Zone of Genius

In The Zone

What are you good at? It’s a question not generally asked because it invites you to brag about your abilities (and for some reason, that’s not done in polite society). It’s a shame because knowing where you shine is a starting point to work that makes you happy. That's not bragging.

Instead, it’s something we say about other people. Good at football. Good at cooking. Good with people. Conversely, it’s perfectly okay to draw attention to areas where we don’t shine.

Sadly, this approach guides us away from finding our zone of genius. When I say genius I’m not thinking of Einstein figuring out his theory of relativity. Or gifted and talented programmes in school. I’m thinking about the term coined by Gay Hendricks, in his book The Genius Zone.

Within the pages, he identifies the Zone of Genius as referring to ‘the intersection between your unique talents, passions, and strengths’. It’s work that uses your natural abilities as well as bringing you joy and a sense of fulfilment.

Doing things in your Zone doesn’t mean you stop learning or challenging yourself. Think of anyone who you consider to have genius-like abilities in an area and then reflect on how they do more than the same old, same old.? Discovering your Zone of Genis is an ongoing process and it’s easy to get distracted from it.

Why? Because we lack confidence in our abilities. Because everyday life gets it he way. Because we think we should be doing something harder. Because it’s not supposed to be this easy. Because we think everyone can do it. Because you don’t deserve it. Because you’re not focusing on the results.

I’m inviting you to relax and do more in your Zone. It makes life a lot less boring. Here are three things I do that you can apply to your work and skills.

• Scaffolding?

It’s a sometimes messy-looking pile of poles and boards (and other technical bits) intended to hold something up. It’s there to give you support, and it’s going to be unique to you. It doesn’t matter what it looks like to other people - what do you need to hold you in place? It could be people, products, places. It’ll change too as your work and your life changes.?I have success factors, a coach, a mentor, gratitude, cups of tea, dog walks, amongst many other elements of scaffolding.

• Supersize the good bits.

Focus on doing the things that work and the things that are absolutely necessary. We all have obligations that we can’t get away from, whether they are family things, social commitments or household chores. Sometimes, you have to do the thing. But if you can not do it so much the better.

My point is not to get distracted by the things you think you have to do (but don’t really). Focus on the juicy zone of genius and build your scaffolding over time to take care of the rest.?

• Talking is what I do best.

Know what is in your zone. Think about what you feel good about when you’re doing it. The things that others praise you for. Stuff you feel passionate about. Put away the doubts you have (no, not everyone can do what you do, and it isn’t easy). Talk to your coach or mentor. Identify when you’re in a flow state and what kind of work you love to do. Consider what you enthuse about when people ask you. Examine where these meet, and you‘re starting to outline your zone.

I invite you to get in the Zone and start playing to your strengths because it’s way more fun.

Bonus

Here’s a thought to help you play to your strengths and stop you wandering off the path into dullness.? My Start, Stop, Continue approach is designed to keep you focused on what’s working for you while allowing a bit of curiosity. I explain how it works and include a template in the Don’t Be Boring Guide to Stop, Start, Continue.

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