Playing football (soccer for the Americans) today got me thinking.

One of the most important things in football is the off-the ball movement. A player who might not have the best technique, but has good movement, can still offer a lot to the team.

Good movement is all about finding space. Finding a position on the field where you aren’t surrounded by opposition, and where you aren’t crowding your own teammates. Basically finding a space for yourself. Sometimes you have to move into the space, sometimes you create space for yourself by just standing still (Paul Scholes being a great example of the latter).

At times, when there is space available that nobody is taking up, moving into it can be really effective. The key is seeing the space, seeing the opportunity to make the run, and the timing of the run. Other times, when other players are running all around you, you can create space by just stopping. Remaining where you are can create space when everybody else is running around.

The same is true with life, don’t you think? Even if you don’t have the best skills, you can make a big difference if you see opportunities and take them. And the best opportunities to look out for are those that allow you to differentiate yourself and set yourself apart. You can make the most impact and be the most successful when you don’t have to compete too much with others, when you carve out a niche for yourself.

The opportunities can sometimes require you to take initiative and move for it. If you see the opportunity and time your move well, you can be really successful. Other times, the best thing to do is just stay still. There are a lot of fads which stir up almost everyone to move, and sometimes the best thing to do is just ignore the fad and stick with what you’re doing.

The key is knowing when to move and when to stay still.

What do you think? How do you decide when to move and when to stay? How do you create space for yourself – be it in the marketplace or wherever else? What are your keys to finding your niche?