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.
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.
Rihanna was named the 2017 Harvard University Humanitarian of the Year!
I’m so proud of her! She reminds me that anything is possible especially for us little island girls who grew up 162 miles apart in Grenada and Barbados.
Rihanna was recognized for her work supporting education and healthcare in Caribbean and developing countries including:
Building a state-of- the-art center for oncology and nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat breast cancer at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown, Barbados
Founding the nonprofit the Clara Lionel Foundation Global Scholarship Program [named for her grandparents] for students attending college in the U.S. from Caribbean countries
Supporting the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen Project, which provides children with access to education in over 60 developing countries, giving priority to girls, and those affected by lack of access to education in the world today
As she accepts her award, Rihanna is humble and inspiring. I love how she stays true to herself throughout the delivery and interjects humor. Her speech is authentic, heartfelt and the words are relevant to all of us.
Personality in tow, Rihanna started her speech with a hair flip…
Source: The Daily Dot
You can see Rihanna’s full acceptance speech below starting at the 1:16:00 mark:
Key takeaways:
“At 17 I started my career here in America, and by the age of 18, I started my first charity organization. I went on to team up with other organizations in the following years and met, helped, and even lost some of the most beautiful souls…”
“…My grandmother, the late Clara Brathwaite, she lost her battle with cancer, which is the very reason and the driving force behind the Clara Lionel Foundation. We’re all human. And we all just want a chance: a chance at life, a chance in education, a chance at a future, really. And at CLF, our mission is to impact as many lives as possible, but it starts with just one. Just one.”
“As I stare out into this beautiful room, I see optimism, I see hope, I see the future. I know that each and every one of you has the opportunity to help someone else. All you need to do is help one person, expecting nothing in return. To me, that is a humanitarian.“
“People make it seem way too hard, man. The truth is, and what I want the little girl watching those commercials to know, is you don’t have to be rich to be a humanitarian. You don’t have to be rich to help somebody. You don’t gotta be famous. You don’t even have to be college-educated.”
“But it starts with your neighbor, the person right next to you, the person sitting next to you in class, the kid down the block in your neighborhood, you just do whatever you can to help in any way that you can.“
“And today I want to challenge each of you to make a commitment to help one person: one organization, one situation that touches your heart.”
“My grandmother always used to say if you’ve got a dollar, there’s plenty to share.”
I appreciate Rihanna for this great reminder! We don’t need to have it all figured out before we lend a hand and pay it forward. We can start today with what we have as succinctly put by tennis player and activist Arthur Ashe who was also recognized by the Harvard Foundation:
Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. – Arthur Ashe
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.
I still haven’t gotten my hands on the Book on Life so I don’t know how clearly it lays out all the things we need to know and
remember. I suspect it doesn’t explicitly state that life isn’t always easy. Maybe that is written somewhere in fine print, hanging off the bottom of a random page, if it is in the book at all.
During honest, open and authentic conversations, you learn about the different things people are going through in life. Each day we manage multiple aspects of our lives, and when we’re laser focused on the problem du jour, we easily neglect other areas. I had some good conversations with friends recently and came away with some important takeaways across various aspects of life that are worth remembering.
One friend was traveling for work and contemplating career next steps and taking some time to catch up on the non-career aspects of life. In a conference call with two friends, one had been thinking about his higher purpose in life because he doesn’t want to settle or live a life where he’s just going through the motions. The other friend questioned his authenticity as he assessed how his interests align to his higher education pursuits. In another conversation, a friend shared her decision to move to a different city after being honest with herself about always wanting to and realizing this may be the best time.
The takeaways from these conversations were relevant and timely. They’re great reminders that we’re in the driver seat of our lives and own our choices and how we live our lives:
Be a complex, multi-faceted person. Being well-rounded and knowledgeable about different topics adds to your perspective, helps you generate new ideas and enhances how your critical-thinking skills. You’re more interesting when you can contribute to any conversation and keep up no matter where it goes.
