10 Aug From Lost to Legendary: The 6 Pillars of Hacking Human Potential
“There are powers inside of you which, if you could discover and use, would make of you everything you ever dreamed or imagined you could become.”
– Orison Swett Marsden
As it turns out, Living Your Legend is synonymous with Living Your Potential. That’s why we’re all here. So let’s start with a question:
Are you reaching your full potential?
It’s a question that haunts all of us from time to time. A question that casuses people to dream and act big, but also a question that forces people to do some of the most foolish things.
A reader recently came to me with this very problem. She didn’t feel like she was using everything she had. She genuinely enjoys what she’s doing and is damn good at it but feels like something is missing. Like she doesn’t use her brain as much as she’d like (as she put it). She mentioned going back to medical school or nursing school – something that had been on her mind since university.
She was starting to think a few years of school was the only way to solve the problem. This got me thinking…
Potential is nothing more than a feeling.
Realize that there are a million and one ways to experience it. It’s simply a feeling of adequacy and fulfillment with what you’re doing. That you’re using all the gifts and talents you have. Something only you can be the judge of.
Sure we often let others help us decide whether we feel fulfilled but at the end of the day it’s bull sh*t. It doesn’t matter if the world puts some certified genius on a pedestal for being a surgeon if the person knows deep down that they are only using half their brilliance.
Staying in your current role or traveling the typical path may keep others happy, but will it keep you happy? It’s doubtful. Sooner or later that feeling will get the best of you. The later you catch it, the harder it is to correct.
The good news is you can live your potential in just about anything you do.
If you know your mind is more sophisticated than your current work demands, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go get a PhD or become a neuroscientist. Maybe it means you take your excitement for fitness and cooking and turn it into a small academy to spread your passion and help people as much as you can. Then perhaps you license it out and create a movement.
Or maybe for you it just means finding one person close to you, who you know needs your guidance, and dedicating your time to them getting fit. That didn’t take 10 years of additional study and a few hundred grand. Instead you might experience your potential overnight.
For most it takes a lot less than you think.
It’s not about how big or small the dent is that you put in the world. All that matters is you make one.
Here’s a test for you. Which of the following is a good indication of whether you’re reaching your potential?
- You don’t use your unique talents on a daily basis to make a difference that you care about.
- You think others around you expect more from you.
- You spent 8 years learning and studying something specific and you aren’t using it.
Here’s a hint: #1 is all that matters.
The problem is most of us judge our lives, actions and value to society based on the second two (or reasons very similar).
Don’t do things just because you may have represented you wanted to do them in the past or because it will look good to others. So you were pre-med or passed the Bar. If you’ve since stumbled into something you happen to love doing and are damn good at, don’t penalize yourself because you’re not a doctor. And how many lawyers do you know who’ve gone rogue? More than I can count…
It’s about the feeling the activity brings. Not the activity itself.
As soon as you tune out the influence of others, you might find you’re already where you want to be.
Peak potential is more accessible than you realize. Here are a few places to start…
How to start living your peak potential, right now:
1. Use your gifts to mentor someone. Maybe find a child who you can teach about nutrition (or whatever topic you deeply care about). Or a close friend or colleague who genuinely needs and wants the help. This may or may not be a part of your job currently. That’s fine. Helping people makes us come alive. That’s what we’re going for. Don’t have the extra time? Either create the time off hours or teach people while at the office, maybe over a brown bag lunch session or through a current project. Take the initiative to help people.
2. Live your strengths. If you’re a brilliant public speaker but spend your time 150 cells deep in an excel spreadsheet for 10 hours a day, sooner or later something is going to have to give. You cannot keep your superpowers suppressed forever. If you do, they’ll either disappear, you’ll be miserable or likely both. Instead of emailing your completed spreadsheet to your boss like usual, start sitting your colleagues at a table so you can present your findings. Impress them and before long you may become the go to communicator. Start to seek bigger stages. It’s impossible to reach your potential without giving your strengths daily respect.
3. Reach for something meaningful. Do the things you usually only think about. Stop telling yourself they’re impossible. It’s too easy to sit and sulk in a toxic life situation that doesn’t leverage who you are. People can end up sitting there for years not doing anything about it. Snap out of it. Launch that business, apply for that job or negotiate that promotion or new work schedule you’ve been dreaming about. You will never get anything if you don’t ask for it. When you do, you’ll likely get a lot more than you expected, especially if you deserve it. Step up, take it and feel freakin good about it!
For a little inspiration, check out this sweet 60-second video I stumbled on from Monster: Are you reaching your potential?
