The Hidden Habits of Genius

Everyone has talent, but only a few possess the qualities that make them a genius. So, what really sets geniuses apart?

1. A Childlike Perspective Fuels Creativity

Geniuses often maintain a childlike way of seeing the world, whether they are young or old. This fresh perspective can help unlock original ideas and bold work that redefines their field. Mary Shelley, at just 19, created “Frankenstein,” a story now iconic in literature. Starting young wasn’t a disadvantage; it allowed her to embrace a vivid, uninhibited imagination free of rigid expectations.

Pablo Picasso, on the other hand, grew older but maintained a youthful artistic spirit. Despite mastering classic techniques early under the guidance of his father, Picasso realized skill alone wasn’t enough. His innovation stemmed from breaking away to embrace playful, childlike impulses. His use of daring lines, bright colors, and cartoonish forms revolutionized modern art.

By keeping their youthful curiosity intact, both Shelley and Picasso demonstrated that genius thrives when unburdened by conventional adulthood. Geniuses disrupt norms because they choose to view the world as curious explorers rather than constrained adults.

Examples

• Mary Shelley wrote “Frankenstein” during her teenage years.
• Picasso credited his youthful mindset for his experimentation with daring artistic styles.
• Genius often begins with a fresh vision of the world, like a child’s.

2. Curiosity Unlocks Unlimited Learning

The key to genius lies in relentless curiosity. Leonardo da Vinci exemplified this with his boundless thirst for knowledge. Despite lacking a formal education, he still became a master in fields like art, engineering, anatomy, and more. His curiosity was so unending that a mundane activity like writing a to-do list would lead him to study subjects such as calculating Milan's area or mathematically squaring a triangle.

Curiosity also fuels deeper thinking. By continuously asking questions, Leonardo often discovered answers that revolutionized multiple disciplines. Like Leonardo, those driven by curiosity view the world as an endless classroom and savor learning something new each day.

Curiosity isn’t rare, but the depth of such learning sets people like Leonardo apart. They thrive because they approach every task with wide-eyed interest, no matter how simple or complex.

Examples

• Leonardo's to-do lists showed his broad curiosity, from engineering to astronomy.
• He investigated everything around him, including dissecting bodies to learn anatomy.
• Curiosity drives extraordinary achievements, as it turns everyday experiences into learning.

3. Unwavering Focus Builds Masterpieces

Geniuses are known for deep, undistracted focus. Leonardo da Vinci, famous for The Last Supper, took his time to obsess over seemingly small details, like the angle of a fold in fabric or the glint of light in a room. His creativity wasn’t rushed—it was intentional and thorough.

Albert Einstein, despite chaotic surroundings, demonstrated a remarkable ability to tune out distractions. He crafted groundbreaking theories while rocking his baby amid the smell of diapers and cigarette smoke. This intense concentration allowed his mind to solve problems that had baffled others for decades.

For others, focus sometimes requires removing external interference. Vladimir Nabokov famously wrote "Lolita" in his car’s backseat to avoid drafts or interruptions. Whether geniuses immerse themselves in noisy settings or peaceful environments, their ability to focus entirely on their work is foundational.

Examples

• Leonardo took years to perfect his work because of his deliberate effort.
• Einstein wrote equations undeterred, even in a messy household.
• Vladimir Nabokov eliminated distractions by writing in his parked car.

4. Rule-Breaking Inspires Groundbreaking Ideas

Innovation often involves breaking established rules. Andy Warhol saw the gap between traditional art and modern consumerism and decided to make that disparity his subject, creating iconic works like Campbell’s Soup Cans. By refusing to conform, he reshaped how the world saw art.

Historical geniuses like Martin Luther also exemplified this mindset. By challenging the doctrines of the Catholic Church with his Ninety-Five Theses, Luther broke age-old religious norms and sparked the Reformation. His rule-breaking altered not just religious life but also politics and society.

Geniuses defy conventions to reflect untold truths, upend perceptions, and revolutionize thinking. By daring to be different and challenging norms, they drive innovation.

