Zone of Genius v. Zone of Excellence

Had this idea come up TWO TIMES last week in coaching calls.

Are you working in your Zone of Excellence or your Zone of Genius?

We all have those things we are GOOD at–really GOOD AT. That’s our zone of EXCELLENCE. We learn how to do something–anything–because someone told us it would serve us well if we did so or we just plain had some interest in pursuing it. We practice, practice, practice and we create a skill set that enables us to DO WELL in this area.

But the ZONE OF GENIUS is something else entirely. For me, the ZONE OF GENIUS cannot be taught; it is hard-wired in us and it is our job in life to discover and unleash it. It’s our innate, raw talents, our inherent skills, our sweet spots.

Example: I am really good at writing. When I write, I’m in my zone of excellence. But my zone of genius…? Not so much. My zone of genius is when I’m CONNECTING with other humans. The art of conversation and genuine connection is where I SOAR. It’s my zone of genius.

How do you interpret the difference between the zone of genius v. the zone of excellence?