4. Find someone to do the work you don’t have to do. The goal is to spend as much of your time as possible doing what you’re uniquely good at. If 80% of your day is spent battling your calendar, fighting email and putting out small fires, you’re going to start pounding your head against the table. There is someone out there who thrives off of scheduling and admin work and is likely kick ass at it. It’s your job to find them so you don’t have to do the work that takes away from who you are.
Don’t tell me you want to save money and do it yourself. Not a good excuse. I used that one much too long and I assure you that if you find the right person to do the things in life that put your fire out, they will be worth a fortune to you in the extra time you have to create and be you (especially at $5-$30/hr which is what most people charge). As Jonathan Mead says, “every time I’ve hired someone, I’ve made more money.”
I’ll cover outsourcing more in future posts but for now you could check out my Elance article on outsourcing 101. And for a few good hiring resources check out Hire My Mom.
5. Listen to yourself first (i.e. stop doing things because other say so!). There are two ways to measure whether you’re reaching your potential: What other people tell us and what we think of ourselves. The second is the only one that matters. The first is meaningless. So why do so many people do things for other people and not for themselves?
This constant attempt to please others over ourselves is killing us. It’s not enough that your parents, friends or teachers believe you should do something. They may provide insight and reason to explore things but if you don’t want to do it then don’t. It’s pretty simple. We have to start doing the things that matter wholly to us. Get that right and they will matter a lot more to others.
6. Reframe your meaning. Most real questions of potential come from not feeling what we’re doing matters. So we need to redefine why we’re doing what we’re doing. It’s time to start seeing the beauty of the forest instead of just the stump two feet in front of you. One person might just be laying bricks but the guy next to him is building a cathedral. Their day to day actions are identical but the meaning behind them is a world of difference.
You are not just crunching numbers, making sales or managing a workforce. Those are roles. Each of them contributes to a bigger vision. Find the vision that fuels you and you’ll immediately feel like you’re doing more your part. Chip Conley nailed this with his book and philosophy Peak. He’s got a killer TED talk too.
The intersection of talent, excitement and uncertainty is where your potential lies.
There is no one credential or job role that defines the above. That’s the beauty of it and that’s why it’s so possible to experience your potential on your terms, not someone else’s. You just have to be willing to work for it and want it badly enough.
Ask yourself daily ‘Is this my full potential’? Is what I’m doing right now putting my passionate dent in the world the way I know I could? If the answer is no for too many days in a row, it’s time for some disruption. Think of the smallest things you could do to make the answer to that question yes. The majority of the time it will not require a massive and drastic shift. If it does then embrace it. But first start small.
Live Your Legend is here to help you do the little things that will move mountains over time.
What shortcuts will allow you to experience your full potential? What uncertainties can you embrace? They are out there. They are everywhere. They take creativity but it’s worth it.
For a deep dive into uncertainty and how it harnesses potential and builds Living Legends, you gotta check out Jonathan Fields’ latest book and epic 60-second trailer, The Uncertainty Book (just released).
Experience your potential short term so you can live it long term.
The above are quick fixes. They are meant to create a spark. To reignite some excitement in what you’re currently doing – so you can then take that spark and light the world on fire. This is just the beginning.
Imagine a world where everyone lived at their full capacity. How insane would that be? Apply the above and use the new energy to do something epic. For some it may be a huge change and for others a slight shift. Either way it will make all the difference.
Remember it’s the spark that starts the forest fire.
You are the only one who can be the judge or your potential. Letting others dictate it will only get you into things you likely never wanted to do in the first place. It’s time to start doing things for the right reasons.
Potential can be reached any way you want. You get to decide.
How are you reaching yours?
What could you do right now to get you closer to your potential? Share in the comments (even if it’s just a sentence).
If you haven’t yet, come join the community and get the free Passionate Work Toolkit. We are now over 60,000 strong!
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Executive X
Posted at 05:03h, 10 AugustReally nice article, Scott. I really get #2 Live Your Strengths. I have a corporate gig, but I am living out my potential in helping other executives at a crossroads in their careers. It’s not always easy to handle both but it’s so helpful to think creatively to make it work.
Scott
Posted at 14:28h, 13 AugustAwesome to hear you finding a way to leverage what matters. That’s the perfect way to start fueling the fire. That’s how Live Your Legend first started. Hats off to what you’re doing. It makes a bigger difference than most realize! Btw, if you haven’t checked out Strengths Finder 2.0, it’s VERY worth taking the 20 min assessment that comes with the book.
