Embracing Multipotentiality: Finding My Path Through Endless Curiosity

“Any man who bears the ability of a polymath shall not be interfered by specialty, he needs discipline to manage his behaviors and nurture his creativity.” - Shawn Lukas

For as long as I can remember, I've been a multipotentialite — someone whose interests span many fields, thriving on intellectual and creative curiosity. But for years, I believed there was something wrong with me because I couldn't stick to just one passion, like many people around me. The moment I mastered one field, I felt the pull toward something new, leaving me torn and confused about why I couldn't settle.

Growing up, my parents encouraged this insatiable curiosity. I explored everything from music, arts, and dance to sciences, languages, and even equestrian sports. As an adult, I dabbled in countless jobs and industries — flight attendant, event planner, corporate executive, interior designer, and entrepreneur, to name a few. But no matter how much success I achieved, once I reached a certain level of mastery, I felt the need to move on.

Others saw this as "giving up," but for me, the need for novelty was undeniable.

As I got older, this constant cycle of reinvention became more challenging. I found myself yearning for a singular calling, something society often expects of us. But after some deep self-reflection and research, I discovered the concept of multipotentiality. It was a revelation to learn that I wasn't alone in this struggle and that my way of functioning was not only normal but also valid.

Now that I’ve embraced my multipotentiality, I manage it differently. Instead of fighting it, I channel it more mindfully. Here’s how:

1. Focusing on One Thing at a Time: Rather than juggling multiple interests at once, I now finish one project before moving to the next. This allows me to fully engage without feeling scattered.

2. Learning When to Stop: Being self-taught, I often struggled with knowing when a project was "good enough." I've learned to set realistic expectations, accepting that perfection isn’t always necessary.

3. Following Through: Multipotentialites often abandon projects midway due to curiosity. I now practice staying consistent and seeing things through by focusing on the bigger picture.

4. Managing Energy Levels: I work in sprints, which can be exhausting. Awareness of my mental patterns allows me to handle the highs and lows more effectively.

5. Carefully Evaluating New Projects: Instead of jumping into everything that excites me, I now assess if a new project aligns with my long-term goals before diving in.

6. Finding Meaningful Pursuits: The biggest challenge has been discerning between hobbies and true passions. Over time, I’ve learned to identify the activities that bring me real fulfillment. And even though I may never have one singular calling, I’ve found a small number of pursuits that give my life meaning.

   
   

For anyone who identifies as a multipotentialite, my advice is simple: never stop exploring. The journey may be long and filled with distractions, but once you find what truly fulfills you, you'll know. Keep dreaming, keep searching — it’s never too late to find your path.

Sarah the Digital GypSea

Romania, September 2019