Think and wonder. Why else do we have a brain and the ability to think and process information? Questioning is healthy and you don’t need approval for the possibilities you envision. Not everyone will stretch their imagination like you, so when people don’t get it, maybe it is just you! And that’s OK! 🙂
Aspire for more in life. You don’t need to settle. It is OK to be ambitious, strive and desire to have an impact. It is OK to be passionate about something in life and seek a higher purpose. This requires a holistic approach to bring it all together for a fulfilling life.
Learn to balance. Although you may have big aspirations, you have to figure out how to balance everything. There’s only so much time in the day. You’ll have to balance accomplishing things, being present, being grateful, dreaming big, being practical etc.
Build your toolbox. What tools have you gathered along the way and continue to carry with you on your life journey? Think of all the advice, lessons you learned the hard way, “how to” information, skills, education, talent, and resources you have. There’s always a need to step up your toolbox game so keep adding to it!
Don’t be another ______. Whether that’s an employee number, a generic person filling a role, remaining unknown or unacknowledged, you don’t want to live a life where you feel replaceable. It is OK to be dynamic and unique. Set yourself apart by providing value and making a difference, not for recognition, but because you want to help others and have an impact.
Own your core. Focus on and play to your strengths. Don’t waste time battling with your weaknesses. There is someone who is amazing in that area so let them own it. Focus on what you’re great at and continue to improve in that area.
Be a better version of yourself. The only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday. So don’t worry about competing with others or seeking their approval.
Leverage the power of like-minded people. The energy, strength and inspiration from talking to and interacting with like-minded people is amazing. Use that to your advantage to tackle big goals. You don’t do everything yourself.
Make time and space for what’s important. Make time for your interests, family, friends or whatever else is important to you. When you keep what’s important to you in your life, you’ll keep your momentum going. This provides a safe space and rejuvenation to propel you forward.
Cross things off your bucket list. This first assumes you have a bucket list. But it isn’t enough to just have one. You need to actively cross things off over time. The good thing is you don’t always need a deadline but make sure you have a plan to get to it.
Be true to yourself. From time to time, ask yourself if you’re being true to yourself or if you’re being disingenuous. You need to check. It is easy to go through the motions and not intentionally align actions with your overall goals. Do a check up periodically.
Be open to the unexpected. It is great to have a plan. But sometimes, things go awry! Life always has jokes. Give yourself a break and be flexible! Switch things up, pivot as you need to and keep it moving!
What are some of your favorite life takeaways? Are any of the ones above on your list? What works for you? 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.
President Barack Obama is down to his final days in office as we’re reminded by his farewell address. The 44th President of the United States was a noticeably different politician from the moment he came onto the scene and has been an inspiration throughout. His good heart and intentions were confirmed in his eight years in the White House. He led the country while being laser focused on upholding the expectations of his position, but he didn’t stop there. Above all, he led by example which provided insight into his integrity and true character. This is true leadership. He’s a true orator, upstanding, poised, just and hopeful. We saw this one more time in his farewell speech as he looked back on his years in office and urged us to remain hopeful for the future. He reminded us he can’t do “Four more years!” when the audience chanted, but he assured us that change is up to us and “Yes we can!”
Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example. – Cory Booker
I’ve enjoyed this speech four times so far – watched it twice on TV, once on YouTube while working out and read through the transcript. Below are some of my favorite takeaways from his farewell speech. These words ring true, not only in politics but in life.
Source: NDTV
On Learning
Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well wishes that we’ve received over the past few weeks. But tonight, it’s my turn to say thanks. Whether we have seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people, in living rooms and in schools, at farms, on factory floors, at diners and on distant military outposts — those conversations are what have kept me honest, and kept me inspired, and kept me going. And every day, I have learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.
We get the opportunity to learn from everyone we encounter. Each person has a story or perspective that can enlighten us. Good leaders recognize they don’t have all the answers and they’re open to learning from those around them. Further, they’re willing and ready to give credit where credit is due.
