Do you get inspiring ideas every day? Do you wake up, activated with such thoughts, only to end up feeling sore as the day ends because you failed to act on these bright morning ideas?
Then welcome to the world of multipotentiality, a word I first encountered when I heard a TED talk by Emilie.
So who’s a multipotentialite? The urban dictionary describes it as somebody who has potential in multiple arenas. It seems that such a person would lead a meaningful life. They never get bored, as there’s always something to catch their attention.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t usually work out that way. How do I know?
I happen to be one. I play three different roles — creative professional, coach, and change-maker.
I’m the weirdo in family or friend gatherings. Do you know why? People around me talk about promotions and their material success — a second home, a second child, cars, investments, and foreign trips — while I talk about beginnings and little joyful moments. I talk about my 4-year-long sabbatical that haunts them. I don’t mind; I’m a learner. But it’s difficult to explain to your family, who wishes to see you settled in your career, that you have multiple interests.
Without a helpful environment, many things can go wrong.
You get numerous ideas, so much so that it becomes irresistible. You begin to feel that you aren’t an accountable person because you don’t stick to anything.
After all, hasn’t it been nailed into you that success depends on your level of commitment? And a dearth of commitment could mean anything from not being serious to being irresponsible and careless.
When you’re unable to come up with a goal for yourself, it can hurt. You know you’re ready to put in the hard work, but goals keep changing, as nothing interests you for long. The hurt and disappointment can erode your self-confidence, as well.
Despite their vulnerabilities, multipotentialites can get a lot done. They’re generally quick learners who can grasp varied things, a strength that they could capitalize on. In a team they can come up with radical ideas. Belief in yourself is the only thing that’s missing.
Nothing ever goes waste!
The skills you learn along the way will help you in the future. All the different things I did in my sabbatical helped me grow as humans and also gave me good monetary returns. Skills were put to good use, and I sometimes got paid too.
You need to be satisfied with small steps. That’s all life is. Especially when you’ve got hundreds of things that you would like to do, it helps to make a list. Write down your wishes and start with one of them. That’s it. Don’t expect anything except the desire to learn.
You can apply your skills to earn more, by writing in your specific arena, coaching, or even speaking. The important thing isn’t to give up on your interests; instead, look at them closely and see how you can proactively pursue them to better your situation.
Joining a like-minded community helps put things in perspective. Forums and websites like Puttylike, started by Emilie, can help you restore your faith in yourself and move ahead in your life.
In the end, it’s all about perspective.
