At 37, I had this realization: my Zone of Genius is crochet. For years, it was a beloved hobby—a way to relax and create cute things for my family and friends. But when I started getting serious about building my business a few years ago, something clicked. I began waking up every morning excited to work, to design new patterns, and to share my creations with the world. It wasn’t just work; it felt like I had stepped into the fullest, most authentic version of myself.
This wasn’t by accident. Gay Hendricks calls this the Zone of Genius in his book, The Big Leap. It’s a concept that can unlock a life of joy, fulfillment, and purpose. If you haven’t yet explored this idea, let me walk you through it—and help you discover your own.
What Is the Zone of Genius?
According to Hendricks, your Zone of Genius is where your natural talents, passions, and skills align. It’s the place where you thrive, where time seems to melt away, and where you do work that not only energizes you but also has a unique impact on others. It’s not just what you’re good at; it’s where you are exceptional—where you shine brightest.
Hendricks breaks down work into four zones:
- Zone of Incompetence: Tasks you’re not good at and that drain your energy.
- Zone of Competence: Tasks you can do but don’t enjoy.
- Zone of Excellence: Things you’re great at and may even get paid well for, but they don’t light you up.
- Zone of Genius: Your unique skills and passions that bring joy, fulfillment, and flow.
Most of us spend our lives in the Zone of Excellence, where we’re comfortable and successful enough to get by. But as Hendricks points out, true fulfillment comes when we take the leap into our Zone of Genius.
How I Found My Zone of Genius
Like many, I've spent years operating in my Zone of Excellence – working hard, achieving goals, and checking boxes I thought I should. But there's always a small, nagging feeling: Is this really it? Is this what my life is meant to be?
Crochet started as a creative outlet, something I did for pure joy. I loved seeing a ball of yarn transform into something tangible and adorable, but when I leaned into the business side and started designing patterns, creating passive income sources, building a community, and sharing my passion, I felt unstoppable.
Every day became an opportunity to create, connect, and grow—both as a designer and business owner. I realized my gift wasn’t just crochet itself; it was the ability to teach, inspire, and provide tools for others to make something with their own two hands.
How Can You Find Your Zone of Genius?
If you’re reading this and wondering, What is my Zone of Genius?, here are a few questions to guide you:
- What lights you up? What are the activities that make you lose track of time? What brings you joy even when no one is watching?
- What comes naturally to you? What are you exceptionally good at that others find challenging? It may feel so natural to you that you don’t even think of it as a skill.
- When do you feel most alive? What kind of work or activities give you energy instead of draining it?
- What do others come to you for? Are there talents or skills that others seek your help with? Sometimes, our Zone of Genius is so second nature to us, we overlook its value.
- What impact do you want to have? How do you want to serve others or the world? Often, our Zone of Genius aligns with our purpose and how we can uniquely contribute.
Once you identify your Zone of Genius, it’s time to lean into it. Here are a few ways to get started:
- Say no to what doesn’t serve you. If something falls in your Zone of Incompetence or Zone of Competence, find ways to delegate or let it go.
- Invest in what lights you up. Whether it’s learning new skills, building a business, or simply spending more time on your passion, prioritize your Zone of Genius.
- Take the leap. Don’t let fear keep you stuck in your Zone of Excellence. Trust that stepping into your Zone of Genius will open doors you can’t yet see.
- Serve others with your gift. When you use your Zone of Genius to make an impact, it becomes a source of joy not just for you but for those around you.
Your Zone of Genius Is Waiting
If you’re feeling unfulfilled, stuck, or uncertain about your path, I encourage you to pause and reflect. Are you living in your Zone of Genius, or are you settling for something less?
Every day, I get to create, inspire, and share something that brings joy to others. It’s no longer just about crochet; it’s about fulfilling the purpose I was uniquely made for. ❤️
