Gay Hendricks’ contributions to the field of personal development are both profound and practical. He has authored more than 40 books, but his seminal work, The Big Leap, published in 2009, has become a cornerstone for many in understanding and overcoming self-imposed limitations ever since.

We are here to shine a light on those insights and to celebrate his new book, Your Big Leap Year, which provides a structured path for tiny, sustainable steps you can take each day to achieve your best possible self.  

Our True Potential Lies in Our ‘Zone of Genius’

Published in 2009, The Big Leap quickly became a bestseller, and is celebrated by psychologists and personal development enthusiasts around the world. The book addresses a crucial question: 

What prevents us from achieving our true potential? 

One of Hendricks’ most famous insights is the idea of the “Zone of Genius” (which I now recognize in the innovators I interview!) He categorizes human activity into four zones: 

• The Zone of Incompetence, where we do things we are not good at; 
• The Zone of Competence, where we do things we are merely good at; 
• The Zone of Excellence, where we do things extremely well; 
• And finally, the Zone of Genius, where our innate talents and passions converge, and we perform at our highest level. 

Hendricks encourages readers to transcend their Zones of Incompetence, Competence, and even Excellence to operate in their Zone of Genius, where true fulfillment and significant contributions to the world can be made. The Zone of Excellence can be extremely tempting, and comfortable, but those who make true progress in their passions are those who are doing something no one else ever would have been capable of—because they are accessing their genius.

The Upper Limit Problem

The Upper Limit Problem (ULP) is perhaps the most pivotal concept in The Big Leap. Hendricks describes it as a self-imposed barrier that limits our happiness and success; he believes that every individual has a certain level of success, love, and creativity they feel comfortable with. When we surpass this level, our subconscious can trigger behaviors that bring us back down to our ‘comfortable’ zone. 

This can manifest in various forms; impostor syndrome, random or unfounded worrying, picking conflicts, or even sometimes bodily illness—but it all amounts to  the same thing: effectively sabotaging our progress in that area, preventing us from reaching our Zone of Genius, or possibly even our Zone of Excellence, by convincing us that contentment and happiness are the same.

Hendricks provides practical strategies to identify and overcome the ULP. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing these self-sabotaging behaviors, understanding their origins, and consciously shifting our mindset to expand our capacity for happiness and success.

Practical Applications and Impact of ‘The Big Leap’

The Big Leap is not just a theoretical treatise; it offers actionable advice that readers can implement in their daily lives. Hendricks provides exercises to help individuals identify their Zone of Genius, confront their Upper Limit Problems, and make incremental changes that lead to lasting transformation. 

This practical approach has made the book a favorite among therapists, coaches, and individuals seeking personal growth. Psychologists around the world celebrate The Big Leap for its integration of psychological theory and practical application, and it has been praised for its accessibility as well.

By addressing both the psychological barriers to success and providing a roadmap for transcending them, Hendricks has created a powerful tool for personal development, empowering individuals to take control of their lives and achieve their full potential.

Gay Hendricks’ New Book: ‘Your Big Leap Year’

In his latest book, Your Big Leap Year, Gay Hendricks builds on the principles established in The Big Leap, offering a year-long journey of transformation. This new book is designed as a guide to help readers make sustained progress towards living in their Zone of Genius, structured around a series of monthly themes and exercises that encourage deep introspection, practical application, and consistent growth.

Your Big Leap Year is a comprehensive workbook that includes daily practices, reflective prompts, and space for journaling. Hendricks emphasizes the importance of incremental change and the power of daily habits in achieving significant personal breakthroughs—which is why the exercises are designed to be short and to leave you thinking.

The good thought habits that come from these short exercises will build over time through sustained practice, perhaps without you even noticing. By committing to a year of focused personal development, readers are invited to experience profound shifts in their mindset, behavior, and overall well-being.

Gay Hendricks’ contributions to the field of personal development are both profound and practical, and his work continues to inspire and transform lives, making him a revered figure in the world of psychology and personal development. Let this episode be a guide to walk you through the basic principles of taking the leap of accessing your potential and entering your own Zone of Genius.

• Book: Your Big Leap Year by Gay Hendricks
• Book: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
• Hendricks Institute Website

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 03:08 – Upper Limit Problem
• 08:04 – The Zone of Genius
• 15:57 – Break
• 18:27 – Own Your Story
• 24:03 – Discover Your Unique Ability
• 29:50 – Your Big Leap Year
• 35:04 – The Secret to Success
• 39:08 – Closing