Get in the Zone, Your Zone of Genius That Is
When was the last time that you lost track of time because you were so committed to a task? It may have felt like an inner spark, a relentless dedication, or a zing of dopamine. Heck, you may have even forgotten to eat or sleep! Whether you’re baking cakes or helping clients, that feeling lets you know you’re in your zone of genius.
In 2009, Gay Hendricks wrote at length about the concept in his book The Big Leap. In the decade since, countless business professionals and self-help gurus have read his work, synthesized it with their own beliefs and experiences, and created fruitful outcomes. But alas, if your zone of genius doesn’t involve reading an entire book, let us break it down for you here. We’ll help you learn what your zone of genius is and how to get more in touch with your natural flow state in business.
What is a Zone of Genius?
To fully understand your zone of genius, let’s take a look at all of the different zones that Hendricks outlines in his book:
Zone of Incompetence
The first zone is one of incompetence. Like its name suggests this is something you don’t understand or you’re not skilled at. It doesn’t mean you can’t do it, it just means it’s challenging for you to do so. Either because you’re missing the knowledge or skills, roadblocks seem like finite barriers. Of course nothing needs to stay in your zone of incompetence forever, but it is worth noticing what you’re consistently spinning your wheels trying to figure out. Reallocating your resources could really help you out.
Zone of Competence
In this zone, you do have the knowledge to complete the task. However, despite having this understanding, you aren’t necessarily efficient or creative in your approach. While you can put into practice the knowledge and skills you have about your work, you’re unable to distinguish yourself as unique compared to others in your field.
Zone of Excellence
If you’re in this zone, odds are you are experiencing some success, but you’ve also probably had to work very hard to get there. People in their zone of excellence may be getting praise or accolades for their work but they aren’t deeply connected to that praise. Often what is getting the attention is the hard work or performance of excellence, and not innate skills or talents. This can leave some people feeling confused or unfulfilled.
Zone of Genius
Last, but certainly not least, we have the zone of genius. Here you are both capitalizing on your innate abilities and that of which you have learned. The constant interaction between these two makes you feel in a state of flow. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi wrote about flow states in 2008 and ever since many psychologists have refined his work. Simply put, flow state is a place of intense concentration where creativity feels easy. When you’re in your zone of genius, you’re in flow, and you don’t just enjoy your work, but you also create work that goes beyond that of which others can do.
To really find your zone of genius, try asking yourself:
- What could I do for hours on end?
- What makes me feel fulfilled?
- What inspires me most?
- What do I find peacefully challenging?
- What work do I do that doesn’t feel like work?
Ok, I think I know my zone of genius. Now what?
Hendricks recommends practicing in that zone of genius as much as you can. Initially, he recommends a ten minute a day commitment to your passion. Now if you’ve started a business that’s already aligned to your zone of genius, this may not be difficult. Perhaps you already spend time every day doing what you love.
However, like many business professionals who feel the need to “do it all”, you may be missing some time doing what you love. Your passions are worth your time. Sure, there’s customer interactions, business plans, and sales funnels to think about- but none of those will work successfully if you don’t feel comfortable in a flow state within your zone of genius.
It’s important to note too that being in your zone of genius isn’t just for you. When you’re in that flow state of doing exactly what you love, your clients and employees will notice. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute. Would you rather work with someone who is struggling to get by or someone who inspires you? It takes dedication to your zone of genius to be someone that inspires others.
What about stuff that isn’t in my zone of genius?
At the end of the day, all of this is well and good, but you will be left with a whole host of business obligations that aren’t in your zone of genius. Here it’s helpful to remember that entrepreneurship is not an island. You deserve the support of others (and their zones of genius!) in your business.
Not such a fan of sales? Hire a sales team.
Can’t keep up with your emails? Hire a virtual assistant.
Struggling to keep up with your website or social media? It may be time to hire a marketing agency.
At Smart Girl Marketing, we got your back with all things marketing. Our team has a variety of zones of genius. From brand development to social media management to content writing- our creatives are in their flow state and dedicated to giving you their absolute best. When you hire a marketing agency you get a whole team of people on your side. Remember that at the end of the day, you’re worthy of support. Great leaders have great teams.
So find your zone, enjoy your zone, stay in the zone, and let us handle the rest.
Looking to tap into our zones of genius to grow your business? Book a call for a consult!