Balancing Multiple Interests: A Guide for Multipotentialites
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Chapter 1: Understanding Multipotentiality
Many people might argue that the term "passionate" is a bit too intense. In fact, I think passion can sometimes be overrated—something I'll elaborate on in a different article. Instead, let's substitute "passion" in our inquiry with "interest" or "liking."
Rephrasing the question: "Is it possible to concentrate when you have diverse interests?" The straightforward answer is YES.
Recently, I stumbled upon an insightful article from a fellow Medium writer, The Octogig (seriously, check out her work—it's fantastic). In her bio, she referenced the term “Multipotentialites.” According to Wikipedia, a multipotentialite is someone with a wide array of interests and creative pursuits. Unlike specialists who have a singular focus, multipotentialites can explore multiple paths, either one after another or all at once.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I realized I am indeed a multipotentialite. Isn’t it incredible to have a variety of interests? Yay for me!
However, after a shift in mindset, thanks to some inspiration from Mr. Johnnie Walker, my enthusiasm began to wane, leaving me with more questions than answers.
Being a Multipotentialite Comes with Advantages
I never find myself short on things to do.
Music is one of my passions. I have always been captivated by the sound of a guitar. So, I thought to myself, “Why not give it a shot?” I enrolled in a guitar class and practiced diligently. To this day, whenever I get a chance, I pick up that guitar.
Writing is another avenue where I express my thoughts better in written form than verbally.
The moment my fingers glide over the keys, mental barriers dissolve, and my ideas flow freely. A few months ago, I discovered Medium.com and instantly fell in love with writing there.
Toastmasters (Public Speaking)
As I mentioned earlier, I’m still developing my verbal communication skills. To enhance my speaking abilities, I joined Toastmasters. If you’re not familiar with this organization, you should definitely look into it.
During my time in Dubai, I was even the VP of Membership at a local club. After relocating in search of new opportunities, I found a Toastmasters club in Barcelona, and I continue to hone my oratory skills.
Fitness Journey
I used to be quite sedentary and would often prefer lounging on the couch. However, upon moving to Barcelona, where everyone seems to have an enviable physique, I felt compelled to make a change.
After an honest self-assessment, I decided to hit the gym, and I’ve been committed for over a year and a half now. I never thought I would enjoy working out, but here I am, loving it!
Learning New Languages
Having lived in various regions of India and then moving to Singapore for my master's, I was exposed to a variety of languages.
Later, while working in Dubai, I encountered Arabic, and now in Barcelona, I've taken up Spanish. I’ve developed a fascination for foreign languages and their sounds, which has made learning Spanish much easier for me.
Career and Leadership
I’ve had various jobs over the years, but none resonated with me quite like the position I’ve held for the past six years.
Recently, my perspective on work has shifted significantly. I no longer see myself as just another employee; I genuinely care about my role and strive to exceed expectations because I find enjoyment in learning.
Other Interests
My interests extend to reading non-fiction, meditation, and continuous learning through platforms like Coursera. The list goes on, and it could easily fill another article.
The Key Question: Where Do You Direct Your Focus?
Can you juggle multiple interests? Absolutely. However, with limited time, can you concentrate on all of them? Regrettably, no. You might attempt it, but it often leads to dissatisfaction.
From my personal experience, during 2020, I became completely absorbed in my work and pursued self-development courses relevant to my role.
These focus areas consumed most of my energy. So, what about my other interests? I still attended Toastmasters, played guitar, and learned Spanish, but my commitment to them waned.
Setting Goals and Prioritizing
Our minds can only concentrate on one thing at a time. You can try to do more, but it often creates a struggle to maintain excitement for everything.
To excel at something, you must:
- Identify your focus areas: Separate your interests into hobbies and serious pursuits. Determine where you want to dedicate your limited time and energy.
- Minimize distractions: Accept that you can't master everything. You may excel in many areas, but true greatness comes from focusing on select interests.
- Concentrate: Once you've mitigated distractions, hone in on your chosen interests. As you gain momentum, you can still enjoy your other pursuits, but not at the expense of your focus areas.
After achieving milestones in your focus areas, celebrate your accomplishments and reassess your priorities.
Remember to acknowledge your progress as you navigate the journey of being a multipotentialite. This has been my experience and what has worked for me. Is it similar for you? Share your thoughts in the comments!