. Balance Excellence with Work-Life Harmony

Being extraordinary does not mean burning out. Sustainability is key to long-term success. To maintain work-life balance:

Set clear boundaries between work and personal life.
Prioritise self-care and mental well-being.
Make time for hobbies and relationships outside work.

A well-rounded life ensures that you bring your best self to work every day

You can do anything, but not everything. – David Allen

Action Point: Schedule non-negotiable personal time in your calendar.

The workplace needs more extraordinary individuals. Will you be one of them? You can add whatever you think is missing in the list.