From what I understand so far, breaking expectation is one of the first important steps to take. Exercising your creative potential to create the kind of value which hasn't ever been present before. A self perpetuating contribution to the world which is incredibly useful and hopefully will endure the changing perceptions of humanity throughout the ages- can adapt to change.
Presenting and acting upon an idea that could be applicable regardless of how old it might become, something which has the potency to mold the perceptions of the masses in a significant way; which often meant that the individual was incredibly active in their pursuits of developing said idea or ideas. A trail blazer, not at all mediocre or generic, willing to be laughed at for his or her thoughts and/or actions. The ones who I admire most would have to be Leonardo Da Vinci and Shakespeare: Da Vinci because he didn't limit his areas of study and effort, he displayed the creative possibilities of the mind in many ways. And from what I know of Shakespeare he wrote almost all the time, dedicating himself to what he did and creating some truly great works and influencing the phrases that people widely use even today(from what I've heard).
So it could be said that I'm becoming more and more convinced that creative thinking and a incredible amount of effort is needed in which to be create great change and to influence humanity even centuries later (or should I say 'working smart'?
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I think a great curiosity for the world and confidence also play a significant part as well.