On Starting Out
So I first came to Chicago when I was in my early 20s. And I was still trying to figure out who I was, still searching for a purpose in my life. And it was a neighborhood not far from here where I began working with church groups in the shadows of closed steel mills. It was on these streets where I witnessed the power of faith, and the quiet dignity of working people in the face of struggle and loss. This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved and they get engaged, and they come together to demand it.
Surely young Barack Obama didn’t imagine he would one day be President Barack Obama as he took the first steps to figure out himself and his purpose in life. But the universe has a mysterious way of working with you when you get started. Along the way, you learn what works and what doesn’t work. You can only create change by taking action.
On Dreams
What a radical idea. A great gift that our Founders gave to us: The freedom to chase our individual dreams through our sweat and toil and imagination, and the imperative to strive together, as well, to achieve a common good, a greater good.
Being able to translate our ideas and thoughts into something real with action and effort is empowering. But more times than not, we need the help of others. As the saying goes, “it takes a village.” Whether through support, resources, or guidance, we can’t do it alone. Sometimes, what we want to do is more successful by collaborating with others who have that common vision and goal.
On Togetherness
Our youth, our drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention means that the future should be ours. But that potential will only be realized if our democracy works.
That’s what I want to focus on tonight: The state of our democracy. Understand, democracy does not require uniformity. Our founders argued. They quarreled. Eventually they compromised. They expected us to do the same. But they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity — the idea that for all our outward differences, we’re all in this together; that we rise or fall as one.
Innovation provides us with a world of opportunities. With a willingness to try, take risks and pivot, the possibilities are endless. Hope has no limit. One of the best things about innovation is that diversity enhance it. Different ideas, view points and ways of doing things all increase the likelihood of innovation. Whether you’re in this with a partner in business or in your personal life, a shared mission is crucial. That common ground and togetherness helps you tackle and get past anything that comes your way.
Source: Bloomberg via Getty Images
On Race
So if we’re going to be serious about race going forward, we need to uphold laws against discrimination — in hiring, and in housing, and in education, and in the criminal justice system. That is what our Constitution and our highest ideals require.
But laws alone won’t be enough. Hearts must change. It won’t change overnight. Social attitudes oftentimes take generations to change. But if our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, then each one of us need to try to heed the advice of a great character in American fiction — Atticus Finch — who said “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
Race relations is not an easy or comfortable topic. We all have a point of view based on our own culture, upbringing, environment, influences, etc. Often we remain in our own corner and believe we’re open-minded and understand those who are different from us without engaging with them or hearing their perspective. But how is this possible? You don’t get insight on their “why” or context without conversation. That’s why it is important to “walk in their shoes” so you can understand them and empathize. It takes immersion, engagement, and uncomfortable work to “get it.”
On Staying in Our Own Bubble
And that’s not easy to do. For too many of us, it’s become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighborhoods or on college campuses, or places of worship, or especially our social media feeds, surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions. The rise of naked partisanship, and increasing economic and regional stratification, the splintering of our media into a channel for every taste — all this makes this great sorting seem natural, even inevitable. And increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we start accepting only information, whether it’s true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that is out there.
This is the easy route. Our own bubble is comfortable and warm. And when that is all we know and live, it is increasingly difficult to see outside of our lens. We become more ingrained in our conviction and double down when alternatives are presented to us. This is scary when the truth and facts are disregarded. With the technology and resources at our disposal in these times, it is easy to fact-check and verify information. What happens when it is “too much work” to do our homework and confirm information? Are we OK doing nothing and convincing ourselves that information that reinforces our belief is correct without having proof?
On Innovation and Problem-Solving
Now, we can and should argue about the best approach to solve the problem. But to simply deny the problem not only betrays future generations, it betrays the essential spirit of this country — the essential spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that guided our Founders. It is that spirit, born of the Enlightenment, that made us an economic powerhouse — the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral; the spirit that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket.
Innovation is a result of finding a solution to a common problem or need. Inherently, this involves first acknowledging there is a problem. Only then can you evaluate the approaches toward a solution and ultimately, agree on the best solution.
