One of my favorite TED Talks was given by Emilie Wapnick, where she celebrates the “multipotentialite”.
A multipotentialite is someone with many interests and creative pursuits. Personally, I think a lot of entrepreneurs fall into this category. We are often creative, with many interests, passions and ideas.
This can lead to trouble when you don’t know how to focus your efforts. But it’s also a blessing. Emilie exlains that multipotentialites have 3 super powers.
The first is idea synthesis, namely combining two or more fields and creating something new at the intersection. New ideas and innovation happen at the intersections. And multipotentialites, with all of their backgrounds, are able to access a lot of these points of intersection.
The second multipotentialite superpower is adaptability; that is, the ability to morph into whatever you need to be in a given situation. Think of the work you do with your clients. I work with clients across many different niches, and have to dig into the world of nonprofits relationships, business, health, career and more. I love getting into these worlds and morphing into new situations!
The third multipotentialite superpower is rapid learning. When multipotentialites become interested in something, they study everything they can get their hands on. They’re used to being beginners in new endeavors so they’re less afraid of trying new things.
And, most exciting of all, many skills are transferable across disciplines. This is what I’ve found when I help entrepreneurs carve out their niche. Too often we’re tempted to leave behind our past background when we’re starting a new business. We think -that was then and I don’t want to do it anymore. But the real magic secret is learning how to leverage your experiences and strengths in a way that you’re passionate about. That’s where the real magic happens!
I love what Emilie shares at the end of her talk… “Embrace your many passions. Follow your curiosity down those rabbit holes. Explore your intersections. Embracing our inner wiring leads to a happier, more authentic life.”
Are you a multipotentialite? If so, what do you like most about it? What do you find most challenging? Please share your comments below!
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