How Self-Awareness Can Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential

In 2023, I made a discovery that completely transformed my life and business. It all started with a simple test: the MBTI. At the time, I was returning to school after a career change, and this was part of a management course. The results? Eye-opening.

I tested as ENTJ, a personality often described as controlling, ultra-analytical, and a natural leader. I liked having control, preferring clear direction and structured plans. However, there was something that didn’t sit right with me. Despite my preference for leadership, I wasn’t always the loudest voice in group settings. Something felt off, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

For years, I faced repeated challenges, but it wasn’t until I took another psychometric test—Gallup CliftonStrengths (thanks to a recommendation from Rachel Rodgers)—that the pieces finally clicked.

The results were startling:

• Empathy
• Restorative
• Individualization
• Context
• Intellection

These traits painted a very different picture of me—one I hadn’t fully acknowledged before. In MBTI terms, these qualities pointed to an INTJ—and yes, it turns out I have a significant introverted side!

How to Find My Zone of Genius in Business

This self-discovery taught me something crucial: understanding who you truly are can unlock your business’s full potential. Knowing your personality, strengths, and tendencies gives you clarity, direction, and confidence to make decisions that align with your true self.

Here’s what this deeper self-awareness meant for me:

• I don’t enjoy big crowds or loud environments.
• I thrive in small groups or one-on-one conversations.
• I love making plans and thinking several steps ahead.
• I find peace and creativity in quiet reflection—either alone or with just one person.
• Photography became a powerful form of self-expression for me, almost as if I’m “hiding” behind the camera but truly connecting with others through the lens.

This is where understanding your zone of genius plays a pivotal role in business success.

The Power of Self-Awareness: A Game-Changer for Your Business

Not understanding who we are and how we operate is often the reason we feel lost in our business or projects. I reached a point where I almost gave up, struggling with multiple failures at once. I couldn’t pinpoint why everything felt like it was in a constant state of flux. Why did I keep encountering the same types of challenges with the same kinds of people?

It felt like kryptonite—nothing seemed to work.

But the turning point came when I truly understood who I was. I gained clarity about my values, strengths, and boundaries. When you reach this level of self-awareness, everything starts to shift:

• The words you use become more authentic and powerful.
• The people you partner with align better with your vision.
• The direction you take in your business becomes clearer.

That’s when everything clicked for me. Rachel Rodgers spoke about how the success of our projects is tied to our zone of genius, and suddenly, I realized that this was the missing piece. Once I identified my zone of genius—those activities where I’m not just competent, but truly exceptional—I began to focus my energy on what matters most.

Finding Your Zone of Genius and Creating Aligned Success

By April, I had a renewed sense of direction. I reconnected with the clients who needed my help the most, and I started to see results that I hadn’t experienced before. I began helping clients gain clarity in their projects after years of feeling stuck. Some clients secured 4- and 5-figure contracts with my help, thanks to creating simple, aligned content that resonated with their audience.

So, what does this mean for you?

If you’ve ever wondered how to find your zone of genius in business, it all starts with self-awareness. Take a step back, reflect on your strengths and preferences, and align your business practices with what truly excites and energizes you.

You don’t have to rush or feel pressured to tick off every item on your to-do list. Instead, take the time to understand yourself. Clarity and direction in business come when you fully embrace who you are and how you operate best.

---

Final Thoughts: Self-awareness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the key to unlocking your business’s true potential. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, analytical or creative, understanding your zone of genius is crucial for designing a business that feels aligned, fulfilling, and successful.

So, as we step into this new year, I encourage you to reflect on your own strengths and how they can propel your business forward. Start by answering this simple question: What is my zone of genius, and how can I use it to create more impact in my business?

---

Happy World Introvert Day! 🎉
As an introvert myself, I understand the unique strengths we bring to the table. Embrace your quiet power and leverage your zone of genius to unlock your business’s true potential.