Jim Neu Haus

Talent Talk asked:


Are geniuses born or made?

Made, says the Cambridge Handbook of Expertise and Performance emphatically.

A good summary of the arguments can be found in this New Scientist article (’How to be a genius’) which argues that anyone can be a genius, so long as certain key factors are in place.

Those factors are:

1. Having a supportive environment

2. Effort, and lots of it (approximately 5 times more than the average person in the field, or 10 years of patient application to that field)

3. Having a mentor

From the article it’s clear that most of the kids who grew up to be ‘geniuses’ didn’t show signs of exceptional talent early on - and this seems to mirror the experience of some geniuses, for example Einstein and Newton, who also did not show any exceptional signs of talent even after leaving university.

What does this mean for us professionals?

As Anders Ericsson, the editor of the book, puts it: ‘It’s funny, really. On one hand it’s encouraging: it makes me think that even the most ordinary among us should be careful about saying we can’t do great things, because people have proven again and again that most people can do something extraordinary if they’re willing to put in the exercise.

‘On the other hand, it’s a bit overwhelming to look at what these people have to do. They generally invest about five times as much time and effort to become great as an accomplished amateur does to become competent. It’s not something everyone’s up for.’

Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.- William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act II, Scene V

This touches on a theme we have already been exploring - that the time required to achieve competence and then mastery in a certain area - is considerably more than we at first may think.

Other interesting findings are as follows:



There is no link between IQ and extreme talent / giftedness

Focused study and practice builds expertise, which is in turn very specialised

Our genetic ‘potential’ is only activated through environment and experience



Based on our experience, we feel that there is something still missing - and that is that while genius isn’t innate - talents (the neural connections in the brain) - still are.

So as the article states, a grandmaster chessplayer’s eye for detail is very specific - and we believe that it is this ‘eye for detail’ or ‘observation’ which is innate - which in practised combination with other talents and natural abilities makes the chessmaster.

We’ll elaborate more on this topic in due course. In the meantime why not look at the definitions of talents / natural abilities at the Highlands site here

Madeleine Fitzpatrick asked:


You can create a genius baby if you understand how the human brain is structured. In most adults, the left hemisphere of the brain is dominant. Left-brained people think in a logical, linear manner, while right-brained people think in a non-linear, intuitive fashion. The left-brained learn best through hearing, while the right-brained learn best through seeing and feeling.

Our school system, geared to logical, linear thinking, favors the left-brained. Right-brained children often do only averagely well in school because they are not able to show how they arrived at their answers, having reached them by unusual methods or through sheer intuition.

You should therefore not lose heart if your child gets low grades in school. It may be a sign of a genius in the making! A great example of a right-brained person is the scientist Albert Einstein. An acknowledged genius, he suffered from speech difficulties in early childhood.

So, is there a genius baby in your house? There may well be. As Glenn Doman and Makoto Shichida, two right-brain educators, put it: accessing the right brain enables a child to learn better and could unlock genius-like abilities.

These include speed-reading skills, a photographic memory, the ability to accurately sketch something seen only once, a facility for performing instant math equations, and rare musical talent. The right brain is also responsible for visual and spatial processing, and the ability to see problems in multiple dimensions, as great physicists do. Einstein possessed this ability.

If the right brain is so much more intuitive and creative, why is our left brain more dominant? For a very good reason. It does the important job of filtering out a lot of the information bombarding our senses. This helps us to avoid “sensory overload”.

If the right brain was dominant, we would constantly be reacting to a host of information being thrown at us. Think of the autism sufferer who, being hypersensitive to sensory stimuli, finds ordinary social interactions overwhelming, and you get the idea.

Our left brain helps us hold a conversation while ignoring background noises. It ensures that a great deal of the sensory input we receive remains beneath the radar of conscious awareness.

Right-brain teaching helps us to reclaim some of the benefits of right-brain dominance by changing the way we absorb and recall information. Most people memorize data by storing it in their short-term memory in the left brain. Only repetitive use leads to its transfer it to the long-term memory of the right brain.

