How to get away from the homogenous crowd?

From one thing to another. Today I was reminded about the competition again.
There are lots and lots of guys with the same experience as I have, applying for the same jobs as I do.
First when I see them I think, "what a boring crowd, I'm different compared to them". But then I talk to a few of them, and I realize that we have the same background, and our applications probably look the same. They are pretty intelligent and ambitious guys. They can do similar things as I can do. They have similar ideas.

It's clear that I need to differentiate. I need to find my own way. The question is which way is mine and how should I find it?

Looking back at times in my life where I had to take a decision, I was pretty much a coward. Sometimes I took a risk, but most of the times I didn't, and that's something I do regret today.

So the only thing I'm quite sure about is that this time I need to be prepared to take a risk. If I don't risk anything I won't win anything. I just want to take the right risk. Maybe that's nothing but a contradiction isn't...? That's because I'm tired.