I often hear people say “Oh you are so creative, I could never do what you do…” blah blah blah. Yes, I like to think of myself as a creative genius, and yes, we all should be passionate about what we do. I also am also keenly aware that absolutely anyone can become a genius. Being intelligent, educated, wealthy, physically fit, creative, charming, or living with passion is a choice that anyone can make if they so choose.

Weird that everyone believes in ‘absolute’ thinking.

Can something be really weird and commonplace at the same time? Most people in our culture believe what we see. Meaning that a thing is nothing more, nor less, than it presents itself to be. It is absolute. We think that they way it is now is the way it always has been and the way it always will be. It is a mental short cut which significantly reduces our need to think about things, but it leads to a host of errors in though. A “new” car in a showroom commands a premium price, yet as soon as it is driven off the lot it becomes “used” and loses 40% of its value. If you see someone do a single stupid act in your presence then they are always stupid. A person convicted of a crime is always a criminal and can never be trusted again (making it very hard for people who made a mistake at one point in their life to find a job and recover).

We also make this error with positive traits. When we see some beautiful pieces of art we think the artist is a creative genius. If they have a few great ideas, they are classified as ‘very intelligent.’ If they are rich they must be successful and convey a higher status. If they are physically fit, then they must have been born with good genes.

Yet this thinking (that 99% of people do) is completely wrong. Creativity, passion, intelligence, wealth, any personality trait in fact develops over time. We all make choices about the person we become. Most of us are unaware that we make choices so we allow the impressions of others to influence how we shape ourselves.

Time is the only currency that allows you to become a genius

Yet, intuitively, we know that if we want to play the piano, and devote 2 hours every day to that end. Within a few months you can play the piano. And we know that if you wish to be more physically fit and go to the gym everyday… that too will happen for you sooner or later.

Personality works the same way. if you want to become more educated then read everyday. If you want to live with passion, then take time to find the excitement in what you do. Practice seeing the world as a beautiful, marvellous, magical place. If you want to be more friendly, then make a point of saying hi to people and introduce yourself to people you meet. Have something to talk about, and be interested in what others have to say.

Becoming a genius at anything requires no product, nothing to buy, no pill to take. But the cost is high. It can only be purchased with an investment of time.