Right-brain teaching helps us bypass the left brain and directly access our long-term memory, helping us learn faster. It allows us to recall information received on a subconscious level - for instance, through speed reading.

Unlike left-brain learning, right-brain learning does not require conscious effort. In small children, the right brain is already activated, making learning especially rapid. This is because the right brain develops before the left and is dominant until the age of three and a half.

So, if you want your child to be a genius baby, stimulate her right brain.

James Noyes asked:


Image if you will…a world of true abundance. A world rich in technological advances that makes everyone’s lives easier…allowing each of us more time to truly pursue our own interests and life goals. A world where disease has been eradicated…and everyone enjoys abundant health and wellbeing. A world full of beauty through the properly applied use of our natural resources…and through the many artistic creations that come from the minds of vast amounts of truly inspired individuals who have really learned how to tap into their innate creative abilities.

Just imagine for a moment…the incredible power of vast amounts of people applying their own unique genius towards improving all aspects of this world in which we live. I literally shutter inside when I think about the incredible positive transformation our world could experience…if multitudes of people started to truly use their natural creative talents to help solve some of the big issues that a much of the world population faces each day. Problems such as hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, and general poverty could be basically eliminated within 5 to 10 years!

Wow! - What an incredible thought huh? Just thinking about what could be…continues to inspire and propel me to develop my own creative talents.

Many feel that true creativity and genius has only been granted to a special few. Fortunately for all of us…that’s just not true

While history does in fact glorify the incredible accomplishments of noted creative geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Ludwig van Beethoven (and rightly so)…there have also been countless other individuals from the past who have contributed greatly to the betterment of humanity through their creative efforts that may not be quite as well known.

Even today, there are individuals around the globe who use their innate creative talents to develop incredible breakthroughs in science, technology, genetics, medicine, arts, and a host of other disciplines that have had profound positive impacts to all our lives.

Are all these "creative geniuses" just naturally possessed with special knowledge and skills that the rest of us "mere mortals" could never possibly hope to obtain? Much evidence seems to in fact suggest…that we are all capable of incredible feats of creativity and inventive genius. We may have only just forgotten how to tap into our own natural creative talents and skills.

Perhaps the only thing that separates us from the rest of those "creative geniuses" out there is our own lack of knowledge concerning the development of our innate creative abilities and genius potentials. With this thought in mind, it becomes vital that we truly learn how to develop our creative minds and genius potential.

Not only is true creative ability available to anyone who is willing to develop it, but due to it’s importance to our inner spiritual essence…learning how to manifest our innate creative talents is probably one of the most important skills we can develop as individuals!

It could even be argued…that we come closest to God and our inner spiritual essence when we are actively expanding our minds with creative thoughts and experiences

Many teachings and religions today say we are all creations of God…and were in fact, created in God’s image. These same teachings and religions also state that God is the Supreme Creator, who’s immeasurable creative abilities were responsible for the design of stars, planets, and everything thing else both physical and non-physical. With all of this said…it’s not a large stretch to assume that each one of us also possess the ability to create.

Many creative individuals often report going into another state of mind…as they actively pursue their innate creative talents and genius potentials. Many of history’s most celebrated geniuses have reported these same special moments in time…as they have birthed a new thought or invention that ended up having a profound impact on the world.

Perhaps many of us enter a different mindset during these creative times because we are in fact…entering a primordial part of ourselves that has been there all along. During these times of active creative pursuits…we can truly connect to our inner spiritual essence because we are engaged in activities that could have profound effects for everyone around us…and connectedness with everyone is where our inner essence (or souls) reside.

Now is the time to truly tap into your own creative talents and genius potentials. The world desperately needs your valuable thoughts, inventions, and other manifestations of an active and creative mind

With all that has been discussed…it is vital that each of realize just how creative and intelligent we all truly are. In reality, at our core…we are all incredibly creative beings forever yearning to explore new thoughts, experiences, and ideas for new and better ways of doing things and exploring the world and universe we are all a part of.

