How To Be Everything: Are You a Multipotentialite? (With Emilie Wapnick)

It was great to chat with Emilie Wapnick (here’s our first conversation) again about her book How to Be Everything, which celebrates “multipotentialites”—people with many interests and creative pursuits. We discussed how it’s possible to thrive without specialising and why embracing multiple interests could be a helpful asset in today’s economy.

How to Be Everything

Emilie’s book is a perfect companion for those who feel called to explore various fields and creative endeavours. How to Be Everything offers a refreshing perspective for individuals who often feel misunderstood in a society that idealises specialisation. It’s filled with real-life examples and insights for blending (“smooshing”, as Emilie puts it) multiple interests into a fulfilling life.

The book offers robust practical exercises that help readers define their unique mix of meaning, variety, and financial security. Whether you’re a writer, teacher, musician, scientist, designer, or philosopher, Emilie’s insights show that you don’t have to choose—you can create a life that honours all aspects of who you are.

The Rising Value of Multipotentialites in a Changing Economy

Emilie points out that as the economy and traditional job roles become less secure, multipotentialites are increasingly valuable. With adaptable skills and a passion for learning across disciplines, multipotentialites can transition across various fields and apply creative problem-solving approaches where specialists might not see a solution. This versatility allows them to pivot quickly, making them essential assets in today’s fluid workforce.

The Four Multipotentialite Work Models

Emilie’s research has identified four primary work models that multipotentialites can use to build careers that reflect their diverse interests. These models give structure to the multipotential lifestyle, each one allowing for unique ways to find balance and fulfilment:

The Group Hug Approach

In The Group Hug approach, you have one multifaceted job or business in which you play many roles. For instance, someone working in urban planning or sustainable development might draw on various economics, sociology, and design skills to solve complex problems. This model allows for variety within a single role, providing room to explore multiple interests without shifting jobs.

The Slash Approach

The Slash approach involves maintaining several separate jobs or income streams, such as a teacher/artist or marketer/podcaster. This model suits people who want clear boundaries between their roles, allowing them to “switch hats” without integrating everything into one career. It’s also beneficial for those who enjoy the structure of individual focus within different fields.

The Einstein Approach

Named after Albert Einstein, who famously worked in a patent office to support his scientific pursuits, this model combines a stable day job with outside passion projects. The day job covers financial needs, removing the pressure to monetise every interest. This approach is often ideal for those who find fulfilment in activities outside of work and enjoy pursuing hobbies without commercialising them.

The Phoenix Approach

Like the mythological phoenix that rises anew from its ashes, this model involves diving deeply into one field, achieving mastery, and moving on to a new career. Over a lifetime, this person transitions sequentially through different careers, each time starting fresh. It’s a great model for those who thrive on reinvention and feel revitalised by the excitement of beginning anew.

Emilie also mentions that these models are flexible and can be blended. Many multipotentialites find that a combination of models works best for them, balancing routine and exploration.

Place, Community, and Self-Motivation: Vital Components for Multipotentialites

The conversation touched on the significance of surrounding oneself with people who inspire you. Community is vital for highly sensitive multipotentialites. Being around other multipotentialites can affirm that your approach to life is acceptable and valuable. Emilie’s community, Puttylike, was created as a place for multipotentialites to connect with others, especially those who might not have such support offline.

Emilie also emphasises that self-motivation can often be nurtured by connecting with “movers and shakers.” Even online, listening to podcasts or reading books on topics you’re passionate about can fuel self-motivation and help you avoid feeling isolated in your pursuits.

Balancing Meaning, Variety, and Money

A central theme of How to Be Everything is that multipotentialites need a balance of three elements in their lives: money, meaning, and variety. Here’s how each one plays a role:

Money

While everyone’s financial needs differ, multipotentialites should define what they need to feel secure. This clarity can prevent burnout by ensuring basic financial stability, freeing energy for exploration and creativity.

Meaning

Multipotentialites need to feel their work has a purpose. Without a sense of meaning, even a varied life can feel shallow. For Emilie, it’s essential to align one’s work with a personal sense of contribution or positive impact on the world.

Variety

Perhaps the most defining characteristic of multipotentialites, variety is crucial. Too little, and they may feel trapped; too much, and they risk burnout. Emilie’s models offer ways to structure variety that prevent overwhelm and sustain interest over time.

Where to Find How to Be Everything

Emilie concludes by stressing the importance of finding a structure that works personally for each multipotentialite. Her book, How to Be Everything, is an invaluable guide for anyone torn between passions. Through this conversation, it’s clear that multipotentialites are not alone, and there’s a path to finding balance and joy in a life rich with diverse interests.

For anyone ready to embark on this journey, Emilie’s book is available at How to Be Everything and more resources can be found on her blog, Puttylike.

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