Cheat Sheet with Key Takeaways from 'How To Be Everything' by Emilie Wapnick.
10 minute read
Do you ever feel like you’re standing at a crossroads, unsure which path to take? You might have multiple passions, and the thought of choosing just one career or lifestyle fills you with dread. Maybe you’ve been told to specialize in one area, to focus your energy on a single goal. But deep down, you know that you’re not wired that way. You’re a multipotentialite.
PART 1: EVERYTHING?
Emilie argues that society’s emphasis on specialization is outdated and limits individuals from fully exploring their potential. Instead, she encourages readers to embrace their superpowers and leverage their diverse skills and interests to create a unique and fulfilling career.
Superpower 1: Idea Synthesis
Multipotentialites bring diverse skills and perspectives to various fields, challenging the belief in specialization as the sole path to success. They leverage “background skills” acquired through diverse interests, emphasizing the importance of embracing and utilizing these skills for maximum impact.
Superpower 2: Rapid Learning
Multipotentialites excel in rapid skill acquisition, illustrated by Sam, a graphic designer who quickly learned coding. This ability to blend design and coding leads to innovative contributions in tech, standing out with a unique blend of aesthetics and functionality.
Superpower 3: Adaptability and Creativity
Being a multipotentialite allows for adaptability, creativity, and unique contributions to the world. This flexibility enables the blending of passions and talents, resulting in the creation of something truly unique.
Superpower 4: Big Picture Thinking
Multipotentialites possess a knack for seeing broader contexts and connections within complex systems or projects. This big picture perspective allows for valuable insights and strategic guidance, contributing to holistic and innovative solutions.
Superpower 5: Relating and Translating
Multipotentialites excel in bridging gaps between disciplines, industries, or people. Their ability to understand diverse perspectives and translate ideas across boundaries fosters communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding, ultimately leading to innovative solutions.
The Components of a Happy Multipotentialite Life
Money: Wapnick emphasizes the importance of financial stability for multipotentialites. They should find income sources that support their passions without sacrificing financial security.
Meaning: Multipotentialites derive meaning from activities aligned with their values and passions. Identifying common themes among interests helps create a purpose-driven life.
Variety: Multipotentialites thrive on diversity in activities, careers, and hobbies. Embracing variety keeps life dynamic and prevents boredom and burnout.
PART 2: THE FOUR MULTIPOTENTIALITE WORK MODELS
In Part 2 of “How to Be Everything,” Emilie Wapnick introduces four work models that can help multipotentialites design a career path that accommodates their diverse interests and talents. These models offer flexible approaches to work, allowing multipotentialites to thrive by leveraging their unique abilities.
Which method should I use ?
Emilie says “I wouldn’t dare tell my multipotentialite readers to choose one thing! Mix and match the four approaches as you please. Switch models every few years. Be a hybrid. It’s all good”
PART 3: COMMON MULTIPOTENTIALITE STUMBLING BLOCKS
In Part 3, Emilie Wapnick delves into the specific obstacles that multipotentialites often encounter, offering insightful strategies to effectively address and overcome these challenges.
How does a person focus on several things and make progress on all of them?
First remember that productivity is all about taking action that moves us toward our goals. For multipotentialites, productivity is about more than just getting things done. We need to make sure that we’re working on the right things, that our schedule is conducive to getting things done, and that we understand when it is time to abandon a project and move on to the next.
She emphasizes the importance of creating a personalized productivity system tailored to individual needs and diverse interests. Key elements include:
Setting Goals: Define clear, actionable goals to maintain focus and direction.
Prioritization: Learn to prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines.
Time Management: Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and time-blocking to organize and allocate time efficiently.
Avoiding Burnout: Incorporate breaks and self-care into your routine to prevent overwhelm.
Flexibility: Allow for adjustments and flexibility to accommodate new interests and unexpected changes.
Challenges of being a multipotentialite
Handling Guilt and Shame: Embrace shifts in direction as a multipotentialite. Approach new interests as trying something on, knowing it will lead to excitement, new skills, and meeting amazing people. Changes don’t define your identity.
The Discomfort of Being a Beginner Again: Understand that being bad at something is part of the process of improvement. Celebrate small wins and work in shorter, more frequent increments for faster progress.
The Fear of Not Being the Best: Accept that there will always be someone more skilled. Focus on client and boss satisfaction, highlighting transferable skills and how they enhance your value.
Imposter Syndrome: Recognize that everyone feels like a fraud sometimes. Focus on doing good work and ignore doubts about what others might think.
How to Answer the Dreaded, “So, What Do You Do?”: Tailor your response based on your comfort level and the situation. Use umbrella titles like “artist” or “educator” or focus on the impact of your work. Embrace your uniqueness and help reduce stigma around being a multipotentialite.
Ultimately, remember that:
PUTTING THE KNOWLEDGE TO WORK
After reading the key takeaways from the book “How to Be Everything” by Emilie Wapnick, there are several detailed actions you can incorporate into your daily life to fully embrace the concepts and principles discussed in the book.
First and foremost, it is essential to embrace your multidimensional nature.
Recognize that you have multiple passions, interests, and talents, and that it is perfectly okay to pursue them all. Instead of feeling stuck in one career or interest, explore different paths and allow yourself the freedom to switch between them as you see fit. Use your uniqueness to your advantage, and don’t be afraid to create your own path that combines different disciplines.
Dedicate time for introspection and self-reflection.
Take the time to understand your own needs, strengths, and weaknesses. This will enable you to align your pursuits and ambitions with your authentic self. Journaling or practicing mindfulness can be helpful activities to connect with your inner self and gain clarity.
Develop a resilient mindset and embrace failure as a learning opportunity
Understand that each setback is a stepping stone towards personal growth and success. Cultivate a mindset that is open and adaptable, allowing you to navigate different paths and overcome challenges. Embrace the concept of “scratching your own itch” by prioritizing your own needs and identifying problems or gaps that you are genuinely passionate about addressing.
Network and connect with like-minded individuals who embody the values and philosophies you resonate with.
Seek out communities or groups that align with your interests and passions. Engaging with others who share your multidimensional nature can provide support, inspiration, and opportunities for collaboration. Attend events, workshops, or join online forums to connect with others who can offer guidance and advice.
Create a flexible schedule that accommodates your diverse interests and pursuits.
Instead of adhering to a rigid routine, allow yourself the freedom to switch between activities and projects as needed. Incorporate variety into your daily life by dedicating time to each of your passions. This can involve scheduling specific blocks of time for different pursuits or integrating them into your routine by alternating between them throughout the day or week.
Continuously seek out opportunities for personal and professional development
Take courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications that align with your different areas of interest. This will enable you to expand your knowledge and skills in various domains and further enhance your multidimensional nature.
Practice self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being to ensure you have the energy and mental clarity to pursue your diverse interests. Prioritize activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation.
In summary, incorporating the lessons from “How to Be Everything” into your daily life can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic existence. Embrace your multidimensional nature, prioritize self-reflection, cultivate a resilient mindset, network with like-minded individuals, create a flexible schedule, pursue personal and professional growth, and practice self-care. By doing so, you will be able to fully embrace your diverse passions, talents, and interests, leading to a life rich in fulfillment and purpose.