How to Discover Your Zone of Genius and Unlock Your True Potential
Have you ever felt like you’re not living up to your full potential? Like you’re capable of so much more, but something is holding you back? That was me—until I discovered my Zone of Genius.
At 37, I had this realization: my Zone of Genius is crochet. For years, it was just a beloved hobby—a way to relax, de-stress, and create gifts for my family and friends. But when I began to treat it seriously as a business, something clicked. I started waking up every morning energized—excited to design new patterns, share them with others, and connect with a growing community of makers.
It didn’t feel like “work” anymore. It felt like I had stepped into the fullest, most authentic version of myself.
This transformation wasn’t an accident. It’s what Gay Hendricks describes in his book The Big Leap as finding your Zone of Genius—the place where your natural skills, passions, and purpose align.
If you’ve never explored this idea before, this post will walk you through what the Zone of Genius is, how to discover your own, and how to start living it out.
What Is the Zone of Genius?
In The Big Leap, Hendricks outlines four different “zones” of work:
Zone of Incompetence – Tasks you’re not good at and that drain your energy.
Zone of Competence – Things you can do adequately but don’t enjoy.
Zone of Excellence – Activities you’re skilled at and may even be paid well for, but they don’t light you up inside.
Zone of Genius – Where your unique talents, passions, and purpose intersect. It’s where you thrive, feel energized, and create your greatest impact.
Most people spend their lives in the Zone of Excellence—doing work that’s “good enough” but doesn’t bring true fulfillment. Stepping into your Zone of Genius is different. It’s the sweet spot where time flies, energy flows, and your work not only excites you but deeply benefits others.
Why Living in Your Zone of Genius Matters
When you operate in your Zone of Genius, everything changes.
You find joy in your work. What once felt like “work” becomes something you look forward to each day.
You create impact. Your gifts naturally benefit others when you lean into them.
You gain energy, not lose it. Instead of feeling drained, you finish tasks feeling more alive.
You build confidence. Doing what you were uniquely made for strengthens your sense of purpose.
Simply put, the Zone of Genius is the pathway to living a life of passion, purpose, and fulfillment.
How I Discovered My Zone of Genius
For years, I operated in my Zone of Excellence. I was successful by most standards—checking off boxes, achieving goals, working hard. But deep down, I felt something was missing. I’d often ask myself: Is this really it?
Crochet had always been my safe space—a hobby I loved. But when I leaned fully into it—designing patterns, building a business, creating passive income, and teaching others—something unlocked.
I realized my gift wasn’t just the act of crocheting. It was the ability to:
- Design patterns that are clear and beginner-friendly.
- Inspire others to pick up a hook and create.
- Build community around creativity and handmade joy.
- Empower others to turn their own creativity into income.
That’s when I knew: crochet is my Zone of Genius. It’s not just a craft—it’s the way I bring light, creativity, and joy to the world.
Steps to Discover 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.
Common Blocks That Keep People Stuck
Even when you know your Zone of Genius, stepping into it can feel scary. Here are a few reasons people hold back:
Fear of failure: What if I’m not good enough?
Fear of success: What if I succeed and it changes everything?
Comfort zones: Staying in the Zone of Excellence feels safe and predictable.
External pressure: Family or cultural expectations may push you toward “practical” paths.
But remember this: true fulfillment comes when you lean into your gifts. Settling for less is not only a disservice to you—it’s a disservice to the people who could benefit from your unique contribution.
The Ripple Effect of Living in Your Zone of Genius
When you live in your Zone of Genius, you don’t just transform your own life—you impact the lives of others.
- A crocheter might inspire a child to create.
- A writer might offer words that heal.
- A teacher might spark curiosity that lasts a lifetime.
Your Zone of Genius creates a ripple effect of joy, inspiration, and growth.
For me, crochet has become a way to:
- Help people relax and reduce stress.
- Provide patterns that empower beginners.
- Give small business owners products they can sell.
- Inspire other moms and creatives to believe in their gifts.
That ripple effect is what makes it meaningful.
Your Zone of Genius Is Waiting
If you’re feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or restless, I encourage you to pause and reflect: Am I living in my Zone of Genius—or am I settling for less?
Every day, you have the chance to choose. To align your time, energy, and creativity with your purpose. To lean into the gifts God gave you. To bring joy not only to yourself but to everyone around you.
For me, that’s crochet. For you, it might be writing, teaching, painting, problem-solving, or encouraging others. Whatever it is, your Zone of Genius matters.
Don’t ignore it. Don’t minimize it. Step into it—and watch how your life transforms.
So let me ask you: what’s your Zone of Genius? Share your journey in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you’re discovering and living it out.
About the Author
Marcy Gardner is the crochet designer behind Simply Hooked, where she creates beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns that help makers of all skill levels create adorable, giftable plushies.
With over 13 years of crochet experience, Marcy has taught hundreds of crocheters through her patterns, kits, and online courses.
