What’s Your Genius Zone? How Traverse Peaks and Valleys

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Are you a genius?

Genius zones are an idea few people know about, and even fewer do anything with them.

So if you read on, you’ll be ahead of the curve for sure!

And it might even unlock some increased joy, satisfaction, and success in your career!

Also, today's book recommendation is an extra fun one. It has a simple story that can help us navigate the ups and downs of life.

There are no ways to avoid these situations, but we can choose how we see them and move through them!

Welcome!

In today’s newsletter:

• Unlocking Your Genius Zones

• Peaks and Valleys of Life

• Hot jobs

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CAREER TIPS

How Engineers Can Unlock Their Genius Zones

In the journey of our careers, the pursuit of excellence is something we all strive for. Identifying and utilizing our genius zones becomes a compass that leads us to unparalleled satisfaction and success. The concept of genius zones, as articulated by Gay Hendricks in his book The Big Leap, offers engineers a roadmap to not only identify their strengths but to thrive in the realm where passion and innate talent converge.

Which Zone Are You In?

With any task or responsibility we take on, we can find ourselves in one of four zones. The zones you spend the most time in dictate your level of success and growth.

1. The Zone of Incompetence 

In the zone of incompetence, tasks are undertaken without prowess. This zone is a stark reminder of where we don't excel, pushing us to seek tasks that resonate with our abilities. Spend as little time as possible here!

2. The Zone of Competence

Transitioning to the zone of competence, we engage in activities where we are proficient, but not exceptional. It's a comfort zone that, while functional, lacks the spark of true fulfillment. Again, you want to minimize time here.

3. The Zone of Excellence

Moving higher, we get into the zone of excellence. Here, we shine in tasks that set us apart from many, often identified as strengths. It's a commendable place to be but not the pinnacle. This is where many people stay and focus on too much.

4. The Zone of Genius

Where we want to spend as much time as possible is in the zone of genius, a space where author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi would describe as being in “flow." It's where innate talent collides with fervent passion, creating an unfair advantage. Laura Garnett simplifies it in this equation: Genius Zone = Your Innate Talent + Greatest Passion.

Recognizing Genius Zones

Understanding genius zones is recognizing when we are in our element, experiencing that sense of flow where time seems to dissipate. For engineers, this might be found not only in technical proficiency but in the intersection of skills and passions.

The Trap of Competence

While competence and excellence are commendable, the trap lies in spending too much time there, thus neglecting the genius zones. This could be attributed to not identifying these zones or a failure to create opportunities to apply them.

My Personal Journey

Reflecting on my own journey, I excelled in technical aspects but found my genius zone when teaching and training others. The seamless blend of engineering knowledge and a passion for coaching became one of my unique genius zones, where work became a fulfilling endeavor rather than a mere task.

Why It Matters

In my experience and in working with many people on this, the quest for genius zones isn't a luxury but a necessity. Spending time in these zones is not only personally fulfilling but also leads to the delivery of our very best work. By aligning our tasks with our genius zones, we tap into a wellspring of creativity and efficiency.

As engineers, the pursuit of excellence isn't confined to technical mastery alone. The true summit lies in recognizing and dwelling in our genius zones. Identifying and residing in our genius zones isn't just a professional choice; it's a commitment to a life filled with purpose and extraordinary accomplishment. 

So, engineers, delve into your genius zones and live your best life!

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📚 BOOK RECOMMENDATION

Peaks and Valleys: Making Good And Bad Times Work For You--At Work And In Life by Spencer Johnson, M.D.

A young man lives unhappily in a valley. One day he meets an old man who lives on a mountain peak. At first the young man doesn’t realize that he is talking to one of the most peaceful and successful people in the world.

But in the course of further encounters and conversations, the young man comes to understand that he can apply the old man’s remarkable principles and practical tools to his own life to change it for the better.

This simple yet profound story can help give us all perspective on the things that truly matter and how to keep growing as we traverse the “Peaks and Valleys” of life.