“The essence of genius is to know what to overlook.”
William James
"Most people have the mistaken idea that geniuses are born, not made", declared clinical psychologist Dr. Alfred Barrios, founder and director of the Self-Programmed Control Center of Los Angeles and author of the book, Towards Greater Freedom and Happiness.
"But if you look at the lives of the world’s greatest geniuses like Edison, Socrates, DaVinci, Shakespeare, Einstein, you will discover they all had 24 personality characteristics in common.
24 Qualities That Geniuses Have in Common
Dr. Barrios lists of characteristics which enable geniuses to come up with and develop new and fruitful ideas:
1. Drive. Geniuses have a strong desire to work hard and long. They're willing to give all they've got to a project. Develop your drive by focusing on your future success, and keep going.
2. Courage. It takes courage to do things others consider impossible. Stop worrying about what people will think if you're different.
3. Devotion To Goals. Geniuses know what they want and go after it. Get control of your life and schedule. Have something specific to accomplish each day.
4. Knowledge. Geniuses continually accumulate information. Never go to sleep at night without having learned at least one new thing each day. Read. And question people who know
5. Honesty. Geniuses are frank, forthright and honest. Take the responsibility for things that go wrong. Be willing to admit, 'I goofed', and learn from your mistakes.
6. Optimism. Geniuses never doubt they will succeed. Deliberately focus your mind on something good coming up.
7. Ability To Judge. Try to understand the facts of a situation before you judge. Evaluate things on an opened minded, unprejudiced basis and be willing to change your mind.
8. Enthusiasm. Geniuses are so excited about what they are doing; it encourages others to cooperate with them. Really believe that things will turn out well. Don't hold back.
9. Willingness To Take Chances. Overcome your fear of failure. You won't be afraid to take chances once you realize you can learn from your mistakes.
10. Dynamic Energy. Don't sit on your butt waiting for something good to happen. Be determined to make it happen.
11. Enterprise. Geniuses are opportunity seekers. Be willing to take on jobs others won't touch. Never be afraid to try the unknown.
12. Persuasion. Geniuses know how to motivate people to help them get ahead. You'll find it easy to be persuasive if you believe in what you're doing.
13. Outgoingness. I've found geniuses able to make friends easily and be easy on their friends. Be a 'booster' not somebody who puts others down. That attitude will win you many valuable Friends.
14. Ability To Communicate. Geniuses are able to effectively get their ideas across to others. Take every opportunity to explain your ideas to others
15. Patience. Be patient with others most of the time, but always be impatient with yourself. Expect far more of yourself than others.
16. Perception. Geniuses have their mental radar working full time. Think more of others' needs and wants than you do of your own.
17. Perfectionism. Geniuses cannot tolerate mediocrity, particularly in themselves. Never be easily satisfied with yourself. Always strive to do better.
18. Sense Of Humor. Be willing to laugh at your own expense.
19. Versatility. The more things you learn to accomplish, the more confidence you will develop. Don't shy away from new endeavors.
20. Adaptability. Being flexible enables you to adapt to changing circumstances readily. Resist doing things the same old way. Be willing to consider new options.
21. Curiosity. An inquisitive, curious mind will help you seek out new information. Always ask questions about things you don't understand.
22. Individualism. Do things the way you think they should be done, without fearing somebody's disapproval.
23. Idealism. Keep your feet on the ground - but have your head in the clouds. Strive to achieve great things, not just for yourself, but for the better of mankind.
24. Imagination. Geniuses know how to think in new combinations, see things from a different perspective, than anyone else. Unclutter your mental environment to develop this type of imagination. Give yourself time each day to daydream, to fantasize, to drift into a dreamy inner life the way you did as a child.
Additional Reading
The Essence of Being a Genius: The Fifty Genius Traits Enabling the Aspiring Individual to Rise Above Average by Ph.D. Matthew Radmanesh
Point of Reflection
“It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.”
Epictetus
“Man who catch fly with chopstick, accomplish anything.”
Mr. Miyagi the character from The Karate Kid movie