Why I needed my 'Zone of Genius'
I’ve been wanting to write about this topic for a long-time, but never quite found the right words. It took me a long-time to figure out why I burned out at my last job.
I had done so much work to figure out what I liked, and designed a career around it. Here are the spark notes for new subscribers: I worked with a career coach to transition from consulting to a people-focused role which eventually evolved into a Chief of Staff role, two roles that drew on my strengths and interests.
The best I could figure out was that I was intellectually interested in my work, but I wasn’t soul-passion aligned about it. Simple concept that roles off the tongue and is easy to convey to you, right?
That was until a few weeks ago when I was reading “We Should All Be Millionaires” by Rachel Rodgers (PSA: Please read this book. It is a call to action for women to claim our worth and live with abundance. It’s quick and enjoyable!).
Rachel described the difference between being in your Zone of Excellence and Zone of Genius. Here’s a primer on the concept, which was developed by Gay Hendricks in his book, “The Big Leap.” (Note: I haven’t read this book, but here is a a more detailed overview).
In my last job I was working in my Zone of Excellence. I was curious about and naturally good at people, culture and leadership topics. It drew on my strengths. I read books about it, sought out mentors and gradually got better and better.
I think that like a lot of women (my clients included), I could have created a Zone of Excellence in a lot of functions because I was competent and could learn with the right commitment.
However, because I was in my Zone of Excellence, I only connected with my work intellectually. That wasn’t enough for me to weather the ups-and-downs and allowed me to get burnt out.
It is also in contrast to how I feel when I'm in my Zone of Genius: coaching. My entire body feels engaged, I am wildly focused and could do it for hours.
My question for you: Are you working in your Zone of Excellence or your Zone of Genius? (honest answer)
My hope is that we can all begin to do more work in our Zones of Genius.
You can be successful in your Zone of Excellence, but you can be (and feel) unstoppable in your Zone of Genius. The world could use more women working in their Zones of Genius!
So, how can you find this mythical Zone of Genius?
Despite having “genius” in the title, it isn't elusive or unattainable.
Try these three things –
Pay attention to which Zone you're in: Over the course of a day or week, pay attention to when you feel like you're doing great work vs. fantastic work, when you feel unstoppable, flowing or totally aligned and when you have abundant enthusiasm
Get curious + be honest about your best work (now is not the time be humble!): What work doesn't feel like work? What do you naturally do better than others? What could you talk or learn about for hours? And this (sorta wonky) question from Hendricks: what work produces the highest ratio of abundance and satisfaction to the amount of time spent?
Do more in your Zone of Genius: Once you know (or have a sense of) your Zone of Genius, slowly but surely do more of it, while shedding the other Zones. Do more of the work you love, volunteer for new projects or try a new hobby in your Genius Zone, while delegating, declining or solving for the other Zones
Try this out and let me know what you think.
I hope is that even if its only for a few hours / week (to start), working in your Zone of Genius brings you energy, satisfaction and joy.
