For years, I called myself lazy.
I’d set a goal. Make a plan. Get excited.
And then… stall out.
I’d look at unfinished tasks and think,
“Why can’t I just follow through like everyone else?”
Then I attended a Working Genius workshop—and I had a whole new understanding. This looks at productivity and what brings you energy..
I learned there are six types of work:
- Wonder – asking big questions and exploring possibility
- Invention – solving problems with new ideas
- Discernment – using intuition and judgment to make wise decisions
- Galvanizing – rallying others to take action
- Enablement – helping and supporting others move forward
- Tenacity – finishing things and driving results
Each of us has:
- Two Genius zones where we thrive.
- Two Competency zones that are neutral.
- Two Frustration zones that drain us.
My Genius? Discernment and Invention. Give me a challenge to solve or a decision to make—I’m in my flow.
But my Frustration zones? Wonder and Tenacity. - Which means starting with endless possibilities or slogging through every last detail to the finish line?
Not my thing. Not even close.
And that explained so much.
I wasn’t lazy.
I was exhausted—from living in tasks that pulled me out of alignment.
From trying to plan and work like someone I wasn’t built to be.
That one workshop gave me language and permission.
Permission to stop criticizing myself.
Permission to stop trying to push through everything on grit alone.
It’s when I realized I needed to build something different.
That’s when I knew I had to start my business—so I could spend more time in my Genius.
And help others do the same.
Read more about how the working genius is just one step in making a 10-year plan. Visit my blog.
Note to Self: What I’m Learning
When something feels hard, it doesn’t always mean I’m doing it wrong.
But it might mean I’m doing it in a way that doesn’t work for me.
Now, instead of forcing it, I pause and ask:
→ Is this in my Frustration zone?
→ Could I partner with someone else here?
→ Is there another way to approach this using my Genius?
Awareness doesn’t fix everything. But it does give me a better path.
Productivity Hack: Know What Drains You
At the end of each day, take 2 minutes and jot down:
- What gave me energy today?
- What totally drained me?
Use one of the following methods or think of your own.
Here’s what helps:
→ Jot it down in my Full Focus Planner
→ Scribble a note on a sticky and slap it on my wall
→ Keep a separate “What’s working/What’s not” journal
→ Make a simple list in a Google Sheet (color-coded if I’m feeling fancy)
→ Or literally write it out and tape it where I’ll see it
The point isn’t where you put it.
It’s that you do.
No pressure. Just data.
After a few days, you’ll start to see patterns.
And you’ll know:
That task? That zone? It’s not you, it’s your wiring.
From there, you can:
✔ Pair it with something that energizes you
✔ Automate it or ask for support
✔ Stop beating yourself up for needing a different approach
Planning isn’t about pushing through. It’s about playing to your strengths.
See you soon,
Terrie
P.S.
Want to discover your Genius—and actually plan from it?
I’m teaching this live in my upcoming Working Genius Workshop
📅 August 19 at 7 PM CT – just $49 (Use coupon to save 50% by August 17th)
COUPON CODE: WG50off
We’ll walk through all six Genius types, help you spot your zones, and give you tools to plan in a way that works for you.
And if you’re ready to go deeper?
Join the 6-week Future Focused Cohort starting on September 2.
Inside, we’ll:
✨ Use the Life Focus Kit to look at every area of life—not just work
✨ Build a 10-year vision that feels exciting (not overwhelming)
✨ Align your goals with your Genius so you don’t burn out
✨ Create a rhythm that works with your energy—not against it
Sign up for the cohort and get the workshop FREE
Use the 25% off coupon to get the full 6-week experience for just $244
COUPON CODE: Cohorts25
This is the work that helped me stop calling myself lazy.
And start creating a life that actually feels like mine.
