8 Ways to Live From Now On, Without Having to be a Genius

He never attributed his accomplishments to his brilliant mind. Rather, he credited his character - his simple curiosity combined with relentless determination.

Albert Einstein went so far as to say he was not smarter than anyone else. He was just more curious and stuck with things longer.

It's a great lesson in self-leadership for us all in today's confusing world.?

There are many smart people going nowhere fast. Here is what Einstein had to say, and how we can apply his words of wisdom to our daily lives.

“1. Most people say that it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character.”

What exactly is the "character" to which Einstein referred? And why did he believe it to be so important? Character is who you really are, deep down. It's your moral compass. Your ability to do the right thing. Character includes qualities that do not necessarily depend on intellect, such as your curiosity, confidence, attitude, persistence and being open to all possibilities. While being smart is important, intelligence in and of itself is of little value unless it is guided by a strong character.

“2. Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”

Einstein had his biggest breakthroughs, not by conducting experiments in a laboratory, but rather, by dreaming things up in his head. He had what we all have - an imagination. Start today by asking "What if?" and dream about all of the things you could be doing. Things are nowhere near as restrictive or as bad as we think.?

“3. I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

There is indeed an Einstein in all of us. We can all lead ourselves with passionate curiosity. This child-like quality never left Einstein. He had it his whole life, and was interested not just in mathematics or theory, but in politics, music (he played the violin), people, places and the world at large. This week, make time to research those things that interest you.

“4. I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.”

Most of us are constantly thinking about the future. We spend all of our time worrying about it, planning it – and some of us try to avoid it. The man who developed the theory of relativity lived in the here and now. Be present - for others, for yourself. Your drifting mind is a message that you are alive but not here.

“5. Information is not knowledge.”

In my role as a business owner, I meet many people who have incredible amounts of information at their fingertips. Yet, they seem to know nothing. They cannot provide me with the answers I need. A wealth of information may be a curse. Real “knowledge” is knowing what to do. Based on experience, common sense and instincts.?

6. “There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.”

It is a miracle that our hearts are beating. What is keeping us alive? Our emotions, intellect, the ocean, trees, animals - all highly complex and all incredible miracles. Einstein was a firm believer in life as a miracle. It fueled his passion. Today, everything is taken for granted and nothing is seen as special. Rediscover life as it was meant to be – a journey of wonderment.?

7. “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”

As a child, Einstein was slow. He even spoke slowly. He valued quiet and contemplation. Today’s world of noise is killing creativity. Modern life, filled with interruptions, distractions and conflict is no place to get work done. Get away. Breathe. Find solitude wherever you can get it.?

8. “The only real valuable thing is intuition.”

Can you believe this statement came from one of the most intelligent people the world has ever known? If intuition is the valuable thing, then you can be as effective as Einstein. You can solve big problems. You can get yourself through a jam. You can point yourself in the right direction. Never underestimate your own hunches.

You don’t need to be a genius. But you do need to trust yourself more.

Albert Einstein was not known for his memory. He had difficulty remembering names. He took almost no care in his appearance, often looking like a hobo. But what he did possess, and what we can all have, is an active imagination.

Exercise the Einstein in you.

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