What it Takes to Become a Genius

The surprising science behind genius

What does it take to become a genius?

First, let’s take the definition of genius from The Hidden Habits of Genius by Craig Wright, Ph.D.

A genius is a person of extraordinary mental powers whose original works or insights change society in some significant way for good or for ill across cultures and across time.

This means in order to become a genius, you need to create something unique, that has an impact, for good or for bad, on society as a whole over a long period of time.

Is genius something we are born with, or something we achieve over time?

What I have learned so far from my studies and personal experience is that genius is neither nature nor nurture. It is BOTH.

I define genius with the following: Genius is a matter of many factors, naturally built into us, but also a matter of habit, creativity, motivation, persistence, and the ability to turn knowledge and experience into expertise.

But it goes even further than that because turning knowledge and experience into expertise does not necessarily mean that this expertise is going to have a substantial impact on society over a long period of time.

But how can people like us even begin to imagine what it’s like to be a genius?

Habits That Will Hone Your Genius

1. Natural ability vs Skill

It is very true that some people are built a certain way or think a certain way that makes them naturally advantaged over others.

Geniuses are the types of people who notice what their natural abilities are, double down on those natural abilities, and continuously build upon their areas of weakness over a lifetime.

Even if you do not think that you have a natural ability, there is bound to be something that you are naturally good at, and even if there is not, there is always a way to build upon your skills to become better than the majority of people.

Geniuses look for opportunities where they can apply a unique perspective that matches their natural and built-up skills.

2. Be creative and curious

It takes a creative person to be a genius. Creativity is at the heart of genius and without it, the word would not exist.

Therefore, in order to be creative, you must create.

If you don't know what to create, then just start experimenting. The more you experiment the better you will get at what you love doing.

This also means that you can explore more about yourself and the world around you because part of being a genius means that you are curious. It is often helpful to act before you do anything else and then when you come across a problem, you can search for the solution and then follow through with more action.

3. Be organized

Always take notes.

When an idea flutters into your mind, write it down immediately.

A genius is organized and one of the best ways to stay organized is to have a systematic note-taking system for almost all aspects of life.

Even if initially an idea does not have a place in the note-taking system, eventually it will find its way somewhere into the creative life of a genius.

Our minds and memories are not perfect and this is the very reason why geniuses capture their ideas in notebooks or applications. After the capture of an idea, the genius can then go forward with implementing what is most relevant.

There is obviously so much more

This is a topic that interests me thoroughly. If it is a topic that interests you as well then I would love to explore the topic with you a little more and give you more insights that I have gained through my own personal life and experiences.

Let me know in the comments section whether this topic is of interest to you and whether you have any other insights that you would like to add?