The Genius Licence

Gisela McKay

I've realized that the single biggest gift in being "gifted" is this licence it gives you. From the minute someone decides you are a genius, in their eyes, you're allowed to be as weird as you like. And by "weird" I mean being absolutely true to yourself without second-guessing yourself or having anyone question what you are doing in the moment.

I think it may actually give you more licence to be eccentric than being obscenely rich does. (I'm looking forward to testing that theory.)

I think everyone needs to have this in their lives, so I am granting you a Genius Licence. Think of it like borrowing your cousin's licence to get in the bar, only different.

So the next time someone attempts to limit you by declaring their judgment, ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I know this person?
2. Does this person's opinion matter?
  a) Am I ever going to see this person again?
  b) Is this person in a position of financial authority over me?
  c) Has this person kidnapped someone I love?
  d) Is this person holding one or both of my cats hostage?
3. Will I be heartbroken if this person never forgives me?

If I answer most of the questions with a Yes, I consider not doing it. However, if the overall answer is No, I promptly continue on my merry way.

So, what are you going to use your Genius Licence for next? Want to take an improv class but worried that your coworkers will mock you? Have you been thinking about going back to school but your sister won't approve? Want to start a book club but afraid your friends will think you are uppity?

Why would you let someone else' limitations diminish your ability to create an interesting life for yourself?

Still not sold on the value of the Genius Licence? Here's a bonus exercise:

Go to a window or anywhere else you can see people from at least 10 feet away.

Look at the size of someone's head (preferably not someone who is looking at you, unless you are doing this exercise with a partner). I want you to truly think about the amount of space it takes up.

Now consider how much space it takes up relative to the volume of the room or area it is in. What percentage of the space does it occupy?

Now consider the percentage of the block of the street you are on that it would occupy.

Now consider the percentage of the city or the town you are in that it would occupy.

Pretty small, isn't it? And to think, you are giving weight and importance to one single thought inside of that tiny amount of space.

Seems strange to let something so small in the grand scheme of things change your behaviour, doesn't it?

So, go ahead: take your Genius Licence and go do something meaningful that you have been putting off.
Gisela