How to Be Everything

1. Embrace Your Multipotentiality: You're Not Flawed, You're Gifted

There is nothing wrong with you.

Multipotentiality is a gift. It's the ability to have many interests and creative pursuits. Contrary to societal pressure to specialize, being a multipotentialite is not a flaw but a unique strength. Many successful innovators throughout history, like Leonardo da Vinci and Benjamin Franklin, were multipotentialites.

Characteristics of multipotentialites:

• Intense curiosity about numerous unrelated subjects
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
• Tendency to get bored once they've mastered something
• Creativity in combining different ideas and skills

Embracing your multipotentiality means rejecting the myth of the "One True Calling" and recognizing that you can pursue multiple passions throughout your life. This realization can be liberating and lead to a more fulfilling career and personal life.

2. Understand the Multipotentialite Superpowers: Idea Synthesis, Rapid Learning, Adaptability

Multipotentialites are excellent synthesizers.

Idea Synthesis: Multipotentialites excel at combining two or more fields to create something new at the intersection. This ability to connect disparate ideas often leads to innovative solutions and unique projects.

Rapid Learning: Due to their varied experiences and passion for new subjects, multipotentialites can grasp concepts and acquire skills quickly. This superpower allows them to adapt to new situations and bring fresh perspectives to various fields.

Adaptability: Multipotentialites can easily adjust to different environments and roles. This flexibility makes them valuable in a rapidly changing job market and allows them to thrive in diverse situations.

Additional multipotentialite superpowers:

• Big-picture thinking
• Relating and translating between different groups
• Leadership in interdisciplinary teams

3. Recognize the Three Essential Elements: Money, Meaning, and Variety

Part-Time + Part-Time + Part-Time ± Part-Time = The Dream.

Money: While financial needs vary, multipotentialites must ensure they have enough income to support their lifestyle and pursuits. The "ingredient approach" views money as one essential component of a fulfilling life, not the sole focus.

Meaning: Multipotentialites need to feel that their work matters and aligns with their values. Understanding your "Whys" - the driving forces behind your passions - helps identify meaningful pursuits.

Variety: The amount of variety needed differs for each multipotentialite, but it's crucial for satisfaction. This could mean working on multiple projects simultaneously or sequentially changing focus over time.

Balancing these three elements is key to designing a fulfilling multipotentialite life. It's not about doing everything, but rather finding the right mix of pursuits that provide financial stability, personal fulfillment, and the desired level of variety.

4. Choose Your Multipotentialite Work Model: Group Hug, Slash, Einstein, or Phoenix

Feature the things that make you unique.

Four main work models for multipotentialites:

1. Group Hug Approach: One multifaceted job or business that incorporates multiple interests
2. Slash Approach: Multiple part-time jobs or businesses in different fields
3. Einstein Approach: One full-time job that supports pursuing other passions on the side
4. Phoenix Approach: Working in one field for a period, then completely changing careers

Each model has its advantages and suits different types of multipotentialites. The Group Hug approach is ideal for those who want to combine all their interests in one career. The Slash approach works well for those who enjoy frequent variety. The Einstein approach provides stability while allowing for exploration. The Phoenix approach suits those who like to dive deep into one area before moving to the next.

It's important to note that these models can be mixed and matched, and individuals may shift between them throughout their lives. The key is to find a work structure that provides the right balance of money, meaning, and variety for your unique needs and preferences.

5. Develop a Personal Productivity System for Multiple Projects

Choices are rarely permanent or irreversible.

Customize your approach: Multipotentialites need a flexible productivity system that accommodates their need for variety. This involves:

1. Choosing what to focus on:

   • Prioritize projects based on current interests and goals
   • Use the "Priority Projects" and "Projects Waiting in the Wings" lists
   • Allow for dedicated tinkering time to explore new interests

2. Finding the time:

   • Identify your most productive hours
   • Experiment with different scheduling techniques (fluid, prepared, immersion)

3. Knowing when to quit:

   • Recognize your "Personal End Point" when you've gotten what you came for
   • Differentiate between genuine completion and resistance

4. Getting yourself to do the work:

   • Use techniques like timer-setting, inducing flow states, and tracking small wins
   • Address resistance through intentional inspiration and emotional release

The key is to experiment with different tools and techniques to create a personalized system that works for your unique multipotentialite needs.

6. Overcome Multipotentialite Insecurities and External Criticism

If you were actually an imposter, you wouldn't get imposter syndrome.

Common multipotentialite insecurities:

• Guilt and shame about changing directions
• Discomfort with being a beginner repeatedly
• Fear of not being the best in any field
• Imposter syndrome

To address these insecurities:

• Recognize that changing interests is natural for multipotentialites
• Embrace the learning process and celebrate small wins
• Focus on effectiveness rather than being the best
• Remember that even experts experience self-doubt

Dealing with external criticism:

• Educate others about multipotentiality
• Convey confidence in your diverse pursuits
• Seek out supportive communities
• Remember that you have the right to be who you are

When faced with the dreaded "What do you do?" question, tailor your response to the context. Options include using an umbrella title, focusing on who you help, or proudly explaining your multipotentialite nature.

7. Design a Life That Celebrates Your Many Passions

Leading with your multipotentiality is to build a sustainable life around your plurality.

Embrace your uniqueness: Rather than trying to fit into a specialist mold, design a life that allows you to express and explore your many facets. This might involve:

• Combining interests in novel ways to create unique career paths
• Pursuing multiple part-time jobs or businesses
• Dedicating time for both paid work and personal projects
• Regularly reinventing yourself and your career

Take action:

• Experiment with different work models to find what suits you best
• Develop a personalized productivity system
• Seek out opportunities that allow you to use your multipotentialite superpowers
• Build a supportive network of fellow multipotentialites

Remember that your path may look unconventional to others, but it's the key to your fulfillment. By embracing your multipotentiality and designing a life around it, you can tap into your full potential and make unique contributions to the world.

Last updated: September 18, 2024