The theme this month is Finding Your Zone of Genius: Your Key to a Low-Stress, Highly-Profitable Business That You Love!

So far in this series, we’ve been working to uncover your zone of genius but if you’re still struggling, don’t worry I got you. Start with pinpointing your other Zones first. Sometimes it’s easier to determine what we’re NOT good at or what we DON’T like rather than determining where our strengths lie.

Today’s episode is Pinpoint What Isn’t “Your Thing”–So You Can Finally Find What Is!

Welcome to Systems Sunday! The theme this month is Finding Your Zone of Genius: Your Key to a Low-Stress, Highly-Profitable Business That You Love!

I am Lisa Wells, your Virtual Assistant Trainer.

So far in this series, we’ve been working to uncover your zone of genius. But if you’re still struggling, don’t worry I got you.

Today’s episode is Pinpoint What Isn’t “Your Thing”–So You Can Finally Find What Is!

If you’re struggling to find your Zone of Genius, start by pinpointing your other Zones first. Sometimes it’s easier to determine what we’re NOT good at or what we DON’T like rather than determining where our strengths lie.

First, define your Zone of Incompetence. Remember, this is not meant to be an ego-crushing exercise. We all have natural strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. We’re just acknowledging those so you can create a plan for handling those tasks.

Ask yourself:

• What activities in my business am I NOT good at?
• Which tasks do I find extremely difficult?
• Which tasks take forever for me to do?
• Which tasks do I truly dislike doing?

Whatever you just answered, these tasks fall in your Zone of Incompetence. Create a “DO NOT DO” list to remember which tasks fall into this category. Keep this list nearby in your office and start actively saying “No” to these activities as soon as possible.

Now, look at this same list more closely and create a “GET RID OF” list. If something on your list is essential to your business and you can’t just drop it, having this list handy will let you know which tasks you need to look to eliminate or delegate in the future. If you want to delegate, having a list of tasks ahead of time makes the interview process much easier for you and for your outsourcing candidates so they know the full scope of what you need to hire them for.

Now comes your Zone of Competence. These are tasks you can do but don’t like to do. For example: Maybe you can schedule social media posts and pick hashtags for IG photos, but you don’t like doing it, aren’t an expert at it, or find that it actively drains you?

Ask yourself:

• What tasks am I capable of, but don’t like or want to do?
• Which tasks feel like “hard work” but I can get them done when I absolutely have to?
• Which tasks make me feel like I’m “not living up to my potential,” even if I’m okay at them?

These answers should help you pinpoint your Zone of Competence.

Next, it’s time to get clear on your Zone of Excellence. No doubt, you are great at many things otherwise you wouldn’t be an entrepreneur and virtual assistant. But simply being great at something doesn’t mean it’s your Zone of Genius. In fact, if it doesn’t 100% feel like the work you were put on this planet to do, it’s probably your Zone of Excellence instead.

Many people get confused with these two zones because being in your Zone of Excellence can be “easy” for you and you can get paid pretty well for the work, too. However, consider this Zone of Excellence as your comfort zone. The main difference between this zone and your Zone of Genius is how the work makes you FEEL.

Your Zone of Excellence is where you’re comfortable. You know what you’re doing, and people are responding positively, plus you’re making decent money here. Why would you want to change things? If this work doesn’t actually light you up or excite you, this is a big red flag that it’s NOT your Zone of Genius.

To discover your Zone of Excellence, ask yourself:

• What do I already have a quality reputation for in my work/career?
• What am I really good at?
• What do I–or others–consider “my thing” in my business and/or life?

While doing some tasks that are in your Zone of Excellence is totally fine (and usually necessary), many people unfortunately get caught up in what experts have dubbed the “Zone of Excellence” trap. This means they wind up staying stuck in their Zone of Excellence and never move into their Zone of Genius.

Are you asking, “So, what’s the problem?” You’re good at what you do, and people are paying you.

If you stay in your Zone of Excellence forever, you’ll eventually feel like you’re not living up to your full potential or going after what you know deep down you’re meant for. Thoughts like “What would have happened if…” Instead of wondering, get clear on your Zone of Excellence – even if it’s uncomfortable to admit that it’s NOT your Zone of Genius!

Those living in their Zone of Genius also have greater earning potential. You’ll feel more passionate about your work, you’ll gain more confidence because the work is so important, and you’ll know what kind of work to seek out, thus increasing your earnings. The only tricky part is determining your Zone of Genius.

Once you know your Zone of Excellence, you’ll have to start mentally preparing to step into your Zone of Genius. Ask yourself:

• Am I ready to take a big step outside my comfort zone and potentially face some fears? (The longer you’ve been working in your Zone of Excellence, the scarier this leap or shift will feel, especially if it means pivoting your business!)
• Am I prepared to change what I do on a day-to-day basis in my current business and the tasks I take on?
• Am I ready to potentially give up control and start outsourcing or building a team in order to spend more time in my Zone of Genius? (This isn’t always possible at first–but it’s the end goal!).

It’s certainly scary to think about restructuring your business or making a drastic change but none of these things have to happen at once. Acknowledge the feelings and concerns, then strategize how to handle each one. Once you see some solutions to these perceived problems, those worried feelings will subside, and you’ll start to feel excited about your new direction.

If you enjoyed this episode and want more tips and strategies, check out my new Discover Your Zone of Genius training system. You’ll learn how to figure out what naturally fills you up so you can tap into more flow and fun and how to create a life by design for more income and less overwhelm. You’ll get a training guide and accompanying workbook complete with worksheets, a 4-week done-for-you calendar, and a handy checklist.

You can find the product below or head over to my VA Business Builder Boutique by clicking on Shop in the menu bar.

Join me next week as we wrap up the series with, Creating a life by design plus how to delegate like a diva. Until then.

Catch up on other “Finding Your Zone of Genius” episodes:

• [Video] The Ultimate Secret to Doing Highly-Paid Work You Love
• [Video] Helpful Hacks to Help You Figure Out Your Zone of Genius

Did you enjoy this episode and want to put it into action? Check out this training system!