Leaders: Understanding Your Unique Genius

Your conscious reinvention doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s idea of success.

It really needs to be your own.

Exhibit A: Steve Jobs

With Steve Jobs’ passing we’ve heard a lot about his brilliance with forging new technological advancements. He literally changed how we approach communications in the 21st century.  I wasn’t surprised when I came across his quote, which speaks loudly to WHY he was successful.

He embraced his own kind of genius.

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”   – Steve Jobs, US computer engineer & industrialist (1955 – 2011)

Ask yourself this:

“Where would we be today without Steve Jobs?” Where would be be without this crazy guy embracing his own genius?

Then know this:

You have your own kind of genius and we need your voice in the world today. Where will we be without the dreams that are asking to be birthed through you?

Exhibit B: My Dad

My awareness of how quickly life passes comes from being an Intuitive, but also from my father’s passing when I was in my early thirties.

My dad was a humble man who worked hard to provide for his family of 14.

With so many mouths to feed he didn’t have much in the way of material goods or education.  I had always felt badly that he had worked so hard and had what I considered to be so little, until I had a conversation with him several years before he died.

I’ll never forget his reply when I asked him if he had any regrets about his life. He said no.  He was happy with his life, his beautiful wife and his children.  For him, that was enough.

My dad taught me significant life lessons by staying true to himself, being a man of his word and appreciating the little things in life. His words echoed in my mind as we stood by his bedside when he peacefully passed away.

What a beautiful thought…he had no regrets.

At his funeral we found out just how many lives this man of simple means touched.  It was truly inspiring.

Time to Relax

When it comes to trying to figure out what type of genius you are, you can relax. You aren’t called to be Steve Jobs or anyone else for that matter.

You are called to be your best, most authentic self.

Your dreams are on purpose and are to be celebrated.  As a leader your platform may be:

• Your family
• A classroom
• In your city
• In your organization
• In a government setting

But make no mistake -no matter where your dream calls you – your voice, influence, and impact is needed.

Get Started Now

Steve Jobs was only 56 but he didn’t die with his music in him. It is never too late to start.  You came to this life to use your unique gifts and talents to make a difference in the world, by doing what matters to you.

It doesn’t matter if what you feel called to is conventional or not.  Your voice – your perspective – makes all the difference and there are people waiting for the message only you can bring.

For some inspiration, you may enjoy watching this video “Interview with GOD”

Putting It All Together

In 2005 Steve Jobs gave a commencement speech to the Stanford graduating class entitled “You’ve got to find what you love”.  In it he shared a quote that influenced him greatly, “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.”

As a result every day he asked himself, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”  If it wasn’t and he found that was his answer several days in a row, he knew change was needed.

Here are his words of wisdom for you to consider: 

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.

Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

And, most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.

They somehow already know what you truly want to become.

Everything else is secondary.”

With his passing these words are even more significant.  Steve knew that by tapping into your own inner wisdom you could know the truth of why you’re here and what you are being called to do.

Your greatest opportunity is to remember what you already know.  Today ask yourself Steve’s question and see what changes your soul is calling you to make.

“If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”

1. What should I stop doing?

2. What should I keep doing?

3. What should I start doing?

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——————–
Anastasia Montejano, ACC, CPIC, PMP, Founder Conscious Reinvention Movement
She’s multinational leadership consultant, bestselling author & “Reinvention Catalyst”
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Image Sources:  coolhouseonline.com

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