Everyone's a genius...

 

 

Perhaps it’s also to do with a lack of distance. We’re just too close to look at ourselves objectively and give an honest appraisal. Or, we don’t like to look at ourselves too closely. Acknowledging the welcome – and less welcome – aspects of ourselves. 

 

Given this, it’s little surprise that personal development is often seen as a rather self absorbed – or self obsessed – activity. Far too much like navel gazing for most people, particularly in this busy world of ours. 

 

However, there’s another factor at play here too. And one we have our default programming to thank for. It’s all to do with our Subconscious Mind taking over activities we do routinely or easily. This leaves our Conscious Mind to concentrate on anything new, complicated or unexpected. 

 

On one hand, it makes life much easier for us. Not to mention focussing our resources where they’re really needed. It means we don’t have to consciously think about every little thing that we do – or comes our way – each day. 

 

If you’re in any doubt about this, think about all the things you do every morning. How the majority of them happen on autopilot and pass in a blur; leaving only a few things we need to make a conscious decision about. Usually, when something unexpected or completely new happens. It can be quite frightening when you realise just how little you’re consciously aware of as you go about your day… 

 

Anyway, before we digress too far (!), back to the Subconscious Mind. The big advantage of the Subconscious Mind – that it allows us to do things on autopilot, without any conscious thought – is also its biggest downfall. It makes those things invisible to us. 

 

Not only all the things we’ve learnt to do over the years. Or do routinely or out of habit. But those things we do easily. In other words, where we rely on our natural abilities and aptitudes. All those things we “just do” without the need for any conscious thought and, in the process, become invisible to us. 

 

So, while we may sometimes notice we find certain things easy to do – usually when someone else is struggling with them – most of the time we don’t give them a second thought. And, so, we become blind to our natural skills and abilities. 

 

Often, it seems, they’re those small things that simply help life flow more easily. So called “soft skills”. The way we communicate and interact with people, empathy, kindness, flexibility, being a good listener and the like. The host of little things which make each of us unique and means that no one else can do things quite like us. Makes us a genius in our own unique way. Which brings us back to the title of this post. 

 

And, if you think this couldn’t possibly apply to you, think again. Here are two great definitions of genius which will help you see it in a different way, thanks to our trusty online dictionary: 

 

“Genius, an exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability. The prevailing character or spirit of someone or something.” 

 

“Genius, an attendant spirit present from one’s birth, innate ability or inclination.” 

 

So, isn’t it time you started noticing – and appreciating – your own inherent genius? All those natural skills and abilities you gloss over or take for granted. The things that make you totally unique and, in the process, help life flow more easily. 

 

As always, the choice is yours.