Jon Giganti
Posted at 05:25h, 10 AugustScott,
Great post, once again. I can’t agree with you more. I’ve been able to leverage my corporate experience and “day job” to work on other “potential reaching” projects, such as writing and coaching. You don’t have to go to school for 10 years to test it out….after all, what if becoming a doctor or lawyer isn’t what you thought it would be? I love your idea about starting small. It’s not that hard to try. Jump in and see where it takes you!
Jon
Scott
Posted at 14:32h, 13 AugustRight on Jon. You are doing this in a big way with your blog and one on one work. And I know this is just the beginning for you!
There are almost always things you can do in at least a small way now that will give you a feel for whether the project, path or career is something that excites you the way you imagined. 10 years can be such a long time to wait, unless of course there is nothing in this world that calls to you like being a doctor does. Then the path is clearly worth exploring. But even then you can do tons of small things to test that passion before getting a decade down the road.
Everything has to start small…
Antony Cahane
Posted at 05:31h, 10 August“You don’t use your unique talents on a daily basis to make a difference that you care about”
No 1 really resonated with me. I need to spend time finding out what my passion and drive is. I know I am good at many things, it’s finding out how those skills relate to a passion and then how to combine them into something great.
Scott, if you read this I am intrested in your personal coaching. Contacted me if you have any spacing free. If you don’t let me know I want to get moving on this, I got the self improvement bug!
Scott
Posted at 14:33h, 13 AugustYou’ve no doubt come to the right place Antony. That’s why this site exists! Happy to help how I can. Will be in touch shortly.
Here’s to big things!
Amy
Posted at 06:25h, 10 AugustBeautiful post, Scott! It gets me all fired up! Can you imagine a world in which everyone feels like they are living up to their full potential? Everyone would inspire everyone else- the energy would be intense!
As for the step I’m taking, I focus on Living My Strengths. Through personal training and writing, I take my excitement and use that to motivate others into changing their lives for good. Listening to yourself first is also really important in my life. I put so much time, money, and effort into going down another road, but then I realized that it was contributing to my depression and gave it up! I couldn’t be happier that I did.
One step I would add because it’s been so important to me is hanging out with people that are living the way you want to live. If you can’t hang out with them, call them, read their books, SURROUND yourself with them. This was one of my main kickstarters!
Thanks again for the awesome post!
Scott
Posted at 14:57h, 13 AugustLeveraging and respecting your superpowers (i.e. strengths) is where it all starts! Congrats on noticing you were on the wrong path and adjusting. That’s huge and I know it’s not easy.
You are right on with surrounding yourself with passionate people. That is so huge and I’ve actually written about it a lot. Be sure to check this one out if you haven’t: Rule #1 Surround Yourself with Passionate People. https://liveyourlegend.net/rule-1-surround-yourself-with-passionate-people
Loving having you a part of the adventure Amy!
Btw, your site looks great. Hope all is awesome with you and Rick down south!
Amy
Posted at 14:12h, 16 AugustI LOVE that post! Great stuff!
Joel Zaslofsky
Posted at 07:27h, 10 AugustScott,
Do you read Steve Kamb’s Nerd Fitness website? The superhero theme I’m noting in some of your recent stuff parallels his (which is a good thing). I’m just a sucker for good superhero stuff so keep it coming. The TED talks you’ve been linking to also fall into the keep it coming category. Each one you link to proves well worth its time for me and I look forward to your scouting and providing us with links to the best ones.
Scott
Posted at 14:59h, 13 AugustSteve has built a great business with what he’s doing, no doubt. I’ve learned a lot form him and we trade ideas for time to time for sure. Actually the last time I was with him we were doing handstand pushups at about 2am in Portland and WDS….
Glad you dig the TED talks. Those are some of the most powerful things Ive found on the web. I put them on my iPad and watch them most days on the way to the office. Love it!
I actually just had tea with the woman who helped start TEDx SF. Can’t wait to attend one of those events!
Ritu
Posted at 08:08h, 10 AugustI may have to repeat myself every time I read something like this, but oh well-thanks for contributing encouraging and positive ideas into the universe.
With so much negativity around, we need the counter balance, as much as we can get.
Scott
Posted at 15:00h, 13 AugustYou said it Ritu. Keep out head up and thinking about and doing big things. Tough to go wrong if that’s the motto!
Thanks for the kind words btw…
Vishnu
Posted at 08:17h, 10 AugustScott – At a time when the world economies seem troubled, many are probably thinking it’s safe to do what they’ve been doing and not live their potential. There is a fear element for people living their potential. But they should really fear that they’re not living the life they are capable of living. You know we can’t make large jumps – so thanks for the small steps we can take today.
