Discovering My Genius!

I have always been a big fan of exercises that encourage self-awareness, that help me better understand who I am and how I am wired.  That is why I was so intrigued when I was invited by Dick Richards to discover my genius. 

I met Dick through our common interest in blogging and he introduced me to the spiritual and insightful concept of genius.  I've had the privilege of talking to him on the phone about different issues and he even celebrated the discovery of my genius with me.  I was honored when he sent me a copy of his latest book, Is Your Genius At Work?, a handbook and manual for anyone who has a curiosity to discover something truly wonderful about themselves.

Dick describes what a genius is in the opening paragraph of his book:

Your genius can be thought of in a practical way: as the exceptional power that comes most naturally to you, as the process you undertake so spontaneously and easily that you do not notice it, and as the business in which you are engaged as a person...as the energy of your soul and as an answer to the question of why you exist within the human community.

When I read words like that, I became very interested to find out what my genius is.

So I began the process.  I read the book, which contained a lot of great questions and a host of wonderful stories.  I read the journeys of others who had wrestled with the discovery of their own genius.  I found clues to recognizing the telltale signs within my own life.  I was intrigued by the way people felt when they found out what their genius was.

Many mentioned this overwhelming sense of satisfaction and confidence when they made their own personal discovery.  There was a conscious sense of "this is so right, this is so me!"  Some laughed out loud, some cried.  My own response was more akin to, "WHHOOOAAAAHHHHH!" (read about it here).

Perhaps the best part of the book isn't all of the things that you read, but it is what you write.  The last portion (the last third) is a fill in the blank area for you to analyze words, experiences, your perceptions and other's perceptions about you, ideas, tendencies, etc.  All of these exercises work toward helping you identify what your genius is.

By the way, a genius is typically identified by a gerund (a word ending in "ing") and a noun.  For the record, my genius is ENVISIONING PROGRESS.

But once you discover your genius, your work isn't done.  Dick then takes you down the road of purpose.  Remember, the title of the book -- Is Your Genius At Work?  It's the "at work" part that he wants you to tackle next.  Are you meeting the needs of the world through your unique way...through your genius?

I'm still working at being able to clearly articulate my purpose.  I believe it will come sometime soon.  I know that I already know it, I just haven't been able to articulate it in the context of my genius.  It's all very refreshing, energizing, and affirming.

If you're more interested in discovering your genius, then I would offer the following:

• Buy the book.  Click here to buy it on Amazon.com.
• Visit the Genius Workship (a Google group) and read about other's journeys and insights.
• Visit Dick Richard's Blog, Come Gather Round to hear the latest straight from the author.

Comments

[tim]

Hi Skip:

Glad you're on the journey to discover your genius. I think Dick really has something here and I'm enjoying the benefits of discovering my own. I wish you the best in solidifying what you've found. Cultivating Potential Outcomes sounds like you're a very strategic thinker and don't mind dealing with change. Thanks for the comment!

[Skip]

Tim,

Great review of Dick's book...I, too have read the book and am supposed to do a review. After yours, I hope I can do it justice. The book grabbed me from the beginning and I found I had to do some "soul-searching" in going through the exercises. Unlike you, I haven't had the "ah-ha" moment but very much want to get there. Right now, my genius is "Cultivating Potential Outcomes" until something better comes along. As you mention, not only is Dick's book great, his blog and Google group are also excellent. Plus, Dick is VERY responsive to comments and questions.