Are you a multipotentialite? If so, then you know that having multiple interests adds variety and meaning to each day. These interests can range from music, interior design projects, a stamp collection, history or photography. Multiple interests aren’t just for the artsy types. Anyone can have multiple interests including people with traditional careers such as doctors, lawyers or engineers. It is just a matter of recognizing these interests and finding a way to incorporate them in your life.
So how do you make that happen? Being true to yourself and ensuring these interest are present in your life can be challenging. Here are some considerations and strategies to get the fulfillment you need:
1. Manage and prioritize your time. This is key if your interests aren’t part of your day-to-day via a career, job, vocation etc. Make sure to prioritize time for yourself that will allow you to pursue your interests. For example, you may need to pass on the impromptu happy hour after work if that means missing your painting class.
2. Schedule your interests. If you have multiple interests, you can allocate time for each during the course of the week. Schedule time on Monday for running, on Tuesday for tutoring and on Wednesday for learning French. A predictable cadence will help keep you accountable. Set up reminders if you need to!
3. Designate different locations. If you’re transitioning from one interest to another, it helps to change your location. This will help you mentally prepare so when you step into the garage, your brain knows you’re getting ready to build the bookshelf.
4. Involve others. Your interests are personal but depending on what they are, you may be able to do them with others or with an organization that has the same focus. For example, you can learn Spanish alone or you can participate in a weekly coffee hour on Saturdays to practice with others.
5. Distinguish been fleeting and long-term interests. You’ll outgrow some interests and that’s OK. Others will be intrinsic to who you are, last a lifetime, and lead to greater opportunities. Learn to tell the difference between what’s a fad and long-lasting so you know when to pivot and where to devote more focus.
6. Be flexible. As things change, including your list of interests, be adaptable and flexible. The more you learn and discover, new interests will come your way and you’ll want to have enough space to explore them.
Exploring multiple interests is possible when you manage your time effectively and get organized. Prioritize designated time as you do with anything else that is important to you. Jim Rohn said it best:
If you really want to do something, you‘ll find a way. If you don’t, you‘
ll find an excuse.
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Are you a multipotentialite? How do you manage your multiple interests? Do you use different strategies than the suggestions above? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Dasanj Aberdeen is an entrepreneurial spirit who embodies the combination of left-brain logic and right-brain creativity. She is a consultant and proponent of multidisciplinary education, approaches and pursuits. She writes about their benefits in modern times and integrating multiple interests into a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. She’s a graduate of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University with a concentration in Technology & Innovation Management, jointly delivered by the Fox School of Business and College of Engineering.
