Multi-Passionate by Design
For years, the path to success was seen as narrow and singular: become a specialist. Our education system reinforced this belief, pushing students to choose one career path rather than exploring ways to blend their diverse interests. But times are changing. The idea of being multi-passionate isn’t new—think of the Renaissance polymaths—but today’s multi-passionates are boldly stepping into the spotlight, using their varied energies to drive innovation and social good. The key? Learning how to manage and harness that incredible, multifaceted energy effectively.
So, What is Multi-Passionate?
Being multi-passionate means having a wide array of interests and passions, and often finding it difficult—or even boring—to focus on just one. You might have heard terms like "multipotentialite" or "scanner" to describe this phenomenon. While juggling multiple passions can sometimes feel overwhelming, it’s actually a superpower. Rather than fitting into a conventional box or being confined by a single title, you can connect diverse fields and innovate in ways others might not see.
How Do You Know You’re Multi-Passionate
Do you have a broad range of interests or talents across different fields? Do you find yourself knowledgeable in many areas but struggle to focus on just one? If so, you might be multi-passionate. This can sometimes leave you feeling scattered, unclear about your purpose, or even inadequate in reaching your goals. However, recognizing this trait is the first step towards embracing and harnessing your diverse energies.
Your Strength
You possess a unique and powerful energy as someone with diverse interests and an insatiable curiosity. Instead of focusing on becoming a specialist in one field, your true strength lies in your ability to connect knowledge from various domains. This ability to bridge different fields fosters innovation and enhances our thinking and operations. Your multi-passionate nature is incredibly valuable, driving creativity and problem-solving in ways that specialists might overlook. However, this expansive approach also comes with its own set of challenges.
The Challenge
You might struggle to fit into a conventional box as a multi-passionate individual. You may constantly seek more knowledge before taking action and feel pressured by the passing time. These energy drainers can hold you back and keep you from fully embracing your true self. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is key to harnessing your multi-passionate energy effectively.
Reframe the story
Managing these energies can help you live better and reframe the draining stories you tell yourself. You’ll move from trying to fit into a box to realizing, “What I have to offer can’t be packaged in a box.” You’ll shift from “I don’t know enough” to “I know all I need to know to do what I came to do.” Instead of feeling pressured by time, you’ll see that “time is on your side because you control how you use it.”
So, how do you get to the motivating side of this narrative? Here are a six things you can do to help you manage and embrace your multi-passionate energy:
1. Conduct Small Experiments
Don’t make long-term commitments until you’ve trialed them. When your heart races and you feel, "This is it!", slow down. Give yourself a month to explore and experiment before diving in fully.
2. Take Breaks When Needed
Don’t feel you must always be 'on'—inspired or passionate. Just like your body needs sleep, your multi-passionate energy needs rest. Sometimes, you have to turn things off to turn them back on.
3. Maintain a Good Enough Job
In his book The Good Enough Job, Simone Stolzoff defines good enough as an invitation to choose what sufficiency means—to define your relationship to work without letting it define you. Instead of trying to fall in love with the work you do, find a job that supports you financially, aligns with some of your values, and gives you the flexibility to explore your passions.
4. Trust Yourself
Know when it’s time to move on. Holding on to something past its time can breed resentment. When you feel constant resistance towards an activity, it might be time to move on or take a break. As Barbara Sher puts it in her book Refuse to Choose, “When you lose interest in something, you must always consider the possibility that you’ve gotten what you came for; you have completed your mission.”
5. Find a Supportive Community
Instead of focusing on those who don’t understand you, seek out a community of like-minded multi-passionates. They can offer support, share stories, and provide valuable resources.
6. Listen to Your Energy
Understanding your natural behavior patterns can significantly enhance your ability to manage your multi-passionate energy. Even if you're not familiar with personality profiles like those in Human Design, these insights can still be incredibly beneficial.
Start by considering what you’re aiming to achieve: Are you looking to learn something new, be more physically active, pursue a creative passion, generate income, or cultivate mindfulness?
Reflect on the behaviors you naturally exhibit when you're driven by a goal or immersed in a creative flow.
Here are some actionable steps to help you harness your multi-passionate energy and achieve your goals:
When you just want to learn something new. Regularly schedule time for research, reflection, and learning. This practice satisfies your curiosity and keeps your mind engaged without overwhelming yourself with too many commitments.
When you're seeking clarity around a thought or idea. Balance alone time for recharging with socializing or seeking guidance from supportive friends or mentors who recognize your diverse talents.
When you need to experience it for yourself. Give yourself the freedom to experiment. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, so don’t be afraid to try new things and learn from what doesn’t work. This approach can lead to unexpected discoveries and growth.
When you're feeling the need to switch it up and do something different. Release projects or interests that no longer serve you. You don’t need to have the next step figured out immediately. Stepping into the unknown and being open to new possibilities can lead to more fulfilling opportunities.
When you want to be helpful. Prioritize solving problems that genuinely excite you. Your energy and creativity flows more naturally when you’re passionate about the challenges you're tackling.
When you need to be more present and connect with the season you're in. Trust your journey, whether you're exploring new interests, processing what you’ve learned, or sharing your insights with others. Each phase has its own value and contributes to your overall growth.
Conclusion
Your multi-passionate energy is a powerful force. Embracing this energy means recognizing that you don't need to fit into traditional labels like 'specialist' or 'expert.' Instead, celebrate your diverse interests and the unique perspective they give you so you can contribute to the world in your own special way.
