The Versatilian Personality: Are You One of Us?
Have you ever found yourself deeply passionate about one project, only to be drawn to a completely different field soon after? Do you feel energised by the idea of juggling multiple interests, and perhaps a little overwhelmed when someone asks you to “just pick one”? If so, you may be what I call a versatilian, also known as a multipotentialite.
Versatilians are curious by nature, constantly exploring new passions and discovering connections between them. Rather than following a single path, we embrace the twists and turns, seeing each new interest as a piece of the larger puzzle. This ability to adapt and thrive in multiple areas is not a distraction—it’s a strength. We’re energised by holding more than one project at a time, which allows us to think creatively and approach problems from diverse perspectives.
However, being a versatilian can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. We may struggle with overwhelm, or feel frustrated when others urge us to focus on just one thing. But here’s the truth: our passion is not meant to be limited to one field. Our versatility is our superpower.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many of us are versatilians without even knowing it, and it’s time to celebrate this unique way of thriving.
The Benefits of Being a Versatilian
One of the greatest strengths of a versatilian is the ability to be energised by multiple projects. While others may feel spread thin when tackling more than one task, we often come alive when our plates are full. Being able to pivot between interests provides us with a sense of excitement and fulfilment. Our brains are wired to pull from diverse fields and integrate knowledge, resulting in creative solutions and innovative ideas. In short, we don’t thrive in spite of our versatility—we succeed because of it.
Our ability to cross-pollinate ideas from different domains can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Many of the world’s most successful people were able to excel because of their versatile skill sets. This unique capability of connecting the dots between seemingly unrelated fields is something that sets us apart.
The Struggles We Face
That said, being a versatilian isn’t without its challenges. We’re often confronted with feelings of overwhelm, especially when we find ourselves passionately drawn to new projects and don’t know where to direct our focus. The internal tug-of-war between multiple interests can leave us scattered and unsure of which direction to go in.
Another struggle is the societal expectation that success comes from focusing on one thing. We’ve been taught that mastery is the result of dedicating yourself to a single field. For versatilians, this mindset can be limiting and disheartening. We naturally resist the idea of sticking to one path when our hearts call us to explore new ones.
But the key to thriving as a versatilian is understanding that our passion isn’t linear. It ebbs and flows, shifting from one interest to the next. Success for us doesn’t come from narrowing our focus to a single goal; it comes from following the passion that excites us in the moment. It’s this ability to adapt, refocus, and keep moving that sets us apart from those who stick to one discipline.
Self-Care and Inner Work: The Balancing Act
For versatilians to truly thrive, self-care and inner work are essential. While managing multiple projects can be invigorating, it’s important to recognise when we need to take a step back and rest. Self-awareness is key. By doing inner work, such as mindfulness or therapy, we can better tune into when we’re becoming overwhelmed and in need of recharging.
Maintaining a balance between excitement and self-care ensures that we don’t burn out. Learning to embrace the flow of our interests while also knowing when to pause helps us make the most of our unique gifts.
Famous Versatilians and Their Success
Many famous individuals succeeded not in spite of their versatility, but because of it. Take Steve Jobs, for example. He wasn’t simply a tech entrepreneur. His passion for design, business, and the arts informed the innovation we see in Apple products today. Jobs was able to pull from various fields and integrate them into groundbreaking technologies. His versatility, far from being a weakness, was his key strength (Isaacson, 2011).
Maya Angelou is another example. As a poet, memoirist, singer, and civil rights activist, Angelou’s multifaceted career exemplifies what it means to thrive as a versatilian. She used her diverse talents to create a legacy that has impacted countless people around the world (Angelou, 1969). Her success came from embracing all aspects of her creativity, not limiting herself to just one.
Recognising Versatilians Among Us
What’s surprising is that many people are versatilians without even realising it. Society has conditioned us to believe that we need to specialise to be successful, but in reality, a great number of people thrive by embracing multiple passions. It’s not about choosing between paths—it’s about recognising how our varied interests complement and enhance each other.
Versatility as a Gift
Versatility is increasingly being acknowledged as a gift in today’s world. Emilie Wapnick’s TED talk, Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling (2015), sheds light on how being a multipotentialite can bring immense value through the ability to connect ideas across different domains. The world is evolving, and more than ever, it’s clear that the future belongs to those who can think flexibly, innovate, and draw from diverse experiences.
For those of us who identify as versatilians, it’s time to embrace our strengths. Our success doesn’t lie in specialising but in thriving amidst our diverse passions. It’s in the chaos of creativity that we truly come alive.
Whenever you’re ready, there are 2 ways we can work together:
- Sign up for one of our current courses at ASHC and get taught by my team of advisors and me. All our courses are internationally and nationally industry-approved and will equip you with all the tools to open up your own professional private practice.
- Apply for one of only three spots as my private client.
References
Angelou, M. (1969). I know why the caged bird sings. Random House.
Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.
Kelley, T. (2013). Creative confidence: Unleashing the creative potential within us all. Crown Business.
Kaufman, S. B. (2015). Wired to create: Unraveling the mysteries of the creative mind. TarcherPerigee.
Newport, C. (2012). So good they can’t ignore you: Why skills trump passion in the quest for work you love. Business Plus.
Sher, B. (2006). Refuse to choose!: Use all of your interests, passions, and hobbies to create the life and career of your dreams. Rodale Books.
Wapnick, E. (2015). Why some of us don’t have one true calling. TEDxBend. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/emilie_wapnick_why_some_of_us_don_t_have_one_true_calling