There is an amazing story on ‘60 Minutes’ about a young child prodigy, a genius called Jake Bernett. He is a 13 year old genius, a math and science prodigy.
You can check him out on YouTube. This kid is doing great things in the arena of physics and he is an awe and a wonder. What is it about him that makes him so excellent? This is what they are trying to figure out. He has an incredible academic mind, and a huge capacity to memorize things.
This young man is said to be on his way to building upon the foundations of Einstein’s theory of relativity- “E=MC2(squared)”, which says that energy always gives out the equal amount of mass- quantity/a measure of matter or tangible material- in whatever form that energy takes.
This super human ability he has is said to be a result of his autism. But, just watching this kid I see there is much more to it than a great memory and a unique brain.
The one thing he has to his advantage? A passion.
He is filled with joy and energy and he loves working out equations, all these things are evident as you see him at work talking enthusiastically about a physics equation he likes or a clip of him busy at work solving a formula.
Jake has a passion for what he does, which aids his excellence and dedication to his work. It’s simply always easier to learn and do what you like than what you don’t like.
Even further, to his advantage Jake has parents who help nurture and embrace his strength and passion for higher maths. The parents did something so important, I cannot stress it enough. Instead of focusing on what he could not do, they focused on what he enjoyed and what he is best at. Which are his gifts, skills and knowledge in the area of science and maths.
They allowed him to stay in the place where he has the benefit of shining the most. This simple decision can do more to shape Jake’s future success, promising greater opportunity for a bright future than most investments they could ever give him.
Sometimes in life, there is no greater gift you can give to a person but to acknowledge who they are, by looking at and identifying what they like the most and are best at doing.
Jake is finding out his passion and has parents that will help him to invest and guide him in that direction, is the ultimate advantage for his life. It is the greatest love they can show, in support and embracing who he is.
Be encouraged by this story to focus on what your strengths are, your identity, your passions and highest interest.
Then think about how you can help others to find, achieve and be supported along their journey of identity and purpose too.
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