Here’s a fascinating look at the brain of Albert Einstein. Written expertly by Amy Nutt of the Star-Ledger in New Jersey, it details research almost from the moment of Einstein’s death.

With all due respect to the scientists and to the news reporter, Einstein himself said, “I am no genius. I merely stay with problems longer.”

That quote has some variations, including, “I am no genius. I am merely very curious.”

No matter which version of the quote you accept, Einstein did not view himself as a genius.

Were Edison and Madame Curie geniuses? They merely went to their lab every day and worked their way through problems.

This is the key to problem-solving, whether on the job, in the classroom or on the field. Find the motivation to persevere. The real mental game is not in I.Q. It’s in P.Q. (perseverance quotient).