Multipotentialites issues that are commonly encountered are deciding on a single career path, pressure to specialise, and feeling overwhelmed by juggling numerous interests. Social norms that value expertise over general knowledge could be difficult for them to overcome.
“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” —William Morris
Does each day bring you a new and exciting idea? Is it common for your energy levels to be high when you get up? Later, you start to feel lethargic when the day comes to a close. Lethargy since you didn’t do anything with those great ideas you had in the morning. Don’t worry, you have company.
In that case, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the realm of multipotentialites. A term that I got introduced to for the very first time after seeing a TEDx Talk given by Emilie Wapnick. She discusses the difficulties that multipotentialites encounter. Also, on the importance of embracing them in the session.
“Multipotentialites” means what?
One who possesses multiple interests is what the urban dictionary describes them as. It’s impressive, isn’t it? But there was one notion that was rushing through my head. Is it something you can put to good use in your work, or is it completely useless?
According to the definition, it looks like these individuals’ entertainment levels are high. Since they find new things interesting all the time. That rarely is the case in reality. How am I to tell? I happen to be one.
I am a software engineer who began my career as a telecommunications specialist. After that, I pursued a career in e-commerce payments. Then I became an unsuccessful entrepreneur, and lastly, I pursued as an agile coach. Yesterday, I was resolved to become a writer, but today I am an executive coach. Tomorrow, I have no idea. Since I haven’t dedicated myself to any one area, I can’t claim to be an authority in my profession or a specialist—the two terms coveted by many.
I despise groups that discuss promotions or success. Because I’m fighting to discover my passion here. I am a quick learner, so it is not a problem for me to talk about something that is another new and intriguing beginning. Yet, it is challenging to survive in today’s business environment when you cannot focus much. When you have a lot of interests but can’t devote much time to any one of them, it’s hard for people to understand.
Many issues might arise in the absence of a nurturing atmosphere.
They are as follows:
1. Multipotentialites: Excellent Concepts with Little output to Show
When presented with an overwhelming number of ideas; picking anyone becomes complicated. Another time, you find yourself wondering whether you are capable of implementing anything. From a concept to seeing it through till the end. There will be days when you want to do a million different things at once, and other days when you want to sleep it off.
2. Deemed “Careless” or “Irresponsible”
They can’t seem to commit to anything for very long, they doubt their responsibility. After all, they aren’t wired for the amount of devotion that an expert would have, are they? A lack of dedication could mean anything from a lack of seriousness to a lack of responsibility. [I’m not attempting to rationalise genuine laziness/carelessness as part of multipotentialites]
3. Assigning blame on Multipotentialites
In your mind, it could seem like everything is your fault. You have the impression that there is something wrong with the way you perform. You begin to examine every aspect of your being. You sometimes find yourself wondering why you can’t be as serious as your peers. On their end, they can try to exert pressure on you by arguing that “disciple is all you need” kind of thinking.
4. The feeling of letdown persists
They can’t settle on a goal because their interests and passions are always shifting. They are confident in their execution but are still unsatisfied with the outcome. Loss of self-assurance results from the goal’s incessant need to shift.
5. The Staircase
They can’t seem to settle on anything; they’re always looking for that one thing that will complete you. It seems like there’s always something else out there that they can’t seem to track down. Something that they can have a peaceful relationship with. Everything will be alright once they locate it.
Caution: This road’s paved with deceit.
6. Clueless
They have no idea what your strengths and weaknesses are. It seems like cruising the huge ocean without aim in search of shore. They seem to be completely lost and aimless.
7. Suppression
To maintain a goal, they suppress their natural inclinations. Even if it meant sacrificing their way of life. Following the herd mentality, they attempt to keep saying that everything will be well in the end. Yet, deep down, they know that the assignments are lacking something.
For all intents and purposes, this is the multipotentialite’s universe.
These multipotentialites nonetheless manage to do a great deal, despite all these drawbacks. Three significant benefits are: (1) idea synthesis; (2) quick learning; and (3) adaptability.
They are creative when working as a team, and the jack-of-all-trades never runs out of problems to solve. One thing is all that is lacking: self-confidence. That, plus a handful of minor matters, means that in all that you have learnt, nothing is ever wasted.
Katie Kacvinsky summed up the necessary actions in a quote. “You need to be satisfied with tiny steps,” she advises. To put it in plain English, it is life. There are little things you do each day that, when they add up, give you satisfaction. The satisfaction of knowing you’ve accomplished something.
What if you are one? Don’t worry, you have come to the right place.
It is helpful to develop a list, especially when there are many things you would like to do. Jot down all your wishes and pick one to work on first. I’m done. The only thing you can count on is a genuine interest in learning.
Once you reach a point of saturation, pause and move on to the next item on your list. Both the list and you will continue to expand. Let go of the notion that you need to complete the project. What matters to you is the knowledge you gain.
Think about what you’re good at and play to it. You will achieve success. In the end, it’s the baby steps that will help you.