Scott
Posted at 15:04h, 13 AugustEVERYTHING starts small Vishnu. It has to. We can’t forget that. Sure the economies are a little wild right now but when you look at the last 100 years, a lot of this craziness is not new. That’s why, as Warren Buffett says, the best form of job security is being really freakin good and passionate about something–all about leveraging those superpowers.
Sometimes times like this cause tough things to happen, like losing a job, but that sometimes is exactly the wake up call we need to go after what matters. Sometimes we don’t have a choice. That may be the most empowering situation once you embrace it.
Scott Fox
Posted at 09:08h, 10 AugustScott,
Inspiring post.
I especially love this:
“The intersection of talent, excitement and uncertainty is where your potential lies.”
Is that an original Dinsmore quotation? I want to give you credit if I include it in my new book!
Best,
Scott
Scott
Posted at 15:05h, 13 AugustAwesome Scott!
I am proud to say that that is indeed an original Dinsmore quote. I actually modified it last minute to add in uncertainty.
Would love to have it make a cameo in your new masterpiece if it fits. What’s the new book topic?
Huge thanks!
Juan Carlos
Posted at 10:07h, 10 AugustGreat article Scott. I have been struggling with all the things you mention here and doing things I have the feeling I am not meant to be or do. Before you wrote it, I realize I can not follow the same path any longer. I decided to start the activities I am passionate about after work. So far my heart is pumping really strong. I don’t know how to put it in the world yet, but ideas are coming. I just love the feeling of enjoying my life and I would like to make it every second of my existence. Thanks for your words, the give me lots of fresh air.
Scott
Posted at 15:08h, 13 AugustThat is music to my ears Juan! Start fueling that passion in any way you can. Be it a few minutes each morning or a couple evenings a week. All that matters is you give it some energy. Get that right and I assure you you will find a way to put it in the world. I am here to help any way I can.
“So far my heart is pumping really strong.” That is the key my friend!
Hugh
Posted at 11:03h, 10 AugustAwesome, Scott. I know what my passions are and I am working every day to build my dream businesses. What am I going to do today to get myself closer? One of the things I want to do is give seminars on health/wellness/nutrition. I took a great communication seminar on Monday and I am going to email the seminar leader to see if he has advice as to how I may get started. Thanks, as always, for the prod!
Scott
Posted at 15:10h, 13 AugustLove it! That’s a huge first step. Nicely done. That topic is near and dear to me too. Please report back on your progress!
Amy
Posted at 11:32h, 10 August“Live your Strengths.” – a good reminder. I love the Gallup Organization’s StrengthFinder tool. It helped me realize and name my strengths. I learned from that experience that I was so close to my strengths, that I didn’t even realize they were my strengths. (if that makes sense!!)
Scott
Posted at 15:11h, 13 AugustThat was the biggest eye opener I’ve had in at least five years when I took that test. My five strengths are now my compass for all my decision making about what projects to take on or paths to explore. That stuff is HUGE! Glad you’ve already discovered it.
Peter Crowell
Posted at 05:46h, 12 AugustI’m completely in love with the logic of this process.
If we are to live our potential in all things, we have to be ourselves and no one else. To do that we have to break new ground. To do that we have to embrace the unknown.
And I love finding people who are saying it their way, because it’s the most important message there is.
The diversity of human potential is the key to a functional world.
Thanks for writing this post!
Scott
Posted at 15:12h, 13 AugustI love the way you put it Peter: “The diversity of human potential is the key to a functional world.” Right on!
In essence, that’s what this site is all about. It’s the only way to truly Live Your Legend.
Kurt
Posted at 15:00h, 12 August“As soon as you tune out the influence of others, you might find you’re already where you want to be.”
What could also happen, is that when you tune out the influence of others, you might find that you are not fully living your potential.
Scott
Posted at 15:13h, 13 AugustExactly. Either way, the tuning out process is crucial!
Xandra
Posted at 10:10h, 13 AugustMy favorite part of this post: “Reach for something meaningful. Do the things you usually only think about. Stop telling yourself they’re impossible.”
Right now I’m in the process of figuring out what passion I want to follow – doing the things I “only think about” is a good place to start, I think.
Scott
Posted at 15:15h, 13 AugustToo many people think and talk about stuff, and stop there. But that’s just the very beginning. Come back soon and let us know how it goes!
Eric
Posted at 08:15h, 20 Augustwell put from start to finish. i hope the reader you mentioned changed gears accordingly. keep ’em coming scott. un abrazo.
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