If someone were to ask you what your ‘Genius’ was, what would you say? Seriously now, answer the question before you keep reading this, because it’s the core to everything I want to talk about in this little post and it’s a topic that has, and will continue to have, a major impact on your life.
I’ll get to my answer to this incredibly important question in a second but first I want to make sure we are on the same page regarding the word genius itself.
Recently, I ran across a website that had the perfect historical description of ‘Genius’. This is what it said:
The word genius, like many words, has a complex history of development interrelated with developments in culture, philosophy, technology, and economics. Originally the term defined a ‘guiding spirit’ of a person or place. Nearly everyone had potential to do the work of genius, to manifest the greatness of this spirit in the physical world. It was not always ‘good’ work, but it was always powerful. Genius was seen as an influencer, for good or bad.
During the high renaissance this meaning began to change as the role of the individual in society increased in importance. Developments in technology created more need for specialization (previously most people could perform most functions in society), and economic power shifted from a small group of feudal landlords to a broader number of merchants, traders, and even a rising peasant class. Books and letters from the time refer to both “the genius of Michelangelo” (referencing a guiding spirit) and “Michelangelo, the genius,” (referring to the individual characteristic of being a genius).
By the late 1700′s the word had almost entirely transformed to being a characteristic of an individual and Wolfgang Von Goethe is perhaps histories finest example of evangelizing the word in its new context. To Goethe genius was very specifically a quality, and a quality of greatness, a product of passion and mad creativity.
Our Problem
We have a major problem in our society. Somewhere along the lines, we’ve lost touch with this word ‘Genius’. Today, we only use the word for very special occasions on very special people. While the rest of the world is wallowing in utter mediocrity, ‘Genius’ is a word saved for few and far between.
Fact is, every person, and I really mean every, has an inner genius—at least one special talent, skill, or ability.
But for some reason it’s taboo to talk about our inner greatness in society. For some reason we are not supposed to discuss the special talents and gifts we’ve been given from a higher source to complete a higher work.
Let me just say this is total crapola.
I’m well aware of my genius. Yep, that’s right, I said my genius. You see, when God made me he gave me the gift of communication. Specifically, he gave me the ability to teach, motivate, and inspire by getting in front of audiences. And the larger the audience, the more comfortable I feel. In fact, the place I feel most at peace in this world is when it’s just me in front of a very large group….talking….laughing….teaching….bonding with the members of the audience as we all grow together. Without question, teaching and inspiring through large-group communication is one reason why God put me on this earth. And do you know what else? I’m really, really good at it.
Now tell me something. As you read the previous paragraph, were you put off by my words? Do I come across as arrogant?
Are You Willing to Accept?
If there is one thing I’ve always been in life is a realist. I typically see and describe things as they are—black and white. When it comes to my own strengths, abilities, and weaknesses; I’m brutally honest. To give you an example, for whatever reason God didn’t bless me with a knack to work with my hands. I’m terrible at putting things together. If you get a new desk for your office, make sure I’m not the one there to help. And despite my desire to play the piano (I tried for quite some time), draw well, and sing– well I’ve pretty much flunked on all of those skills despite my desire to excel with each.
My make-up is really no different than anyone else’s. We’ve all got strengths. And we’ve all got weaknesses. The real question is what we do with this knowledge. Are we willing to accept and embrace our strengths—our inner Genius?
We teach our children early on to be humble. We teach them not to brag. We put water on their flames as they talk about how great they are at this and that. And then as they get older, the trend only continues. ‘Humility’, at least as it’s used in our societal vernacular, is the ultimate triumph.
Again, total crapola.
Don’t get me wrong. Humility is a great thing. But to me, the word ‘Humility’ isn’t about denying ones inner greatness and genius. Rather, it has to do with one’s ability to be taught, learn, and embrace new truths.
I’m not espousing here that we should be running in the streets screaming at the top of our lungs just how great we are at everything we do. No, what I am saying is that one of the ultimate goals in life is to seek out our inner genius. And once we find this genius we acknowledge it. We come to understand it. We appreciate it. And then we run with it.
It may sound cheesy, but this is essentially the purpose of our creation—to find our genius and allow it to bless the lives of ourselves and others.
Be Proud
So be proud of what you already know to be your strengths. Accept them and do what it takes to multiply their magnitude and influence. And if you have children, talk to them about their inner genius. Help them understand the word and let them know they are special and utterly unique. Don’t allow anyone to rain on their, or your, parade.
If everyone only embraced such a paradigm, the impact it would have on us individually, within our homes, and as a society would be profound.
What are your thoughts on genius? How do you feel about the idea of openly accepting embracing our talents? As always, your thoughts are welcome and appreciated.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great article Marcus.
Like you say, humility is important when in contact with other people.
But you have to be able to be honest with yourself. If you are good at something, don’t bury the thought. Be pleased that your are good and see how you can use that ability more in your every day life to improve your life.
It is very important to see the difference between denying your own ability and being humble.
In Scandinavia this mistake is very usual. We have a unwritten law in our society called “jante-lagen” it is very common among us Scandinavians to not be seen. “Jante-Lagen” is basically about everyone being the same, you shouldn’t do more than expected of you, because someone else might be offended.
People are more and more moving away from this but it is still an intricate part of our society and it really is holding us back.
.-= Daniel M. Wood´s last blog ..10 Actions That Will Make You a Better Salesman And Significantly Improve Your Income =-.
Wow….”Jante-Lagen”…that’s really deep stuff there Daniel. Crazy how motivation, or a lack thereof, can affect an entire culture and nation. That’s what makes you so freakin awesome my friend. You’re as motivated and inspired as anyone I’ve seen in the sales community, I really mean that. Keep it up bro!
Thanks Marcus,
More and more of us in Sweden are adopting a more American approach to life. Especially generation X and Y have dropped most of the older generations distaste for success.
Hopefully times are changing and Sweden is moving forward.
.-= Daniel M. Wood´s last blog ..10 Actions That Will Make You a Better Salesman And Significantly Improve Your Income =-.