Are You a “Scanner?” (or Polymath or Multipotentialite?)

So, are you a scanner?

I’ve always had a curious mind, but thought it was more of a curse than a blessing. I had to quit playing the french horn in high school because I also loved athletics. I was involved in the Spanish Club, student government and even a non-profit initiative. My friendships ran in different circles – definitely not concentrated in one particular group. And then I had to pick a major to decide which college to go to?

I went from Engineering to Business to International Relations, and finally finishing with a degree in Anthropology with a minor in Spanish! And years later, an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

When I first read “Refuse to Choose” by Barbara Sher (not an affiliate link) I was incredibly relieved.  I had always thought something was wrong with me because I had so many interests, and I would be completely enthralled with one thing for a while and then give it up in a moment and jump into something else.  Society (not to mention family) seemed to disapprove of this behavior, and it always had me wishing I only loved one thing so I could define my future.

An Epiphany

As it turns out, I’m not “ADD” as many people liked to call it.  I’m totally normal.  In other moments in history, no one considered these personality types “lost souls” who couldn’t make up their minds.  They were called Renaissance men-those who dared design their lives in a way to pursue all of their varying interests.  No one ever said to Da Vinci – “oh, so you’re a jack of all trades and master of none.”  Who says you can’t be a master of several different disciplines in your lifetime?

If you are a voracious learner who is passionate about different subject areas, but feels no need to become the expert or to make money off of everything they do, you are probably a “scanner” as Barbara Sher defines it.  Other words for a scanner are polymath, Renaissance man/woman, multipotentialite or a person with portfolio careers.

Acceptance is the Way

The good news is, it’s okay.  And I can help you to design a life that is incredibly fulfilling – one in which you thrive in new areas rather than having a mental warehouse full of half-baked ideas.  All it takes is some organization, some self-compassion and acceptance for what you are, and you get to see how far your various passions can take you.

Check out this TED talk about “multipotentialites” by Emilie Wapnick, founder of The Puttyverse.

p.s. – Having a hard time creating a life and a career with your curious mind? I totally get it because I have one too! Book a session with me now to see if we’re a fit for working together.