How is it that some people stand out from the pack and others just don't?

It's a factor of the 80/20 principle of performance.

The reality is that you can do what you are told at work - and do a good job of it - and still not have success or security in your position. Although you should absolutely seek to meet the objectives outlined in your job, you should have no illusions that this is enough.

Nearly everyone believes they meet the job's goals. You can get decent performance reviews, even get the occasional raise, and still not have a stellar career. So much of what we do at work is ordinary work that almost any of our peers can accomplish. Truly.

What really allows the extraordinary performers to separate themselves from the pack is where they focus the remaining 20 per cent that can be used at their discretion. And top-performing individuals think long and hard about the opportunity costs associated with channeling their energies one way versus another. Somehow they find a way to focus on the majors.

"Good job", "met expectations" or even "exceeded expectations" is not going to be enough in the long run. Achieving the highest levels of career success requires more than applause; it demands a level of differentiated performance that changes the very perception of your professional talent and worth.

The truly extraordinary not only consistently meet objectives, they start down a different path - to use their precious remaining resources to impact the organization in other ways, with objectives they have created and in areas that generate the most value to their organizations.