‘I have nothing to declare except my genius’ – Oscar Wilde
This weeks news is all about discovering your genius, how you do it, why you should do it and what it would give you.
As humans we all have a natural tendency to connection and creativity, these are the 2 areas that feed our ability to make life meaningful and joyful. So why is it that the natural actions we take are of behaviours that move us away from these things?. Ironically, uncertainty and ambiguity make things difficult for the human mind to comprehend and rather than move into an area of uncomfort, the human mind with its actions would rather protect itself than rock that boat.
Why should you discover who you really are?
There are several reasons but the most important one is purpose and fulfilment.
1)Fulfilment: When you tap into your natural talents and abilities, you experience a sense of fulfilment that can't be found elsewhere. A sense of purpose, understanding and contribution makes life meaningful. By using your strengths to achieve your goals and contribute to society, you can experience a deep sense of satisfaction and meaning in your life.
2)Productivity: Empowering your genius can also increase your productivity and effectiveness. By focusing on what you do best and developing your skills in those areas, you can achieve more in less time and with greater impact.
3)Innovation: When individuals are encouraged to embrace their unique talents, they often come up with innovative solutions to problems. This is because each person's perspective is different, and they bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. Empowering your genius allows you to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.
4)Personal Growth: Empowering your genius requires you to step outside of your comfort zone and take on new challenges. This can lead to personal growth and development, as you learn new skills and gain confidence in your abilities.
5)Positive Impact: When individuals are empowered to use their natural talents, they can make a positive impact on the world around them. By contributing to society in meaningful ways, individuals can create a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.
What it would give you?
Discovering your most authentic self you will help you reach ‘nirvana’. Nirvana is the highest state that you attain in enlightenment, this is the purpose of discovery.
What it would give others? Immeasurable impact on their lives in ways you cannot comprehend fully now.
Is it staring you in the face?
Before we go into how you go about finding your genius, I’d like to share a story.
This week I realised we are blinded and my realisation happened when I met a a super talented young man. He has suffered from various mental illnesses for most of his life ranging from depression to schizophrenia. He has been on antipsychotics for most of his life and it all started when he was 18. But for all the stress he has had in his young life + the fact he won't leave home, he is a true authentic genius.
I met him in his living room and he greeted me with that usual nonchalant uncertain smile. His smile tends to hide how he feels, a smile of hope of wonder, glad in the knowing that that someone had decided to say hello.
We talked for a bit, but at points his eyes would become sad and they would glaze over. I asked if he was ok and he said he was having trouble seeing lately with the change in medication. He explained the irregular heartbeats which had improved but were still there, he explained his significant weight gain and the pain he feels in his heart and lungs.
As I sat there looking at Brian, I wondered what in gods name I could do to help. We talked at length on his frustrations and at not being able to do what he wanted in life. He said perhaps he could do data analysis but then he was saddened again by the fact that his medication puts him to sleep at least 5 hours of the day. What could he do?
I asked about his hobbies, as he spoke of his routine and playing music, there was a brightness in his eye, a twinkle even…but it was marred by being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I asked him to play a piece he said he was ill and he would try. When he played his music, there was a joy to the room that I cannot describe, despite everything he has ever gone through, his music is a masterpiece. I sat in utter amazement as the melody he played continued, his music moved me. Here it was, this was his genius.
I discovered later that he can play not 1 but 3 musical instruments, he plays the piano, the guitar and the violin, he plays music
To him music, is just music. I think he thinks everyone plays like him.
In time, he will discover a new way of being on the internet with his music in hand.
The moral of the story is this : really to find your genius, look inwards, discover the things that creatively can give you joy, that you are good at and that come naturally.
Just sometimes it is hiding in plain sight of you, so back to it…
How do you discover your masterpiece?
STEP 1 Identify your strengths: Start by identifying your unique talents and skills. Reflect on your past successes and failures, and ask others for feedback on your strengths. This will help you understand your natural abilities and where you can excel.
STEP 2 Set goals: Once you have a clear understanding of your strengths, set specific and achievable goals that align with them. These goals should challenge you but also motivate you to work towards them. They should be specific and measurable so that you can track your progress and celebrate your accomplishments.
STEP 3 Learn and develop: To achieve your goals, you will need to develop new skills and knowledge. Take courses, read books, seek out mentors or coaches, and practice regularly to improve your abilities.
STEP 4 Embrace challenges: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable when pursuing your goals. However, instead of seeing them as obstacles, embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow. Adopt a growth mindset and seek out support when needed.
STEP 5 Take ownership: Finally, take ownership of your life and your goals. Empowering your genius requires a commitment to yourself and a willingness to take responsibility for your actions. Remember that you have the power to shape your life and your future.
‘It doesn’t matter who you are, where you came from, the ability to triumph comes from you – always.’ Oprah
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the discovery of your purpose will lead you to your authentic self. It will provide a life of meaning that impacts not only you others too. How you find it could be to look in to your existing strengths, what do you enjoy, what do you love, what are you good at? Set goals that are aligned with your authentic traits, learn and develop these and embrace the challenges that you will naturally find. And finally take 100% ownership of where you are heading.
‘If you have a strong purpose, you don’t have to be pushed. Your passion will drive you there’. – Roy T Bennett
In acknowledgment of the brilliant strive4higher community + amazing Brian who really is a musical genius that I am going to help, also my nephew Umesh. Umesh is continually striving to discover his genius and he has many. At work Umesh is fabulous at delivering outstanding service to his customers, he’s a secret crypto trader, he’s a fan of all things Australian, a motor racing fan and at home he is able to bring humour, practicality and fun into any situation. Umesh’s super power is to bring to conversation facts about motorsport that would give Murray Walker a run for his money.