This is such a great topic to really stimulate some introspection!  So, be warned, if you are not interested in looking deeper into yourself, you may want to stop reading here… and, if you have continued to read, you may want to get pen and paper and do this as you read.

A good percentage of most of mankind is not living to their fullest potential.  We tend to live in the “should” world more often than not.  Living in the world of “shoulds” keeps us feeling lifeless, living without any idea of the vast choices we have available to us.  One of the ways to identify a different path is to get clear on how to live in your own genius; how to spend 75% (at least) doing the things that excite you.

Let’s start here:

1. First, identify the types of things (both business and personal) that you continue to do even though you are not good at it.  This is your “incompetent” zone.  This can be anything that comes to mind – changing the oil in your car, parenting, etc.
   
   Once you have identified which items these are for you, then you get to decide if you want to “fix it” – learn how to do it better, or “fold it” – delegate the task or eliminate it entirely if appropriate.  For instance, if you have identified parenting as something that you are sure you are no good at, you will want to learn how to improve.  You may want to get some counseling or take some classes.
    
2. Second, identify the types of things (again both business and person) that you continue to do as well as someone else.  This is your “competent” zone.  Possibly cleaning the house or computer work. Then follow the same “fix it” or “fold it” process.
3. Third, continue with identifying those items that you are good at and you get lots of pats on the back for.  This is your excellent zone.  This is a tricky one as often times we get stuck in something because we are good at it, not because we love what we do.  Now, as you look at these items, decide if these are things you want to continue to do.  For example, some people are wonderful cooks but they choose not to do this regularly.  Think about the specifics of what you do on a day to day basis in Real Estate, breaking each piece down:  Finding new business, showing homes, lead follow up, etc.  Don’t just lump Real Estate all together.
4. Now for the most exciting piece – identify the items that you could do all day without being bored, things that don’t feel like work.  This is your genius zone.  So, looking back at your real estate list, which pieces do you love?  You can also identify other types of tasks; gardening, for example.  How can you do these things 75% of the time?

Be careful not to fall into the trap of “yes, but no one will pay me for doing that”.  Nothing is impossible and the objective of this exercise is to find ways to spend more of your time doing what truly excites you.  There are so many ways to incorporate what we love into what we currently do.  Remember, you are in control of your life and how you live it.  Choose to live your life pro-actively, not by default and watch the magic happen!