X-Factor is essentially considered to be an unknown but vital quality for achieving success. Interviewers and judges often speak of an ‘X- Factor’ when they consider multiple candidates for a single open position, or when they are deciding the winner of a contest. In the above context, the term stands for a certain undefinable quality that works in favor of the person who has it and gives them an edge over the others.
Let’s take an example. A lot of actors may audition for playing the role of the master spy James Bond. However, only very few will have that air of mystery around them which is required for a successful portrayal of the character. That air of mystery is the X-Factor in this case.
Also when people talk about an X-Factor, it seems to be like one of those things- you have it or you don’t. There is no way to develop it.
Then the other day, I came across an article in which the author wrote about identifying our X-Factor and developing it to increase our odds of success. She wrote that our strengths should be our starting point, and suggested a two fold approach –
1. Reflecting on our Strengths: This is pretty straightforward. We have certain inherent strengths and reflecting on them will help us in identifying our unique advantages.
2. Identifying our Hidden Superpowers: This one we will need to take external help for. We all have qualities that may stand out to others, but are unknown to us. If we can ask others about them, it will enable us to identify our hidden superpowers.
However, once we identify our unique competitive advantage, we will need to work on it and go the extra mile to get that slight edge.
What are your thoughts on this? How big a role do you think an X-Factor plays in success? Do you believe that an X-Factor is something that can be identified and developed to some extent?
*This post is written for the AtoZChallenge.
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elly stornebrink
I think I may be relatively new to the concept of X-factor actually or perhaps just misunderstood it in past. Anyway, thanks for educating me! 🙂 I think we all have X-factors; however, it depends on various factors including our awareness, whether we want to discover and hone our hidden talents, and the like. It may require a coach or mentor or not. It may involve exploring various facets such as work and volunteering with different people in different settings to see what we are good at, and then add our charisma. 😉 <3
elly stornebrink recently posted…#A to Z Challenge: X is for … Xpress!
Shanaya Tales
True. Different strokes for different folks. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Vinodini Iyer
Well, I feel each of us possess some amount of X-factor but it is how we hone and play on our strengths which matters. Your post surely got me reflecting on my X-factor. 😉
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Shanaya Tales
I am glad it did. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Courtney Turner (@mauijungalow)
One x-factor that makes people interesting is being interested genuinely in other people. It’s attractive to have someone really be interested in what you’re saying. I agree that we all have hidden superpowers, and they may be obvious to someone else but not to us. Like some people have a gift for decorating and may think everyone has the same gift. NOT true!
Maui Jungalow
Courtney Turner (@mauijungalow) recently posted…eXodus – Why do People Move From Maui?
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes! I agree!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Yvonne Ventresca
Love the quote!
Yvonne
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Shanaya Tales
Thank you! 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Alok Singhal
I think everything is identifiable in a person, it might be pleasing personality, attitude, positive behavior…it’s just that when we are unsure of the same, we can it an X factor. Isn’t it true?
Shanaya Tales
Yes, that is one possible explanation. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Susan Gourley
I’ve been thinking about what my X-Factor might be as I read about it on many different blogs today. I guess I never give up and that has kept me going through many different setbacks in writing.
Shanaya Tales
Never say die attitude is such a wonderful thing to have! Actually, it is critical for real success in any field. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Ruchi Singh
This is a fantastic topic. I not only enjoyed the post but also the comments above.
I think everyone has some hidden talent, and it needs effort from both the individual and the mentors, so that the talents/ superpower/ or x-factor comes out and shines. One needs a certain amount of self-confidence to carry it forward.
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Shanaya Tales
True that. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Devika Fernando
Interesting. I do think we all have that certain X-factor, it’s part of what makes us unique.
My link: http://www.devikafernando.com/blog/blogging-from-a-to-z-challenge-letter-x-xtra
Shanaya Tales
I agree. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Megan Morgan
I think the ‘x-factor’ also has a lot to do with personality and resiliency. Some people just naturally shine or draw people to them with the way they present themselves. It’s that extra bit of panache that draws things and people toward you.
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Shanaya Tales
True. That is one way of defining it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Sundari Venkatraman
That’s a damned good topic that you have chosen Shanaya 🙂 I have heard of this vaguely. It sounds so fascinating after reading your blog. Plan to explore! Thank you
Shanaya Tales
Thanks for reading, Sundari. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Shali Jay
Its so true ……we all have a little something special within us, which no one else has 🙂
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes! 🙂
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sulekha
The X factor is like creativity in a person, present in all but brought out in few. A little effort is needed to let it out.
Shanaya Tales
Yes, I guess, like any other skill, once identified, we should do our best to work at it (if we can work at something like X-factor, that is).
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Soumya
I do believe in X-Factor, but I will not completely rely on it.
It is good to identify a couple of plus points and work on it.
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Shanaya Tales
Yeah, and that is something that we can control too, unlike the elusive X-factor.
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Suzy
Good questions to ponder over. Love the quote.
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Shanaya Tales
Thank you. Glad you liked it. 🙂
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Shailaja
My hidden superpower seems to be the Godmother’s wand , what say you? 😉 In seriousness though, I honestly feel that yes, we need to dig deep and find out what we are most comfortable with. Then, we must do what we can to explore it to the fullest potential. In my case, I think it may be writing. I may be wrong, of course, but I hope not 😀
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elly stornebrink
Oh my Shailaja! Do you really doubt yourself in terms of your writing? Your writing is brilliant! Read all the feedback you get! 🙂 <3 (I wasn't sure if you were kidding as I see no wink after said comment.)
elly stornebrink recently posted…#A to Z Challenge: X is for … Xpress!
Shanaya Tales
You got feedback on the writing, so I am just going to say, that yes, the wand is indeed a superpower, which should not be under-estimated. 😛
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Charlene
Love this quote. I can relate ” X-Factor” to teaching – some people ‘have what it takes to be a teacher’ and ‘some don’t’! I am blessed to be among those that ‘have what it takes to be a teacher’ and a good one at that! I have been told so many times too (nice to hear)- I feel it’s because teaching is something that I am passionate about and is evident in the classroom and they way that I teach.
Great post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Shanaya Tales
Thank you for reading. 🙂
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Eli
I think the best xfactor is the one we have in our selves – i liked the hidden superpower thought!
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Shanaya Tales
I like that too. A lot. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Reviewing Classic Literature
Salvwi Prasad
A motivating quote to go on till the end of this challenge. Its been a long run here.
We so often feel dejected admiring the talent in others which we lack. We miss out on the time to search our strengths. If we could that more often, how happy each of us would be?
Cheers,
POETICbug
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Shanaya Tales
True. It is always better to look inwards. 🙂
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Karen
Love the quote. Very good thoughts here.
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Shanaya Tales
Thank you. Glad you liked it. 🙂
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G Angela
As you pointed out rightly X factor is something that stands out in a person; without much effort, often hidden.. it takes a little effort in the early days to identify… with our given education system where every parent want children to become either an engineer or a doctor…. and in the process the X factor dies a natural death in children, as they live a life of adjustment and compromise… when I hear this I feel sad.. working with the system is a challenge, despite that there is a need to help children/young identify their strengths in order they may recognise the x factor in them.. we can definitely identify and provide opportunities to develop..
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Shanaya Tales
Yes, I believe there is hope, because things are changing, so let’s hold on to that hope. 🙂
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