Are You a Multipotentialite? What it Means and How to Take Advantage as a Freelancer
Do you ever feel like you have more passions than you know what to do with? Or like the world is forcing you to take a narrow path toward success? Me too.
That’s why today, we’re talking about multipotentiality, a concept that changed my world and can change yours too. Here’s what it means, what to do about it, and how you can take advantage of it as a freelancer.
Let's dive in!
What is multipotentiality?
Multipotentiality is the idea that someone has the desire and ability to pursue many different things, whether hobbies, a career, or something else.
Here are a few signs that you might be a multipotentialite:
You have diverse interests. You find yourself interested in different fields, topics, and activities. That could include things from the arts to science, cooking to coding, and beyond. You might have found it difficult to answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
You thrive on variety. You become bored when doing the same task for an extended period of time. You seek out change and variation in your professional life. As a freelancer, it could mean you’re resistant to “niching down.”
You have multiple jobs or hobbies. You might have a job that pays the bills and another that satisfies your creative itch. Or, perhaps you have a job that you love with all your heart and a hobby you can’t imagine living without.
You struggle with specialization. It’s hard for you to focus on one career path or one field at a time. Why limit yourself? You may have changed majors in college or careers as an adult.
These are general examples. Being a multipotentialite looks different for everyone. If what I’ve shared so far sounds like you, let’s look at what to do next.
Beginning Your Multipotentiality Journey
Starting your multipotentialite journey requires that you understand yourself. Start with identifying your passions. You know, those things that make you smile, ignite your curiosity and fuel your enthusiasm.
Take my story, for example. My love for science led me to study geology and pursue a master’s in climate science. Simultaneously, I had another passion that revolved around creating content. This passion took shape in the form of my channel, Following Alexx, dedicated to hiking. However, I soon realized that limiting myself to outdoor content wasn’t satisfying my multipotentiality.
That’s when I decided to branch out, creating two more channels: Tea Trees & Trails and Guiding Creatives.
Chances are, you’re very familiar with your passions. As a multipotentialite, you’ve struggled with finding the right balance all your life. So take this moment to write or type out the things that inspire you. Then, sit with them. Identifying what drives you isn’t about picking the money maker or narrowing your focus to two passions. It's simply about identification…
The Power of Multipotentiality
...and embracing this part of who you are. Embracing your multipotentiality is powerful and can impact your life in two significant ways: personally and professionally.
1. The Personal
Embracing your multipotentiality allows you to live an enriched life. Take my three channels, for example. Each is an outlet for my distinct passions, opening the door for me to merge my love for science, nature, and content creation and live a more satisfying life.
2. The Professional
On the professional front, multipotentiality fosters adaptability, creativity, and innovation. All of these are essential for freelancers, especially in the age of AI. As a multipotentialite, you bring a unique blend of skills and perspectives to any role, whether you’re in graphic design, editing, blogging, or social media.
Failing to acknowledge who you are and what you need in your personal and professional life can leave you feeling unsatisfied and unsuccessful, no matter what you accomplish. That’s what makes embracing your multipotentiality so powerful. You can expand your professional abilities while ensuring an exciting and fulfilling personal journey. In my own life, it’s been a powerful tool for growth and enrichment.
Final Thoughts
Being a multipotentialite brings rich experience and versatility that can empower you in your professional and personal journies. As a fellow freelancer, I know this can be particularly helpful, because it gives you the flexibility to offer unique, varied services that align with your passions while capitalizing on opportunities for continual learning and growth.
The world of freelancing is dynamic. And it will provide you with an infinite amount of opportunities to thrive. As a freelancer, you’re not bound to traditional job descriptions. You have the freedom to choose your own path, so shape it with your unique blend of skills and passions.
My call to you is to embrace your multipotentiality wholeheartedly. Uncover your passions, discover where they merge, and integrate them into your everyday. Remember, you aren't confined to a single path—this is your greatest strength. Embrace it, celebrate it, and let it guide you toward a fulfilling and successful freelancing career.
