Thomas Edison is credited for having said, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration”.

But before going straight to the hard work necessary to achieve Genius-level results, get inspired.

Edison’s quote may suggest that inspiration is just a small part of the equation.

But what if instead we saw it as a small, necessary, and potent secret ingredient?

An admirable trait amongst leaders is the ability to make things happen, with or without inspiration. “Just do it” ,“get it done”, “go for it”–the case for taking action is strong.

Even so, Genius has a dash of inspiration in it. Yes, put in the work. But don’t leave out the inspiration.

Here’s one way to strike a balance in the “inspiration + perspiration” equation:

• Think of or create an exceptional outcome
• Choose a Genius maxiom, quote, any phrase that motivates you to be your most exceptional
• Using that statement as a place to think from, create five, new bold actions to take in pursuit of your outcome
• Box yourself in with a fixed time for executing on these actions

That bit of inspiration, that measure of Genius, whether it’s 1% or not, sets the stage for the “perspiration” – it changes the trajectory of all the effort.

So, get inspired by Genius, and take action.