Do you have a potpourri of assorted roles, interests or passions?
The old saying: Jack-of-all-trades, master of none! reveals the bias against those who choose a varied work life rather than committing to a unidirectional path.
There was a time, however, when society admired such a person. In fact, some of our greatest contributors have been talented in a variety of areas.
Take Leonardo da Vinci who painted masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, AND designed and built bicycles, canals, musical instruments and flying machines. Benjamin Franklin not only helped draft the Declaration of Independence, he was an inventor, statesman, printer, scientist, author, and student of French culture and language.
Margaret Lobenstine, author of The Renaissance Soul–Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One, identifies five signs to help determine whether you are a “Renaissance Soul”:
- The ability to become excited by many things at once
- A love of new challenges; once challenges are mastered, you’re easily bored
- A fear of being trapped in the same career or activity for life
- A pattern of quick, sometimes unsatisfying flings with many hobbies
- A successful career that has left you bored or restless
There is Nothing Wrong with You
People who recognize themselves in that description often feel that something is “wrong” with them, that they’re not “normal”. They may often find themselves thinking, “What will I do when I grow up…?” They may be think themselves irresponsible, a dilettante, or blame it all on Attention Deficit Disorder.
If that’s you, stop trying to fit into the mold of someone you are not. Embrace who you are and the strengths you have.
In fact, your traits make you an ideal candidate for work that requires flexibility, adaptability to change, and a broad skill base. Renaissance Souls are often ideal entrepreneurs since they typically wear many hats in their own business. Public relations, marketing, consulting and project management are other good choices.
With multifaceted abilities, it is a lot easier to adapt to today’s shifting financial climate and global economy. What’s more, their passionate nature and curiosity are truly an asset in any arena!
How to Handle Your Passions
In her book Refuse to Choose: A Revolutionary Program for Doing Everything That You Love, career counselor Barbara Sher provides dozens of tools for dealing with a multiplicity of passions and also divides what she calls “Scanners” into nine categories.
The “Double Agent” is torn between two interests, while the “Sybil” is drawn to so many things that she’s often unable to choose anything. The “Serial Specialist” and “Serial Master” often stick with one career or project for many years until they’ve gained all they desire from it, and then move on to master different occupations.
Understanding your type can help you recognize strengths, get support, and choose work that suits you.
Keep a journal and 3-ring binders to help you track your numerous ideas and keep your projects organized.
And finally, look for the strand that ties all of your passions together.
You were born with a magnificent purpose to fulfill in this world. It’s there; buried deep inside of you, it’s your reason for being. When you are inspired by that great underlying purpose, your mind transcends limitations, and your consciousness expands in all directions…Hidden abilities and talents become alive and you find ways to achieve that which you’ve never dreamed you could.
Often all it takes is a shift of attitude to embrace your renaissance nature. Honor its ways and you may find that your many talents lead you to a fulfilling, passion-filled life.