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April 17, 2013 at 12:05 AM
Stupidity can take many forms, but did you know there are certain traits shared by geniuses throughout the ages? See if you possess any of these qualities of genius:
1. Geniuses have developed their ability to concentrate. First of all, geniuses seem to have developed the ability to concentrate single-mindedly on one question, problem or goal at a time to the exclusion of all else.
The more intensely you concentrate your attention and the more intensely you are emotionally involved with a problem or goal, the more likely it is that your mind will respond with the kind of creative ideas you need to solve that problem or reach that goal.
One of the best ways to develop this habit of concentration is to define your goal or problem clearly, in writing, at the top of a piece of paper. Then, write down every single detail that you can think of that pertains to that goal or problem. The more you write, the more likely it is that you will come up with exactly the idea that you need to solve your problem.
2. Geniuses have incredible problem-solving skills. The second quality of geniuses is that they have developed a systematic approach to solving problems. Usually, they clearly outline their problems on paper in advance. Accurate problem definition leads to a solution fully 50 percent of the time. Often, when you have a problem or series of problems causing you worry or concern, it is because you have not yet sat down and clearly defined exactly what the problem is.
Most people who are unhappy in life have no goals. The very act of sitting down and writing out a list of goals changes your perspective completely. When you take your list of goals, organize it by priority and then make written plans to achieve your most important goals, your mind will start to sparkle with ideas. Your negativity and pessimism will vanish. You will experience a surge of energy and enthusiasm, and you will want to get up and get going immediately on whatever it is you have written down.
3. Geniuses have open minds. The third characteristic of geniuses is that — invariably — they are open-minded. They are curious, friendly, even playful. They refuse to jump to conclusions or to cut off any line of thinking or train of thought because they know that the solution they are seeking can come from an unexpected direction. They continually ask questions, especially questions that begin with “What if?”