Dear Genius,
When I started this newsletter, I had one goal: to ignite the genius within young creatives like you, who are tired of feeling stuck or held back.
We’ve all been there, standing at the crossroads of “What’s next?” and “Is this all there is?” But here’s the truth: you’re not alone and don’t have to stay stuck.
These letters are packed with hacks, insights, and practical tips to help you grow, push boundaries, and unlock your potential.
Today’s newsletter focuses on cleansing your lens for a better view.
I have included resource material at the end of the letter to guide you this year.
This letter will take you about ~6 minutes to read. The last article is available here.
For many, the second month of the year is synonymous with love. Heart-shaped chocolates, romantic gestures, and sweet nothings fill the air. Why does this particular month get the spotlight? I have no clue, but don’t worry; this isn’t an argument against it. If love is in the air for you, I wish you the absolute best.
However, your goals are just as crucial beyond the flowers and candlelit dinners. What dreams did you set at the start of the year? They still matter. This season should be just as much about commitment to your aspirations as relationships.
Continuing our series on getting the best start to the year, this letter focuses on one powerful element that can shape your success: perspective.
The way you see things determines the way you experience them.
Shift your view, and you might unlock the results you’ve been hoping for. After all, your perspective is where the magic happens.
Life doesn’t always go as planned. One moment, you feel like you’re on top of the world, and everything is falling apart the next. You’re not alone if you’ve ever been stuck—paralyzed by setbacks, bad decisions, or just exhaustion.
But here’s the thing: Your life can change no matter where you are. The key? Perspective.
The Story That Changed My Perspective
A few years ago, I heard a story that shifted how I see challenges. It’s about two employees who worked for a shoe company in the West. The company wanted to expand into a developing nation, so it sent both men on a research trip to assess the market. After a month, both returned with their reports.
The first employee submitted a one-page report summarizing his findings:
“This is a lost cause. The people here don’t wear shoes. There is no demand for them. If we invest in this market, we’ll lose everything.”
The second employee, however, submitted a detailed report:
“Yes, the people don’t wear shoes—but that’s because they’ve never had access to them! The potential here is massive. I even gave out a sample pair, and they were amazed. With the right strategy, we could dominate the market.”
Two men. Same situation. Different perspectives.
Does this sound familiar? It should.
The 13th chapter of the Book of Numbers tells a similar story about the twelve spies sent to scout the Promised Land. Ten came back terrified, convinced that the land was impossible to conquer. But Joshua and Caleb saw an opportunity. They believed they could possess what was already theirs with the right mindset and faith.
What’s Keeping You Stuck?
The biggest obstacle to your success is not your circumstances; it’s how you see them.
We all experience tough seasons. Maybe you’ve lost a job, made a bad investment, or struggled with a failed relationship. Perhaps you’ve been holding on to a dream for years but haven’t taken action because fear, doubt, or past failures keep whispering, “It’s too late.”
But here’s the truth: It’s never too late to start. The only thing that needs to change is how you view your situation.
The Power of Perspective
Have you ever met someone who went through an unimaginable hardship but somehow came out stronger, wiser, and even more successful? What’s their secret? It’s not luck. It’s not special treatment. It’s perspective.
Instead of saying, “Why is this happening to me?” start asking, “What can I learn from this?” That slight shift in thinking can open doors you never knew existed.
Paul said in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” He didn’t say he was happy about suffering—he said he learned to adapt, to see the bigger picture. And because of that, he thrived no matter what.
How to Shift Your Mindset and Take Action
You might think, “That sounds great, but how do I change my perspective?” Here’s how:
1. Reframe Your Failures
Instead of seeing setbacks as proof that you’re not good enough, see them as lessons. Every failure contains wisdom if you’re willing to look for it. Ask yourself: What did this teach me? How can I use this knowledge moving forward?
2. Challenge Your Inner Narrative
The way you talk to yourself matters. If you constantly tell yourself, “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never succeed,” your brain will find ways to make those statements accurate. Instead, start replacing those thoughts with empowering ones: I am capable. I am learning. I can figure this out. If it helps, have a journal where you can store these confessions. On the days you feel down, you can always use them to assure yourself.
3. Take One Small Step
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t focus on the entire journey. Just take one small step today. Maybe that means writing one page of your book, making one phone call, or setting aside 30 minutes to work on your dream. Momentum builds with action.
4. Surround Yourself With the Right People
Your environment influences your mindset. You’ll start doing the same if you’re constantly around people who complain, doubt, and settle for less. Seek out people who challenge and inspire you to grow. Be very selective of your circle and with whom you associate with.
5. Remember That Your Past Doesn’t Define You
Your past mistakes, failures, or missed opportunities are not the end of your story. They are just chapters. You can turn the page and start writing a new one.
The Best Time to Act Is Now
The second employee in our story saw an opportunity where others saw a dead end. Joshua and Caleb saw victory, whereas others saw giants. The difference wasn’t in their situation—it was in their mindset.
You have that same choice today. You can focus on why things won’t work or start looking for the opportunities hidden in your challenges.
So, what will you choose?
Will you keep waiting for the perfect moment, or will you take the first step today?
Your breakthrough is not waiting for the right circumstances. It’s waiting for you to change your perspective and take action. What’s one small step you can take today to move forward? Please write it down. Then do it.
Because once you fix this and shift your perspective, everything else will start falling into place.
Until I write to you again, don’t stop being a Genius!
James Iroro
The Genius Note
I hope this letter has inspired you in some way.
If you’re ready to elevate your life to the next level, I invite you to explore my latest book, The New Season Checklist. In it, I outline eight key pillars that, when applied, can unlock transformative change.
Engaging with these pillars will lay the foundation for a life shift that aligns with your goals and dreams.
Don’t wait—get your copy now and step into the magic that awaits you on the other side.
Looking forward to seeing the new season unfolding in your life
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