Examples

• Warhol transformed pop culture with unconventional art featuring everyday items.
• Luther’s protest reshaped religion and society in 16th-century Europe.
• Geniuses like Galileo challenged orthodox beliefs to reveal greater truths.

5. Creativity Can Spring from Weakness

Some geniuses find inspiration in their struggles. Be it mental health challenges or personal demons, they transform hardships into art or groundbreaking concepts. Poet John Dryden observed the connection between madness and genius centuries ago, and modern studies echo this by finding that poets are 30 times more likely to experience bipolar disorder than the general population.

Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist, harnesses her hallucinations to create mesmerizing works of art. Living in a psychiatric institution, she refers to her work as “psychosomatic art,” using creativity as therapy. Instead of becoming paralyzed by challenges, geniuses channel their adversities into strengths.

Weakness, whether societal or personal, often calls forth the creativity to adapt. By facing their challenges head-on, geniuses turn struggles into triumphs.

Examples

• Aristotle noted the link between madness and genius in ancient Greece.
• British poets showed higher rates of mental health struggles in studies.
• Yayoi Kusama transformed her hallucinations into powerful artwork.

6. Relaxation Sparks Creative Ideas

Taking time off from work is a common thread among geniuses. Inspiration often strikes not while rigorously thinking but during moments of rest, be it through walking, dreaming, or reflection. Charles Dickens, for example, walked 15 miles daily, using this time to untangle ideas for his novels.

Geniuses recognize that breakthroughs occur when the mind is relaxed. Salvador Dalí purposefully used techniques like drifting into a nap with objects in hand to harvest his dreamlike visions. Similarly, Paul McCartney famously wrote "Yesterday" after hearing the melody in a dream.

Periods of relaxation allow ideas to bubble to the surface unconsciously. In blending work with downtime, geniuses optimize creative flow.

Examples

• Dickens’ long walks helped him refine stories like "A Christmas Carol."
• Dalí’s sleep experiments inspired his surrealist masterpieces.
• McCartney composed one of his biggest hits based on a dream.

7. Genius Requires Daring to Be Different

Standing out often means being misunderstood. Geniuses like Andy Warhol didn’t shy away from provoking reactions, creating a narrative around art that many critics resisted initially.

The Beatles also faced skepticism when they began changing their sound, moving from pop hits to complex compositions. Yet, their ability to innovate musically became legendary because they weren’t afraid of backlash.

Being different comes with risks, but geniuses embrace their uniqueness, knowing innovation only starts by leaving comfort zones.

Examples

• Warhol turned heads by using commercial items as art.
• The Beatles’ experimental albums earned backlash, then admiration.
• Daring to be different creates paths others follow later.

8. Failure Isn’t the Enemy

Failures or mistakes don’t deter geniuses—they fuel them. Thomas Edison reportedly failed thousands of times while developing the light bulb, but he famously saw each failure as an essential step toward success.

Even Albert Einstein was labeled a “slow learner” as a child, yet he revolutionized physics while studying his passion long after traditional schooling.

Geniuses maintain perseverance through setbacks. They view failure as part of the journey, learning and adapting as they go along.

Examples

• Edison viewed failed experiments as steps toward innovation.
• Einstein overcame childhood labels to become a revolutionary thinker.
• Failure strengthens rather than hinders creative minds.

9. Feeding Many Interests Fuels Ingenuity

Geniuses often delve into activities beyond their primary fields. Leonardo da Vinci exemplified this by mastering art, engineering, anatomy, and more. By exploring different disciplines, he brought insights from one to another, creating innovative ideas.

Similarly, Steve Jobs credited his interest in calligraphy for the design elegance of Apple products. Cross-pollination of ideas across disciplines enriches creativity.

Pursuing varied interests prevents stagnation, allowing geniuses to connect the dots in unexpected ways.

Examples

• Leonardo succeeded by combining diverse endeavors.
• Steve Jobs innovated tech design using calligraphy principles.
• Multidisciplinary thinking expands creative possibilities.

Takeaways

1. Take regular walks at a relaxed pace to generate fresh ideas.
2. Try exploring unfamiliar fields to spark creativity and connections.
3. Make time for deliberate rest and relaxation to refuel your mind.