Multipotentialites Unite
Multipotentialites Unite!
If you are like me, you are curious about a great many things, and want to try them all - from careers to creative pursuits. It can be both maddening and exhilarating on so many levels, so I am sharing both a book “How to be Everything” and a related Ted Talk by author Emilie Wapnick. It was helpful for me, and I hope it is for you too. I am cheering you, and your many ideas, on.
Wapnick argues that rather than feeling pressured to choose one career path and stick to it, multipotentialites can embrace their diverse interests and skills to create a fulfilling and meaningful life. She offers advice and strategies for navigating a non-linear career path, including how to combine different passions, manage time and energy effectively, and overcome societal expectations.
"How to Be Everything" has resonated with many individuals who identify as multipotentialites or "multipods," as well as those who feel torn between pursuing various interests. It provides validation, practical guidance, and encouragement for embracing one's diverse talents and creating a personalized path to success and fulfillment.
In "How to Be Everything," Emilie Wapnick describes several different types of multipotentialites, recognizing that individuals may have diverse combinations of interests and talents. Some of the types she identifies include:
The "Jack-of-All-Trades": These multipotentialites enjoy learning about and dabbling in a wide range of subjects and skills. They may have a broad base of knowledge but may not dive deeply into any one area.
The "Slash Careerist": Slash careerists pursue multiple career paths simultaneously, often combining different professional identities or roles. For example, someone might be a writer/musician/entrepreneur.
The "Einstein": Named after Albert Einstein, these multipotentialites have several unrelated areas of expertise and excel in each of them. They might have a career in physics while also being accomplished musicians and artists.
The "Phoenix": Phoenixes experience multiple career or interest changes over the course of their lives. They may reinvent themselves periodically, pursuing new passions or career paths as they evolve.
The "Serial Specialist": Serial specialists focus intensely on one area of interest or career path for a period of time before moving on to something entirely different. They may become deeply immersed in a subject, master it, and then move on to a new challenge.
The "Plate Spinner": Plate spinners thrive on variety and juggle multiple projects or interests simultaneously. They enjoy the excitement of managing different tasks and may find fulfillment in the diversity of their pursuits.
Emilie Wapnick includes several exercises in "How to Be Everything" to help readers explore their interests, talents, and potential career paths. While I can't provide the exact exercises from the book, I can outline some common types of exercises she might include based on the book's themes:
Interest Mapping: This exercise involves creating a visual map or list of all the interests, hobbies, and skills you have. It helps you identify patterns, connections, and areas of overlap between different interests.
Passion Timeline: In this exercise, you create a timeline of your life and mark significant moments where you felt passionate, engaged, or fulfilled. This can help you identify recurring themes and explore potential career paths or pursuits that align with your passions.
Skill Inventory: Make a list of all the skills you have acquired throughout your life, both formal and informal. This exercise helps you recognize your strengths and areas of expertise, which can guide your career decisions and pursuits.
Values Assessment: Reflect on your core values and what matters most to you in life. Consider how your interests and career choices align with these values, and use this insight to prioritize your goals and aspirations.
Future Self Visualization: Imagine your ideal future self, living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Describe or visualize what this looks like in terms of career, relationships, hobbies, and personal growth. This exercise helps you clarify your long-term goals and aspirations.
Experimentation Challenges: Wapnick often encourages readers to conduct experiments or "career experiments" where they try out different interests or pursue new hobbies on a temporary basis. These experiments allow you to gain hands-on experience, explore new possibilities, and gather feedback to inform your future decisions.
These exercises are designed to help readers embrace their multipotentiality, explore their interests, and create a life and career that reflects their unique talents and passions. They encourage self-reflection, experimentation, and proactive decision-making in navigating a non-linear career path. Hope this helps!
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