Did You Know You’re a Genius? The Science Behind Becoming a High Achiever

Have you ever looked at someone who excels in their field and thought to yourself, “I could never be that good”? Well, think again. The latest research shows that anyone can become a genius at almost anything they set their mind to.

Contrary to popular belief, genes play a relatively small role in determining one’s ability to excel in a given field. It doesn’t matter what genes you inherit from your parents, you can still improve yourself to “genius” level in anything from intelligence to sports or artistic ability.

So, what does it take to become a genius? After three decades of studying high achievers, psychologists have identified key themes that are common across all domains. Here’s what they’ve found:

1. Practicing a new hobby/sport/mental discipline actually changes your body.

There are physical changes in the muscles, nerves, hearts, lungs, and brains of those showing profound increases in skill in any domain. These changes are the result of dedicated practice and hard work over time.

2. People are not skilled at EVERYTHING.

People who are amazing at one particular skill don’t automatically become good at other skills. For instance, poker players can remember hundreds of card positions in sequence but have an average memory for everything else. It’s important to focus on building skills in areas that interest us to reach our full potential.

3. Brain power excels.

Changes in the brain have the most profound effect on performance, even among sports athletes. The brain is a muscle that must be continually exercised and strengthened to become a genius in any area.

4. Short-term intensity cannot replace long-term commitment.

Change takes place over extended periods. It does not happen overnight. Quitting is not an option when it comes to becoming a high achiever.

So many of us doubt ourselves and don’t even try to learn new skills because of fear and a lack of faith in our own abilities. However, now that you know you have a genius lurking inside, what will you do differently?

Here are some practical tips to help you on your journey towards becoming a genius:

1. Embrace continuous learning.

Make a conscious effort to continually improve yourself. Take courses, regularly review your progress, and look for ways to improve.

2. Learn to love failure.

Successful people understand that failure is a necessary step towards success. Each time you fail, you’re one step closer to reaching your goals. Let go of fear of failure and you’ll achieve more than you thought possible.

3. Read more.

Reading every day will significantly improve your vocabulary, knowledge within your chosen area, and help set you apart from others. Even just devoting half an hour each day to reading can make a huge difference in your quest to become a genius.

4. Set goals.

Goals are essential if you want to succeed. Goals motivate you and provide the energy you need to commit in the long run.

5. Know your strengths.

Focus on your strengths and don’t worry about your weaknesses. As Albert Einstein famously said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

6. Find a coach or mentor.

It’s crucial to have someone to work with you on your goals. Even Tiger Woods and Brian Tracey (who is over 70 years old) still have coaches to help them achieve their goals.

7. Don’t expect success overnight.

Extraordinary skills aren’t learned in a week. Only a long-term commitment and hard work will get you results. Remember, becoming a genius takes time and effort.

In conclusion, if you’re willing to put in the work, you can become a genius at almost anything. Remember, genes don’t matter much, and success isn’t overnight; it’s the result of long-term commitment and hard work. With practice, perseverance, and a little luck, you can become a high achiever in your chosen field.