There is Genius in All of Us

Kristin Allaben
December 14, 2017
Forte Factor, inner genius, New Year's wish, successful 2018

By Jay Forte, Coach, Author, Educator

I have only one wish for the New Year: that we start to see the genius in all of us.

Let me explain.

We each come packaged with amazing abilities, the noteworthy special talents that connect you to your potential. Some people call them your “inner genius” while others call them your “natural abilities.” I call them your Forte Factor.

I admit, this may be harder for some people to achieve than others for a few reasons.

Sometimes we haven’t figured out our genius. It takes time and effort to discover, develop and live what is best in us. In fact, it is a lifetime journey. So, imagine if you intentionally look to identify, see and support the best in others. How might you facilitate their journey and help them? And in the process, what would you learn about yourself? Discover your Forte Factor.
Sometimes we fight our genius. There is often pressure to follow what others do, but once we understand our genius, we can see it naturally leads us down our own path. We each have our own unique genius because it gives us the room and space in today’s world to do what we are best at and love (for the benefit of all). Embrace your Forte Factor.
Sometimes we can’t or won’t see others’ genius. We take cues from the world around us that label things as right or wrong, good or bad. Yet it’s these labels the world seemingly needs to assign that distract us from our unique abilities. So, lose the labels. What truly matters is discovering, developing and living what is best in each of us. Appreciate the unique Forte Factor in others.

So back to my one wish for the New Year: I wish for all of us to learn to first look for and see the genius, greatness and potential in others. It takes effort. It takes intention. It requires mindfulness.

And when you focus on what’s best in others, you will start to discover your own best – your Forte Factor. Once you recognize it, you can use it to go out and make life better for all of us.

So here’s what you can do to help make my New Year’s wish a reality. For the next person you encounter, commit to seeing their genius. The next person who may share a perspective or lifestyle different than yours, focus on their genius. The next person who your world tells you is okay to hate, choose instead to see their genius.

You will be surprised by their response and yours.

Consider reading Setting the Course for a Successful 2018

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Life

The Energy Funnel Explained: Catabolic vs. Anabolic

Kristin Allaben
October 16, 2017
anabolic energy, catabolic energy, energy funnel, Forte Factor

By Jay Forte

Energy and emotions happen every moment of every day, often without consciously thinking about them.

Energy refers to how you approach the events, situations and circumstances of your life. It shows in your thoughts, feelings and actions and can be at any of the 6 different energy levels at any point in time. This is when most of us instinctively react instead of respond.

This also points to the importance of awareness, something that is critical to successfully discovering and developing your Forte Factor. Without being self-aware, you default to habits – some productive, some unproductive.

Knowing the 6 levels of energy, combined with having greater self-awareness, will empower you to more intentionally choose your responses, ultimately impacting your mental state. This, in turn, can lead to more positive personal and professional results.

Understanding the Levels of Energy

To understand the Energy Funnel, and to become more aware of your own energy level, you must first learn about the two types of energy:

Catabolic energy – referred to as diminishing, draining, resisting, contracting or destructive energy. Basically, according to Dr. Bruce Schneider, founder of the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC) and creator of the Energy Leadership Index, it “acts like a blinder through which you only [have] a limited view of a situation.”

Catabolic language shows as: should, have to, need to, may, hopefully, whatever, not sure, perhaps, maybe, must, always, never.

Levels 1 and 2 on the Energy Funnel are catabolic energy levels.

Anabolic energy – referred to as constructive, expanding, healing, augmenting and growing. This type of energy is the source of our greatest progress, success, inspiration and opportunity creation.

Anabolic language includes: want to, choose to, wish to, desire to, intend to, I will, it matters to me, it is important to me, it is critical, urgent, exciting.

Encouraging this language helps you more readily and intentionally tune in to opportunities and tune out limitations.

Levels 3 through 6 on the Energy Funnel are anabolic energy levels.

The Energy Funnel helps you see all 6 levels of energy and reminds you that it is your choice which level of energy you use in the circumstances and situations in work and life. Most of us default into our energetic responses instead of choose them with intention. Awareness of the levels helps you ask yourself, “Is my energy positive, optimistic and opportunity-focused, or negative, pessimistic and critical?”

If you’re unsure where you default on the Energy Funnel, or if you know you’d like to understand how to better use and direct your energy, contact Jay for a free 15-minute coaching session to see if coaching makes sense for you.

Continue reading about the Energy Funnel by learning about the different energy levels: Level 1 Energy.

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Life

Building a Personal Branding Statement

Kristin Allaben
October 7, 2017
Big Three, Forte Factor, personal branding statement

By Jay Forte, Coach, Author, Educator

Having a personal branding statement can give you a competitive edge. This is because creating your personal branding statement is the result of self-awareness. You know and understand your greatest strengths and you’re concisely sharing that information with others. Not only will this help you in interviews and with networking, it will also help you see what areas in work and life fit you best.

So, what exactly is a personal branding statement?

A personal branding statement clearly and concisely shares your talents, strengths, passions and interests. It’s a snapshot of who you are, a summary of your Forte Factor.

An approach I’ve found to be particularly successful in creating your personal branding statement leverages this format:

I am a (strength), (strength) and (strength) person who loves (passion), (passion) and (passion). As a/an (identity) and (identity), I (verb), (verb) and (verb) to/for (a particular goal).

Here are three examples using that format:

I am a detail-oriented, logical and curious person who loves to solve problems and challenges to improve results. As an avid team player and athlete, I work as I train – to win, to succeed and be the best.

I am an optimistic, thoughtful and responsive person who loves to find ways to inspire and engage others. As a great connector, I tune in, listen and care about what people have to say so I can help them succeed in work and life.

I am a confident, courageous and assertive person who loves to do deals and make money. As a strategic entrepreneur, I search out opportunities to invent value and grow results.

Remember to keep it short, keep it clear and keep it focused on what is great, right and unique about you.

My advice: practice your personal branding statement so you can deliver it professionally and easily – without notes.

Never miss an opportunity to share your Forte Factor with others.

Ready for the next step? Learn how to succeed in any interview by using your Big Three.

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