On Fear
So let’s be vigilant, but not afraid.
Don’t let fear overpower you. Fear can be paralyzing, if you allow it. It can own your thoughts and actions. Don’t let fear have so much power over your life and livelihood.
On Getting Involved
But remember, none of this happens on its own. All of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power happens to be swinging. Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it’s really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power. We, the people, give it meaning.With our participation, and with the choices that we make, and the alliances that we forge. Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms. Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law. That’s up to us.
So, you see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you. Not just when there’s an election, not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life. If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Stay at it.
We can be bystanders or we can get involved. It is our choice. But we should realize the implications. Nothing changes without action. And the work it takes to create change isn’t a short-term commitment. It involves showing up and staying for the long haul.
On Work
Sometimes you’ll win. Sometimes you’ll lose. Presuming a reservoir of goodness in other people, that can be a risk, and there will be times when the process will disappoint you. But for those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this work, and to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire.
The outcome of your work isn’t guaranteed. There will be both good days and bad. Luck will sometimes be in your favor and other times disappointment will arise. But in the end, it will be worth it. You will have the peace of mind knowing you showed up and did something. That in and of itself is gratifying and if you’ve positively impacted people and things along the way, you’ll be fulfilled.
On Partnership
Michelle — Michelle LaVaughn Robinson, girl of the South Side — for the past 25 years, you have not only been my wife and mother of my children, you have been my best friend. You took on a role you didn’t ask for and you made it your own, with grace and with grit and with style and good humor. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And the new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. So you have made me proud. And you have made the country proud.
You want your partner to uplift you and make you a better person. At the same time, you want them to be comfortable in their own shoes, take a stance and uplift themselves. It takes a higher purpose and integrity to step into a role that you didn’t seek out and as a result, have an impact on those around you. Being able to do this, rightly makes you a role model.
On Friendship
To Joe Biden — the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware’s favorite son — you were the first decision I made as a nominee, and it was the best. Not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother. And we love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our lives.
President Obama and Joe Biden have had a great working relationship. But above all, they have been great friends and the admiration between the two of them is clear. It is very moving to see the love and brotherhood they’ve shared. This is what life is all about. W can interact with anyone on the surface, but it is these deeper relationships that make life and our experiences meaningful. It is beautiful and touching.
As President Obama Surprises Joe Biden With Presidential Medal Of Freedom – Source: CNN
On Purpose
And that’s why I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than when we started. Because I know our work has not only helped so many Americans, it has inspired so many Americans — especially so many young people out there — to believe that you can make a difference — to hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves.
What is the overarching purpose that drives you? We all need this. We need to know our why. This guides our actions and gives our lives meaning. Without it, it is hard to explain why you do what you do. Why do you read instead of watching TV? Why do you volunteer instead of playing video games? The more intentional our actions, the more likely we are to make a difference in the world and in the lives of those around us.
On the Future
Let me tell you, this generation coming up — unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic — I’ve seen you in every corner of the country. You believe in a fair, and just, and inclusive America. You know that constant change has been America’s hallmark; that it’s not something to fear but something to embrace. You are willing to carry this hard work of democracy forward. You’ll soon outnumber all of us, and I believe as a result the future is in good hands.
How we are and act today provides insight into our tomorrow. What do you care about? What are you willing to focus on now in order to have a better tomorrow? What sacrifices are you making? What are you standing up for?
On Believing
I do have one final ask of you as your President — the same thing I asked when you took a chance on me eight years ago. I’m asking you to believe.Not in my ability to bring about change — but in yours.
I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents; that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists; that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders and those who marched for justice; that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon; a creed at the core of every American whose story is not yet written: Yes, we can.
Yes, we did. Yes, we can.
Believing is the first step. Belief in our ability. Belief that our work and effort will make a difference. Belief that there’s a need to do things differently and that we’re equipped to bring that change. The future isn’t certain. But our mindset is the first step and often our biggest hurdle. Once we get past our own head, the possibilities become endless.
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.
