GUEST POST!!
Dear Ms Anonymous,
A big life change is on its way for me. I’ve had big life changes before, but I can’t remember how I made it through them in the past. I’m trying to figure out where did my genius go?
First things first. Let’s define genius. According to Google, a genius is having exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability.
Season of genius
In life, we all have moments of genius. Believe me, we do! I promise you we do!
Think back to a moment in time when you accomplished something so big that you surprised yourself. Now, think back to how you got there. You probably would say that it took a lot of hard work, dedication, focus, and maybe even some late nights with little sleep.
I had a moment, or rather, a season of genius. I didn’t realize it until just yesterday. A season that spanned 13 years, 4 jobs, 2 careers, 6 countries, and one marriage and divorce.
You are probably wondering, what does this all have to do with being a genius? Well, sometimes, our true genius isn’t uncovered until you discover all that your genius uncovered. Here, let me explain.
Fresh out of undergraduate school I was working full-time, and decided that the next best step for me would be graduate school. I picked up a second job working from 8:00pm to 12:30am, with an hour commute back and forth. I had a lot going on – studying for the GREs, applying to graduate school, searching for apartments in a new city. Yes, I was also moving to a new city and state, all by myself, at the age of 22. How on Earth did I accomplish all of that?
My genius is how.
Using your genius
I knew that I had to continue to move forward in my life. I did not want to get stuck. Stuck in the same dead end routine, stuck in the same perspective, stuck in the same financial category, or stuck in the same job(s). Moving forward was everything to me. I figured I had everything to gain and nothing to lose.
I defined my goal which was simple. My goal was to earn a Master’s Degree, which would catapult me into a successful future and get me financial security. I had to want it, but I also had to feel like I had nothing else. My back was against the wall.
As people, we find that we learn what our true fiber and being is made up of when we are stressed. It’s like the pressure that creates a diamond. Yes, you my friend, are a diamond. And I dare you to shine bright.
Visualizing your future
I visualized myself accomplishing my goal. Saw myself sitting in my grad school classes learning ways to improve my writing. I envisioned myself in a corner office, working on editing a magazine. My future became clearer as I identified steps needed to move toward that goal.
I created and strategized a plan. And then, I executed those steps. Every day during lunch I sat on the phone and made phone calls to Pittsburgh apartment complexes, colleges, set up phone interviews, and looked for internships and jobs.
I did all of this not knowing it was a great feat, because I made it manageable and just took one step at a time.
I didn’t realize the genius until 13 years later. Again I have my back getting closer and closer to the wall. I have big changes on the horizon again, and it’s time to prepare. As I look back, I realize that 13 years ago it took more than what in that moment I knew. The genius is not just doing it, but it’s being able to do it despite the roadblocks and challenges you face. The genius comes when you push yourself to the breaking point. That’s when you become exceptional and when your creative power goes into overdrive.
Find your genius with me, as I’m searching for mine again. Define your goal, visualize it, set your plans, and execute like you have nothing to lose. Because if you don’t, you might actually lose. Nobody likes to lose.
So win over your fear, and take the step. It’s time for you to meet your genius.
With love,
P.S. – This guest post written by Raquel, a new voice in the Ms Anonymous community. My personal mission is to influence and affect positive change in society, lead by example, and embrace all experiences through cultivation of relationships.
Watch one of my favorite geniuses – Simon Sinek in his talk “How great leaders inspire action.”