7 Characteristics Of Brilliant People And How To Become One

Today I have the privilege of guest posting for an incredible blog, Daily Blog Tips.

Take some time to read the post and leave some comments. I know you guys are the best at that.

In that post I outline some tips for writing content that people love to share – content that spreads.

To take it a step further, some would say that writing life-changing content has to do with an innate brilliance. Some are just born “better” than others.

Forget about it. Brilliance may not be what you think. And it’s within your grasp.

Just the other day a friend of mine complimented me by saying I was “brilliant”. My knee-jerk reaction, was, “Why, thank you. Anything else you have to say?”

Then I thought, “I’m definitely NOT brilliant. Matter of fact, I’ve got to be the furthest apple from the brilliance tree.”

I kinda sucked on my SAT’s. I’m not really that creative or inventive. The only brilliance I possess has to do with the amount of food I can consume and still not be fat. And I digress…

“Brilliance” is a word reserved for 75 year old, wise men with white hair, or Seth Godin, or those who have a massive catalog of inventions.

What makes someone brilliant?

That got me thinking. What makes someone “brilliant?”

Can it be scientifically quantified or is it a vague generalization? Is it a high IQ score or inventing something or just wearing really thick glasses and refusing to comb your hair?

What is it about a person that makes them brilliant in our eyes?

I believe brilliance is attainable. Matter of fact, you can be brilliant.

Brilliant people have certain qualities; certain habits. You don’t need to be the smartest. You don’t need to ace your SAT. You don’t need to have white hair and thick glasses.

But you do need to do a few things.

1. Brilliant people solve problems

When you come up with a solution to something that others couldn’t figure out, you are seen as brilliant.

It doesn’t have to be on the scale of solving world hunger. It can be finding a new route that skips traffic or a better way to save money.

Brilliant people solve problems. They don’t just complain about the problems around them. They are solution-oriented. They recognize the problem and don’t speak until they’ve figured it out.

2. Brilliant people are helpful

Do you add value to people’s lives? When people spend time with you do they feel encouraged? If you want to be brilliant, start helping people.

Don’t just criticize and loft your opinion whenever you get the chance. Enhance the lives of others. Invest in people.

3. Brilliant people do the work

They put in the time. They show up consistently and fight laziness.

It’s not that they aren’t naturally lazy. They most likely are. But they fight it. They don’t give into what is easy. They work hard, show up every day, and make a difference.

4. Brilliant people are generous

They aren’t self absorbed. They live for a cause greater than themselves. They are making a difference beyond their own bank accounts.

They have a vision beyond themselves. They give and they give and they give. They recognize that life is more about what you give away than what you consume.

5. Brilliant people take risks

You could just stay put on the sidelines. You could just think about doing something great.

But if you want to be brilliant, you need to take the leap. Do what others only dream of. Step out and take risks. Brilliant people fail often because they don’t attempt what is safe. What sets them apart from the pack is that they keep going.

6. Brilliant people shine a light beyond themselves

By definition the word brilliant refers to a a striking, distinctive brightness. Brilliant people are those who stand for something larger than themselves.

They reflect the greatness and creativity of God.

7. Brilliant people don’t fit in a box

Truth is, brilliance is subjective. What’s brilliant to me may not be brilliant to you. What speaks to me may not speak to you.

That’s the beauty of art, the beauty of God’s creation. There is a place for your art, your creativity, and your unique perspective. While it may not be “brilliant” to everyone, it is brilliant to some.

And who wants to try and please everyone?

You can be brilliant. Start with a grand vision of your life and the world. You are here to make a difference, as cliche’d as that sounds. Stop watching, criticizing, complaining, wandering, and being lazy.

Apply these 7 characteristics. And go, do something brilliant today.

Question: What do you think it means to be brilliant? You can leave a comment by clicking here?