Upgrade Your Genius

Genius is often a misapplied and mislabeled attribute.  We consider a genius as some kind of special gifting at birth and once a person is born a genius he or she remains a genius. 

Absolutely not true. 

Genius is nothing more than sheer grit and determination to become great and remain great in one’s chosen profession. 

It is important that your child understands talent, genius, ability and all other associative synonyms as it relates to their musical development, and all other activities he/she wishes to engage in.

My favorite story is of Michael Jordan, basketball great.  Remember, he was cut from his high school basketball team.  It was said of him that he lacked the talent for basketball. 

Here is an excerpt from a great book.

“Once, after his team lost the last game of the season, Jordan went and practiced his shots for hours.  He was preparing for the next year.  Even at the height of his success and fame – after he had made himself into an athletic genius – his dogged practice remained legendary.  Former Bulls assistant coach John Bach called him ‘a genius who constantly wants to upgrade his genius.’”

Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.

Mindset

Bottom line – Michael Jordan wasn’t a born genius at basketball.  He became a genius through sheer hard work and putting in the time on the practice court to hone his skills. 

Translation – if you can instill these kinds of stories into your child and help him/her understand this one ingredient, you just might ignite a flame that leads your young man or woman to stellar heights in any field they choose to pursue.

Carolyn Biggs

Steps and Skips

Tips for the Developing Student