You’re A Genius and I Can Prove It
My “What IF” book begins with the words, “You are a genius,” and I make that point often on stage.
I don’t say that out of some pollyanna, “everyone’s a winner” view of the world.
I say it because it’s true.
You are a genius. At something. Or perhaps many things.
The problem is many people either haven’t discovered their genius, or worse, don’t believe they have one.
I taught this long before I heard this Einstein quote but it tells me I’m on the right track:
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by it’s ability to climb a tree it will live it’s whole life believing that it is stupid.” -Albert Einstein
You may be successful, very successful, and still not have discovered your genius.
Or, you may be looking for one thing, when your true genius is a unique combination of skills that no one else has.
Sharing your genius (and weaknesses) objectively is not an ego thing, it’s just honest, so let me share my situation as an example.
Start with my weaknesses: biology, chemistry, engineering, organization, categorization and details to name a few.
That said, for years I thought my genius was being a guitar comic who’s stronger on guitar than most, and I was blessedly successful at that.
I am also, ever since high school, quietly, a personal development nerd, studying change, innovation and performance.
It wasn’t until I was 40 that I realized I could do something totally unique by using guitar and comedy to deliver and illustrate a positive message of change and innovation.
There it was… my genius.
If you haven’t discovered your genius yet here are some questions to help…
What do you do well?
What do others, trusted friends say you do well? (Other see us in valid ways that we cannot).
What comes easily for you that others find difficult, perhaps so easily that you dismiss it?
What unusual combination of skills do you have?
Make a list of your three – five greatest skills.
How could those skills be combined, perhaps in a way you’ve never put them together?
Could they be a better way to do your job?
A different career?
Could they be a service/business/mission you haven’t launched yet?
If we’re all different that means you have something that we lack… and we need it.
Finally, remember that you are not the only genius…
So is the person to your left, to your right, across the street, the folks waiting too long at Starbuck’s, and those making them wait, and even the jerk who cut you off in traffic… he (or she) is a genius, too.
What if we all acted on our genius?!!!
And what if we treated others like they are geniuses?
When you act on your genius you unleash your greatest power on a world that desperately needs it!
Please pass this along, (especially to teenagers).
Live Truly, Truly Live,
Mike
