Leading from your zone of genius
What percentage of your work do you love doing?
How often do you wake up feeling energized by what lays ahead?
Are you creating the impact that you want to create in the world?
I doubt there’s a human alive who has the “perfect” response to these questions. Striving for perfection when it comes to questions of purpose and fulfilment can feel both overwhelming and impractical. I tried it for a few years and can confirm that it is zero fun. That’s why I prefer to explore this topic with a spirit of incremental progress versus perfection.
In that spirit, I hope this article will help you as you explore your unique Zone of Genius, and consider ways (big or small) to infuse more of the work you love into your life.
“Doing work you love is not a selfish nor frivolous pursuit. Our world needs more talented individuals passionately pursuing work that lights them up. It’s these inspired individuals who are going to drive the transformation our planet needs.”
According to Gay Hendricks, author of The Big Leap and The Genius Zone, work can fall into one of four “zones”.
Zone of Incompetence: Work that just about everyone else can do better
Zone of Competence: Work you do well, but doesn’t feel satisfying
Zone of Excellence: Work you consistently get positive feedback on and can do better than most
Zone of Genius: Work that doesn’t feel like work; work that generates the highest ratio of positive impact compared to time spent
According to this particular framework, we experience a greater level of fulfilment and impact when we increase the amount of time spent working within our Zone of Genius.
Hendricks estimates that only about 1% of professionals consciously reflect on and strive to work within their unique Zone of Genius.
Many successful people find themselves working well within their Zone of Excellence and may find themselves feeling “stuck” there. External praise, validation, wealth and comfort often rest squarely in that zone. When we settle into our Zone of Excellence, our passion, creativity and overall joie de vivre can become stagnant.
The Zone of Genius sits at the intersection of work that you love and are uniquely gifted to do. In this zone, we leverage the gifts that are innate within us to create the greatest impact on the world around us in a way that feels effortless and fulfilling. I interpret the Zone of Genius to be quite similar to the Japanese concept of Ikigai.
How much potential for impact and fulfilment would open up if more talented individuals spent just 5% more time working within their Zone of Genius?
Here are some questions for exploring your Zone of Genius. In the spirit of mindfulness, consider setting aside some dedicated time to sit quietly with a journal, then pause and take 5 long breaths before exploring these questions.
Recall your childhood. What types of activities did you frequently become absorbed in?
What are you doing when you’re in a state of flow (where things feel effortless)?
When was the last time you were really energized by a project or initiative you worked on? What aspects of the work felt most energizing?
What types of work do you tend to do when you’re avoiding or delaying other work?
If you won the lottery and never had to work another day, how would you spend your time? What type of impact would you hope to make?
Through this exercise, you may notice some themes that help you to understand your own Zone of Genius. At the end of the exercise, you can reflect on the core question of, “What do I most love doing”.
As a complement to your self-exploration, you may also wish to reach out to some people in your life to ask questions like:
What am I doing or talking about when you experience me as being my most energized and happy?
When you experience me at my best, the exact thing I’m doing is: _______
How have I most contributed to your life?
Once you’ve come to better understand your own Zone of Genius, you can begin to gradually add more of that work into your life. Here are some tactics for spending more time working in your Zone of Genius.
Bring your Zone of Genius into your existing activities
Once you’re aware of your Zone of Genius, you can begin more intentionally bringing it into some of the existing activities in your life. For example, you may find a way to bring your Zone of Genius into a regular meeting you attend, into extracurricular activities, or into your interactions at home.
Start small
Apply small tests of change as you begin stepping into your Zone of Genius. For example, if your Zone of Genius is performing, you may find it impractical to suddenly quit your job and pursue acting. Rather, you can find other creative outlets for your love of performance through volunteering at a local theatre, taking on a special project at work, or starting a YouTube channel. You can then continue to build on that momentum.
Be flexible, creative and courageous
Question your assumptions about how your life and career path need to look. If you’re finding yourself feeling “stuck” or questioning the practicality of pursuing your Zone of Genius, take time to get clear on what matters most to you and what you’re willing to give up. Be creative in designing a path to your vision. For example, you may opt to reduce your expenses and shift to part-time work in order to create the freedom you need to deeply explore your Zone of Genius.
Talk to the people in your life
Speak to the people in your personal and professional life about the work that you most love doing. Mention that you’re looking for opportunities to do more of it. Trust that they will see your gifts and passion, and will think of you when they see relevant opportunities.
Practice the empowered “no”
Find ways to compassionately say “no” to opportunities and tasks that fall outside your Zone of Genius, so that you can make space for the things that fall within it. This may involve delegating or outsourcing some work, or turning down an opportunity that aligns with someone else’s definition of “success”.
I’ve found these concepts helpful in my personal journey towards living and leading from my Zone of Genius. I’ve also introduced them to coaching clients who have shared that they’ve helped them discover “what they want to be when they grow up”. I hope this article is helpful to you along your unique journey.
If you’re looking for more personalized support as you explore building a life of greater fulfilment and impact, please reach out to book a Free Discovery Call.