We really could create the world of abundance mentioned above…but it will take the combined creative abilities of everyone to truly make it happen. Each one of us possess special gifts, talents, and thoughts…that could have incredible effects on science, technology, medicine, arts, and a multitude of other areas of life that can have wonderful benefits for us all.

Now truly is the time to rediscover your own "hidden" creative abilities and genius potentials. The world is waiting for your own special contributions…regardless how big or small they may be!

Patrick Omari asked:


Every sporting profession has them - the talented individual that appears to struggle with their inner demons. Despite having enviable skills and physical ability, the tortured genius fails to adopt the mentality of a professional sports star. For every model professional that lives for their sport, there will be another person that plays to earn money and then will indulge in the extravagant lifestyle that their celebrity provides.

Soccer players are some of the most celebrated sports people on the planet, with earnings that make the common working man shudder. With this money and fame comes a greater responsibility to perform both on and off the pitch at an impeccable standard. David Beckham, as the most famous soccer player alive, has coped admirably considering the media scrutiny that his life encourages. But for every David Beckham there will be a Paul Gascoigne or a George Best.

Gascoigne and Best were two of the most skillful players that the sport of soccer will ever produce. With style, speed, charisma and determination, these two players would have the world at their feet and then see it all slip away. Although these two would represent their clubs and countries at the highest levels, their talents would have deserved more than what they achieved.

George Best made his debut for Manchester United at the age of 17, two years after the club scout declared to then manager Matt Busby - ‘I think I’ve found you a genius’. Best would go on to make over 350 appearances for the club, as well as 37 caps for Northern Ireland. Among his honours, Best lifted the European Cup and was named the European Footballer of the Year in 1968.

The ability of George Best was undeniable, but as his skills and looks saw him earn the nickname the ‘fifth Beatle’ the problems would begin. His popularity led to a celebrity lifestyle that would ultimately affect his performances and he struggled with gambling and alcoholism. Best quit Manchester United at the age of 27, a time when a professional soccer player would be considered at their professional peak.

Best’s abilities appeared to wain as he drifted from club to club across a number of countries before eventually retiring at the age of 37 while playing for Bournemouth in England’s Third Division. At the age of 59, Best would die of a kidney infection, a side effect of treatment of a liver transplant. Although Best enjoyed a successful career before and after playing, entertaining soccer fans across the globe with his skill and charm, the question will always be posed as to how good he really could have been.

A soccer player’s career is a relatively short one with the average player getting ten to twelve years to perform at the highest level possible. There are exceptions to this rule, with players hitting the heights as early as 17 and 18 years old and improved fitness helping players continue into their late 30s.

Paolo Maldini Made his debut for AC Milan, aged 16, and continues to play to the present day past his fortieth birthday. Maldini is a shining example of what ability, combined with hard work and commitment, can achieve in the modern game. This shows the different achievements that are possible with the right mentality, attitude and frame of mind.

English soccer player Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne burst onto the international scene at the World Cup Finals at Italia ‘90. After dazzling the world with his skills, Gascoigne’s tears during the semi-final against Germany made him superstar. With the soccer world watching, Gascoigne’s season at Tottenham Hotspur would attract interest from Italian side Lazio, who would agree a fee of 8.5 million pounds with his club.

Gascoigne was set to move to Italy at the end of the 1990-91 season following an appearance in the FA Cup Final against Nottingham Forest. With the glorious Wembley Stadium as the venue, Gascoigne’s final appearance for Tottenham was expected to be a fitting swan-song for a fantastic player.

Gazza went into the game with determination and ambition, although his enthusiasm would eventually be his downfall. Eager to impress, Gascoigne crashed into an opposition player and was cautioned. However, this failed to prevent what would happen next as he clattered into Gary Charles and ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee.

Immediately Gascoigne appeared devastated and in a state of agony. Stretchered off the pitch, he would watch the rest of the game from a hospital bed and would sadly miss the whole of the next season with the injury. His transfer to Lazio would take place 15 months later but for a largely reduced fee of 5.5 million pounds.

