How to stay in your ‘Genius Zone’ – Gay Hendricks | NYT best-selling author

The last time we spoke to New York Times best-selling author Gay Hendricks, he discussed overcoming upper limit problems and functioning more in The Genius Zone, also the title of his latest book. At a time when it’s easy to think negatively, Hendricks joins Inside Automotive to dive further into what the ‘genius zone’ is, how to find it, and how to stay there.

Hendricks is also the author of The Big Leap, President of The Hendricks Institute, and has appeared on over 500 media segments, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, and CNBC, to name a few.

The Big Leap, the prequel to The Genius Zone, makes two big ideas, says Hendricks.

1. How to get established in your Genius Zone: When you’re doing what you love to do the most while also contributing to other people at the same time.
2. Commit to bringing forth more of your genius every day.

Once you’ve established how to reach your genius zone, the next step is to figure out how to stay in it consistently over time. When you come up against some problem you can’t figure out the solution to, ask yourself — what am I trying to control even though I can’t?

Every time you get stuck, says Hendricks, it usually means you are trying to control something you have no power over. An easier way to be gentle to yourself and stay in your genius zone is to let go of that control.

Usually, people get stuck in loops of negativity because they try to take on too much. Hendricks says it is essential to make minor adjustments over time. Start to incorporate positive habits steadily but don’t overwhelm yourself with tasks.

If you live in such a way that you can’t find creative solutions to make changes in your life, you’ll start to slip into a low-level mood of despair, says Hendricks. He adds that it’s crucial to surround yourself with a few key supportive people who will also hold you accountable.

If you’re still unsure about finding the genius zone, Hendricks says you will be able to feel the symptoms in your body. He explains that you will feel a pleasant flow of ease and confidence. Even if you have feelings of despair or anxiety, your genius zone is in the background. Within all of us is a serene, peaceful flow of creativity, and it gets activated by our awareness and commitment. 

Make a commitment today to expand your genius zone every day of your life. Don’t worry about the how; make a commitment and let the answers roll in.

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