I tried to recall a professional I met who settled for being unremarkable, but no one comes to mind. Don’t get me wrong—I’ve met plenty of people who work in one of the professional disciplines who don’t aspire to be exceptional. They had jobs, not careers; they worked for a paycheck, not professional stature. We all know there’s a big difference.

So how is it that some who aspire to high professional stature end up being average? There are three things they do that make them unremarkable.

First, they don’t initiate. They wait to be told what to do. Anyone can respond to an email or a phone call initiated by your client or supervisor. But they don’t want you to be an order-taker. You’re more than a fast-food clerk. Simply asking, “can I help you?” isn’t taking initiative.

Second, they don’t anticipate. Once something gets moving, they don’t think ahead. You’re the professional. You’ve traveled this road many times with other clients. What are you doing now to prevent the bad things and accelerate the good? Don’t wait until something happens and say, “Yeah, this happens all the time.” WHAT!?

Third, they don’t have grit. GET MOVING!! Stay on it. Don’t dawdle, put things off or say, “I’ll get to it later.” Grit is the perseverance you apply, especially in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Accept the fact that NO ONE will return your call or answer your email. It’s up to you to keep the ball moving down the field.

You’d be surprised how well-meaning, hard-working professionals are guilty of these three things and wonder why they aren’t appreciated or recognized. All you have to do is to take the initiative, anticipate what’s next and demonstrate gritty perseverance.

It won’t be long before others will see you in a whole different light—and it won’t be unremarkable.