Your Big Leap Year summary

Before you begin your Big Leap Year, let’s set the stage. First of all, a Big Leap Year doesn’t need to start on the first of January. It can start anytime, like right this very moment.

Second of all, let’s unpack the two main topics we’ll be dealing with here: firstly, getting rid of what holds you back, known as upper limit problems, and secondly, living in your genius zone, where you're doing what you love and making a meaningful impact. The following daily tools and affirmations are all about helping you achieve these goals in 365 days.

Day 1 kicks off the journey by asking for a commitment to expanding your genius every day, even if you're not entirely sure what that entails yet. This commitment sets the tone for the entire journey, guiding you towards uncovering and expressing your unique brilliance. So, are you ready to take the leap? State your commitment to yourself a few times and finish by saying it aloud.

In the first week, we’re focused on the power of wonder, and asking what the author refers to as wonder questions. Every wonder question starts with a “hmmm…”. The “hmmm…” targets and harmonizes certain parts of your brain and allows you to tap into your deepest creative source. By asking questions like "Hmmm, what do I most love to do?" and "Hmmm, how can I make my greatest contribution to the world?" you’ll gain clarity and direction on how to get closer to your Genius Zone.

At the end of the first week, we focus on those upper limit problems, or ULPs. At this time, we try to shed light on the all too human tendency to self-sabotage when things are going well. By understanding and addressing your ULPs with curiosity rather than criticism, you pave the way for sustained growth.

Use wonder questions to open up a friendly inquiry into your own ULPs. Ask yourself more than once: “Hmmm, how do I sabotage myself when everything is going well?”

The following week, we delve into the four zones of daily life: incompetence, competence, excellence, and genius. 

You’re spending time in your incompetence zone when you’re doing things you’re not good at, and don’t enjoy doing. In your competence zone, you're tackling tasks that you can manage, but they're not necessarily your forte – someone else could handle them just as well. Stepping into your excellence zone, you're excelling in what you do, performing admirably. However, there's a catch in this zone – it often leads to burnout or stagnation. Now, in your genius zone, you're fully immersed in activities that ignite your passion and allow you to make your most significant impact on the world.

Take a moment of honesty with yourself and delve into your incompetence zone. Begin by pondering this wonder question: “Hmmm, how much of my daily time is consumed by tasks I'm not proficient at and derive no enjoyment from?”

By identifying where you spend your time and energy, you gain insight into areas ripe for transformation.

The journey isn't without its challenges. Overcoming your ego is one of them. Not doing something because of a fear of failure is all about the ego stepping in and shielding us from humiliation. It floods our minds with fears, urging us to stick to the safe confines of our comfort zone rather than daring to take the Big Leap. However, residing in our genius zone means transcending such ego-driven concerns; there's no craving for recognition or fear of embarrassment. As our genius flourishes, the ego gradually fades into the background.

To confront your ego, consider these questions: Are these fears merely a defense mechanism of my ego? If so, how?

Guilt also has a remarkable ability to overshadow our moments of joy. When positivity intersects with our negative self-beliefs, guilt often emerges, dampening our spirits and triggering self-sabotage. Yet, if we allow our happiness to prevail, we bolster our capacity for positivity, propelling us forward on the path to genius.

Throughout the process, courage is essential. It takes courage to stay dedicated to your genius amidst life's challenges. By affirming your courage and expanding your comfort with feeling good, you cultivate resilience and optimism.

Sometimes, feeling good is actually a discomfort. When we’re not used to it, that’s when self-sabotage can rear its ugly head. So, try this exercise: Recall a cherished memory, a moment of triumph or deep connection, something that fills you with joy just thinking about it. Glance at the time and then gently close your eyes. Take slow, deep breaths, allowing the warmth of that memory to permeate every fiber of your being. Immerse yourself in that positive energy for as long as you can, free from any intrusive thoughts or physical discomfort. 

When you feel ready, open your eyes and check the time again. How long were you able to bask in that uplifting feeling? This serves as your current baseline for positivity tolerance. Repeat this exercise regularly and observe how your capacity for positivity expands. By consciously pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone, you naturally extend your threshold for joy.

This takes us past the first month of the Big Leap Year, but it covers a lot of the fundamentals. As we’ll see in the next couple of sections, much of the following months involve reinforcing and checking in on these principles of staying committed, recognizing your ULPs and self-sabotaging tendencies, and opening yourself up to a more positive outlook on life.