Do You Know Your Zone of Genius?

May 30, 2020

During most parts of our lives, we’ve been praised for all the things we do well.

Well done, you’re so good at math!
Wow, you’re such a talented artist!
Oh my, you’re so crafty!

In return, the compliments or criticism of others shape the beliefs we have about ourselves, our skills, and ultimately our the path we considered our calling.

But being good at something doesn’t necessarily mean that that’s our TRUE calling and purpose. Yes, sometimes the two overlap but that’s not always the case!

So how can you discover your true calling and step into your life’s true purpose?

I believe that finding your Zone of Genius may help. Keep reading to find out more about discovering your Zone of Genius and finding the work that’s actually going to make you happy!

Understand The Zone of Genius.

In short, The Zone of Genius is where all the magic happens!

You see, everything that happens in the Zone of Genius doesn’t only utilize the acquired skills you’re good at.

The Zone of Genius is more about what comes naturally to you – the hidden talents, the things that feel effortless, easy, and above all, make your heart sing. In other words, all the work that doesn’t feel like work!

There are other zones too!

The whole concept is better explained in The Big Leap, a book I wholeheartedly encourage you to read.

Here are the other zones:

The Zone of Incompetence – skills you don’t have any knowledge in; others do it so much better than you!
The Zone of Competence – skills that you can do well to some extent, but nothing sets you apart from others that can do them too.
The Zone of Excellence – acquired and learned skills you excel at, things you’re able to perform better than most people.
The Zone of Genius – the place where your natural talents and purpose come into play and merge with everything you’ve learned until now – the zone where you enter into flow – there’s no one else who does this better than you!

Most people spend life in the Zone of Excellence.

If your whole life you’ve been told that you’re good at math, you may have taken up a career in engineering or majored in investment banking.

However, the problem with the Zone of Excellence is that while you may be good at that particular thing, it doesn’t fulfill your emotional needs. It’s just a job to you… a job that you do well, nonetheless, but that’s pretty much it.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with having a job that pays the bills! But staying in the Zone of Excellence too long leads to feelings of burnout and leaves you craving for something more.

And that more awaits only in the Zone of Genius!

How do you find your Zone of Genius?

Finding your Zone of Genius isn’t always an easy task.

If I’m honest, it takes a lot of work, a lot of getting-it-wrong’s and heartache… and it may take a few attempts until the answers really, truly match what you feel on the inside.

To help you find the answers you’ve been seeking for a while, I’ve put down some questions to help you uncover your Zone of Genius.

Grab a pen and a notepad and get down to writing!

What are the unique talents you have that other people don’t?
What are you naturally good at?
How have your talents served you over the years?
How have you helped others using your natural talents and skills?
What do you genuinely enjoy doing? What excites you?
What’s the one thing that has you not looking at the clock while doing it?
What would you do if you didn’t have to work for money?
What type of work doesn’t feel like work?
What type of work leaves you feeling energized? What drains you?
What allows you to make the biggest impact on other people’s lives?

Think about your answers and write them down.

There’s so much more to say about the Zone of Genius – as well as for the other zones! – but consider this as the best way to jumpstart the search for your true calling and find some much-needed clarity.