Despite a lack of club form and frequent injuries, Gascoigne would continue to represent his country as a talismanic performer. His performances would silence the doubters and media who would scrutinise his private life at every attempt. At Euro ‘96, he would be named in the team of the tournament with his performance against the Netherlands an unforgettable highlight.

Gascoigne’s career from here would suffer many more setbacks with injuries and personal problems making headline news. Controversy was never far away, and he would receive death threats from the IRA for celebrating a goal against Glasgow Celtic with a mimic of the flute-playing Orange Order marchers.

Despite a resurgence in his form for Glasgow Rangers which earned him a 3.4 million pound transfer to Middlesbrough, Paul Gascoigne would be omitted from England’s World Cup Squad for France ‘98. England manager Glenn Hoddle faced criticism for this decision from soccer fans across the country, as the team were eliminated in the second round against Argentina and Gascoigne would never play for his country again.

At the age of 31, Gascoigne’s abilities were fading and he moved from club to club searching for the adulation that he seemingly craved. A trial in the USA with D.C. United was unsuccessful, as was a short spell in China. A short reign as a manager was cut short due to his battle with alcohol abuse, as he was fired from his role at Kettering Town after less than six weeks.

Fans will continue to follow what Gascoigne does next as they remember the ability, charm and childlike enthusiasm that he effortlessly displayed on the soccer pitch. However, his continuous struggle to escape alcoholism is sadly comparable to that of another faded, tortured genius - George Best. These two talented performers struggled to adapt to the media spotlight that had been thrust upon them as a result of their natural abilities.

Best and Gascoigne suffered similar fates in the game, with careers shortened that had promised so much more. Both suffering from alcoholism, the two would reach the top of their game but with the talent they had could have raised the bar as high as they wanted. There are many more and will be many more to do the same, so it is the soccer fans duty to enjoy them while they can.

Carael Knight asked:


The audience for a niche affiliated product is typically a group with a well defined interest in something. The job of an internet marketing genius is to define and determine exactly what the interest is. After that, you must figure out a way to convey to the audience that you have a product or service that caters directly to their interests.

By carefully defining your company’s niche market, determine who the people are that make up the market, examining what their needs and wants are, and then pinpointing a way to cater to the market with a unique product or service, you will soon be well on your way to becoming an internet marketing genius.

Some important factors to think about is, will your product solve a problem? Will it meet a need? Will it save them time and money? Will it help them achieve a goal? Will it provide them with something they want, etc..? All these factors are important parts of internet marketing.

In terms internet marketing, its all about “keywords and key phrases”. Study your niche markets keywords and phrases. By doing this exercise, it helps you determine how to connect the consumers with their products and services by the keywords they search for.

As you analyze your niche markets, consider carefully whether these people are typical web surfers and whether they have the ability to order products online. By truly understanding your target audience, will you be able to become an expert in the field of internet marketing. Its that simple.

Work from home ideas - how to find your goldmine

Whatever you think or feel about work from home ideas, there has to be something very special about them because every 11 seconds yet another person gets to launch a home based business.

While it is true that many people have gotten very disappointed and their heady dreams shattered by work from home ideas that they thought would transform their lives, it is also true that many others have succeeded and continue to thrive beyond their wildest dreams. So what makes the difference? Actually it is simply knowledge and skills.

The fact that you cannot fly a passenger jet from Coast to Coast does not mean that it is an impossible task. A trained pilot does it easily. In the same way your income generation from home ideas will never work for you if you do not have the required knowledge and skills to make it happen. It is as simple as that.

For example there is no way that your home business idea will take off without you having a sound strategy for advertising and promoting it. And whatever promotional ideas and strategy you come up with, remember that it has to be effective in generating a constant supply of targeted leads that you can easily turn into paying clients for your work from home ideas website.

One of the things you should actively explore that will go a long way in helping you turn many simple work at home ideas into gold is the use of effective online classified ads. Remember that classified ads work much better online than those colorful banner ads that usually need hundreds of thousands of page views to generate a click through or two.