Work Doesn’t Have to Suck (Much)!
Picture this: you’re sipping your tea (or gin, I’m not judging), the sun is streaming through the window, and you’re completely in the zone.
Work feels effortless and your brain is firing on all cylinders. Sounds like a pipe dream, doesn’t it?
But what if I told you, it’s entirely possible to create a business that doesn’t make you want to hurl your laptop out of the window?
Enter the Zone of Genius (a concept coined by Guy Hendricks’ in The Big Leap).
This isn’t some woo-woo concept cooked up by someone in a tie-dye jumper—it’s a practical framework for identifying what you’re bloody brilliant at and actually enjoy doing.
And nope, it doesn’t involve quitting your job to “find yourself” in Bali (unless that’s your thing, in which case, send pics).
So, grab a cuppa (or a stiff drink) and let’s dive into how you can tap into your Zone of Genius and build a business that feels more like fun and less like a prison sentence.
What is the Zone of Genius?
First, let’s clear this up: your Zone of Genius isn’t just something you’re good at.
That’s the Zone of Excellence, and while it’s nice to be excellent, it’s also a slippery slope to burnout town. The Zone of Genius is where your natural talents and passions collide in a glorious explosion of “hell yeah, I love this!”
Think of it as the love child of what you’re freakishly good at and what you genuinely enjoy. It’s the stuff that lights you up, makes time fly, and (bonus!) tends to leave others in awe.
Sounds lush, right? But if you’re like most creative business owners, you’ve probably been too busy juggling 75 different hats to even think about what this might be for you.
Self-Reflection: Time to Get Real About What You’re Good At
Right, let’s get down to it. Figuring out your Zone of Genius starts with a bit of soul-searching. Don’t worry, you won’t need incense or mood lighting (unless you want them). Here are some questions to ponder:
- What makes time disappear? (No, bingeing Netflix doesn’t count.)
- What do people always compliment you on? (Hint: It’s probably something you shrug off because it comes so naturally.)
- What gives you that buzz of satisfaction?
Genius Mapping 101
Grab a pen, a piece of paper, and a sense of humour.
Divide the page into four quadrants: Incompetence (things you’re rubbish at), Competence (things you can do but don’t enjoy), Excellence (things you’re great at but leave you knackered), and Genius (the golden zone).
Be brutally honest. For example:
- Incompetence: Anything involving spreadsheets.
- Competence: Writing polite emails when you’d rather use ALL CAPS.
- Excellence: Graphic design (you’re good, but it bores you to tears).
- Genius: Storytelling that makes clients cry happy tears.
Once you’ve got your Genius quadrant, give it a big tick. That’s your sweet spot.
The Power of Saying No (Politely or Otherwise)
Here’s the thing: you can’t live in your Zone of Genius if you’re too busy drowning in tasks you secretly hate. It’s time to channel your inner diva and start saying no.
Excellence is a Trap
Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you should keep doing it. Imagine being a fab baker but hating the smell of icing.
Are you really going to stick with cake decorating just because you’re good at it?
No, you’re going to hire someone who loves the stuff and focus on what you do love—like eating the cake.
Practical Tip: Delegate Like a Boss
Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix (Google it—it’s actually useful) to figure out what to keep, delegate, or bin. And remember, saying “no” isn’t rude—it’s smart.
Rediscovering What You Love: Time to Rekindle the Flame
Remember when you started your business and felt all giddy about the possibilities? Somewhere along the way, that excitement may have been buried under admin and deadlines. Let’s dig it back up, shall we?
Journal Your Joy
For the next seven days, jot down what makes you smile during your workday. Maybe it’s brainstorming with clients, shooting photos, or crafting clever captions for Instagram.
Whatever it is, pay attention. Your Zone of Genius is hiding in there somewhere.
Play Around
Yes, I’m telling you to muck about. Try something new or revisit an old hobby. That childhood obsession with watercolour painting? It might just lead to your next big idea.
Making the Most of Your Superpowers: Time to Show Off
Your Zone of Genius isn’t just about what you like doing—it’s about what you’re ridiculously good at. These are your superpowers, and no, you don’t need to wear a cape (unless you want to!).
Find Your Superpowers
Ask your clients, mates, or mum what they think you’re best at. They’ll probably point out things you’ve taken for granted because they’re so second nature to you. If you want to get fancy, try an online personality test like 16Personalities or the Enneagram.
Use Your Superpowers in Your Business
Once you’ve nailed down your superpowers, use them to carve out your niche. Love connecting with people? Focus on client-facing roles. Obsessed with details? Double down on fine-tuning your craft.
Building a Genius-Supported Business (Without Losing the Plot)
Now that you know your Zone of Genius, it’s time to build your business around it.
This might mean tweaking your services, hiring help, or simply giving yourself permission to let go of the stuff you hate.
Streamline Your Business
- Simplify your offerings to focus on what you do best.
- Automate the boring stuff (hello, scheduling apps).
- Collaborate with people who complement your weaknesses.
Overcoming Resistance: Yep, You Deserve This
Stepping into your Zone of Genius might feel scary at first. After all, it means letting go of what’s familiar (even if it’s rubbish) and embracing what lights you up. But trust me, it’s worth it.
Start Small
You don’t have to flip your entire business overnight. Start by spending a few hours a week in your Zone of Genius and gradually build from there.
Write It Down
Affirmations might sound cheesy but they do actually work. Write something like, “Focusing on my strengths creates the most value for me and my clients,” and stick it on your fridge.
Love What You Do, Live Your Best Life
When you align your work with your Zone of Genius, magic happens. You’ll feel energised, inspired, and (dare I say it) even enjoy running your business.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab that pen, map out your genius, and start building a business that feels as good as a sun-drenched holiday on the paradise island of Mauritius (where my family is from!).
Oh, and don’t forget to share your genius discoveries in the comments—I promise I’ll cheer you on.
How can I help?
If you’re still struggling to nail your unique Zone of Genius, I dig deep with all my copy clients to bring out what’s unique about you and your business, and then help you articulate that in your content.
Give me a shout when you’re ready and let’s get cracking on putting your genius out there and have those dream clients beating a path to your door!